Legal Officer - Disrepair

We are currently recruiting an experienced Legal Officer that specialises in disrepair cases to join us on an initial 2 year fixed term contract. Reporting into the Litigation Manager, you will manage a high volume of disrepair cases from start through to trial in County Court, which includes drafting, preparing and conducting legal proceedings.

About us

We are social housing landlord and think our vision of Improving Lives Incommunities says it all!

Working to provide great homes in great neighbourhoods, we manage more than 22,600 homes across Yorkshire and are proud to collaborate with our customers, communities, local and national stakeholders to achieve this.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do, inspiring our thinking and guiding our plans and actions. This year will see us focus on the first year of a 2 -year plan, to 2024. Our plan puts customers at the heart of what we do, providing great places to live and work, with homes that they are proud to live in.

Responsibilities

• Ensure effective execution and delivery of legal work and provide high quality professional litigation services
• Assist the Litigation team and Director of Governance and Assurance services in fulfilling the overall objectives of the Team
• Draft, prepare and conduct legal proceedings in the County Court against Incommunities Ltd in relation to Disrepair Claims
• Undertake a high volume of Disrepair cases, from commencement of the Letter of Claim, through to Trial in the County Court
• Advise on all matters relating to Litigation including tenancy enforcement
• Exercise considerable initiative and professional judgement, referring for guidance on more complex, major or sensitive issues as and when appropriate
• To attend and advise work groups, panels, multi-agency meetings concerned with Litigation work
• Deal with enquires from various internal and external sources and provide legal advice

Requirements

• Working knowledge and understanding of housing litigation, procedure and the relevant laws
• Extensive knowledge of housing disrepair
• Relevant qualifications such as qualified solicitor or a Fellowship of the Institute of Legal Executives or working towards receiving these qualifications
• An understanding and awareness of the housing and social needs of a multicultural society and of the sensitive complex issues that may arise
• Ability to undertake advocacy in relation to a range of housing related matters
• Excellent organisational skills and are able to juggle multiple priorities
• Demonstrate a calm and professional approach to sensitive issues
• Ability to communicate effectively and liaise with management of all levels

Benefits

• Salary £37,247 up to £41,480 per year dependent on experience
• Excellent holiday allowance which increases with service
• West Yorkshire Pension Fund membership - current employer contribution is 16.3%
• Training, development, and qualification opportunities
• Corporate health scheme membership
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• A team of trained Mental Health First Aiders who are available for colleagues to contact for support

We are an equal opportunity employer but beyond characteristics protected by law, we welcome and value applicants from diverse backgrounds, abilities and perspectives.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.