About this role
Job summary
Full time - 37.5 hours per week | On-site presence essential
Are you looking for a rewarding role at the heart of patient safety, quality, and justice? Join Dorset HealthCare's Clinical Legal Services Team and play a vital role in supporting the Trust to meet its legal and regulatory responsibilities while improving learning and outcomes across services.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to work within a dynamic and supportive team, contributing to the effective management of inquests and clinical negligence claims. You will play a key role in ensuring the Trust responds professionally, compassionately and in line with national requirements.
What we're looking for
We're seeking a highly organised, detail-focused professional with excellent communication skills and the ability to work sensitively across a range of complex and sometimes challenging situations. You'll be comfortable engaging with clinicians, senior leaders and external stakeholders, bringing a collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
Main duties of the job
Lead and manage a caseload of inquests and clinical negligence claims, supporting the delivery of a high-quality Clinical Legal Services function Conduct thorough preliminary investigations into incidents, claims and inquests involving the Trust Work collaboratively with clinical teams to ensure learning is identified and embedded, strengthening quality and patient safety Ensure full compliance with NHS Resolution (NHSR) requirements and guidelines Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, providing clear oversight of legal activity and organisational risk Support the Trust to meet its legal, regulatory and governance obligations with confidence and professionalism Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.
Employment in this post requires an Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of.
About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost800,000 people.
We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.
Job description Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do [email protected]
Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND TRAINING Essential
Degree level in Law and Legal Practice (or equivalent experience.) or A bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a related field such as criminal justice or political science Knowledge of law and legal practice relevant to scope of role.ie Litigation and Inquest.
Desirable
Paralegal studies or a related field such as criminal justice or political science.
JOB SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE Essential
Experience in a legal environment Ability to work autonomously, and as part of a team with integrity and confidentiality, managing own workload and demands Ability to handle difficult or complex situations with compassion and sensitivity. Ability to communicate information to individuals/groups/committees in a comprehensive way.
Desirable
Experience of line management
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/RESOURCES Essential
Advanced IT skills, normally obtained through practice or practical training Demonstrable experience of using a range of word processing, spreadsheets, database and/or presentation software Skills and experience in database management
Desirable
Able to use computer software programmes to develop or create statistical reports using formulae Experience of adapting/designing /developing information systems
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Essential
Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively Eligibility to work in the UK
Desirable
Ability to work flexibly and to be able travel to site locations across Dorset
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address Headquarters
2, Nuffield Road
Poole
BH17 0RB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)