Job Details

Overview

Are you aware of the significant health inequalities that people with a learning disability face in the UK and levels of avoidable deaths? Are you passionate about access to justice for the families of people with a learning disability who have died avoidably in acute healthcare settings?

£44,867

per year

Full time, Temporary, Hybrid

(37.5 hours per week, fixed term contract for 2 years)

Flexible in terms of location, which can include home working, using Mencap’s office bases, such as in London and Peterborough, and will include some national travel, for example to inquest hearings or to meet families when needed

Key information

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues. Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.

About the role

As Legal Casework Manager (Helpline), you’ll provide advice, support, and casework assistance to families facing complex legal issues, specifically relating to people with a learning disability who have died in avoidable circumstances across England, mainly within the healthcare system. Working within a small, supportive team, you’ll manage your own caseload, contribute to the body of knowledge about avoidable deaths and help empower families to understand and exercise their rights and get answers through the inquest and other investigations processes.

Key Responsibilities

Provide clear, accurate, and timely legal advice and casework support for families.
Work closely with clients, many of whom will be distressed, ensuring a sensitive, trauma informed and professional approach
Maintain up-to-date case records and comply with quality and regulatory standards
Support strategic litigation and advocacy efforts where appropriate
Liaise with other charities, coroners, legal professionals, and agencies to support families to get answers
Work towards a world where people with a learning disability are no more at risk of death in hospitals, than any other person
Manage a team of caseworkers working across different areas of advice.

We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies. We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

Requirements

We’re looking for someone:

Legally qualified in the UK or similar jurisdiction with at least 3 years post qualification, working in either clinical negligence, inquests or inquiries. Or similar number of years working as a senior case worker in an inquest, clinical negligence or inquiries advice role.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a non-judgemental and empathetic approach
Ability to manage a varied workload, prioritise effectively, and work independently
Ability to travel effectively to support families at inquests, and to attend meetings
A clear understanding of the importance of professional boundaries and in maintaining their emotional wellbeing in distressing situations
Strong management skills and ability to supervise, coach and mentor colleagues.
Experience of accurately recording client case records and use of CRM/client database system

Apply now