Job summary

We are looking for a Paralegal who shares our passion to support staff in the delivery of outstanding healthcare and demonstrates the Trust's values to achieve that aim.

We recognise that working inhouse is a niche role and would be keen to hear from candidates with claims management experience who have an interest in working in the NHS. Whilst experience working within Defendant clinical negligence would be advantageous, we welcome applications from candidates with demonstrable case management experience.

This is a 12 month fixed term post to cover a period of maternity leave.

Please do contact us for an informal discussion about this exciting opportunity.

Main duties of the job

The role of the Paralegal is to support the Healthcare Legal Services Team in the provision of a dedicated in-house legal service, which includes the following core areas:

Claims: management of clinical negligence and third party claims, in line with NHSR's schemes. We work closely with clinicians and our Divisions to robustly defend claims, protecting the interests of the Trust. Healthcare advice: including but not limited to consent, capacity, data protection, Mental Capacity Act, and Mental Health Act, for both adults and children. We manage High Court Applications inhouse, at a significant cost saving to the Trust. Disclosure requests: assisting the police and local authority on childcare and criminal proceedings, where the Trust may not be a party to proceedings. We have experience of managing complex childcare proceedings inhouse, as the South West regional centre for children. Inquests: support and representation of staff in the Coroner's Court. We work closely with our local Coroners on a large portfolio of inquests. Training: internal and external training on above core areas of work.

About us

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, bringing together a combined workforce of over 13,000 staff and over 100 different clinical services across 10 different sites, serving a core population of more than 500,000 people across South West England. UHBW has been rated by the CQC as 'Good' overall and our staff are proud to deliver excellent care to the people of Bristol, Weston and beyond. As a forward- thinking multi-award winning Trust and a digital exemplar committed to improving patient care, our world-leading research and innovations are having a positive local and global impact. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer. UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we're meeting our pledge.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

Law degree or equivalent

Desirable

Completion of LPC or equivalent

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

Experience of managing clinical negligence claims or similar volume of work with competing deadlines Practical knowledge of the Pre-Action Protocol and Civil Procedure Rules

Desirable

Experience of working in the NHS or in an inhouse environment Experience of delivering training Knowledge of medical terminology

Skills and Abilities

Essential

Ability to understand, analyse, and advise on liability and quantum with attention to detail Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders to provide pragmatic advice and advocate for a desired outcome Ability to manage competing priorities in a stressful environment, displaying resilience Reliable point of contact for clinicians who require support Displays initiative and a willingness to learn Passionate about working in conjunction with the Clinical Divisions to effect learning from claims