Legal Services Officer
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is now one of the largest trusts in the country, serving a population of 1.2 million people comprising acute hospital sites at Broomfield in Chelmsford, Basildon and Southend.
We are a well-led, high-performing and innovative organisation determined to provide the best health care services for our local population and working in the best interests of the people we serve.
Job overview
As a valued member of our in-house Legal Team, you’ll take the lead in managing litigation cases from the moment they’re received through to settlement. You’ll also assist with matters notified by the Coroner and her Officers, as well as support other ad hoc legal issues that arise.
Your insight and attention to detail will help identify ways to improve the experience for patients, clients, carers, and staff. By effectively managing claims, you’ll be making a real difference—highlighting areas for service improvement and recording risk management recommendations and outcomes once each claim or inquest concludes.
In this role, you’ll collaborate with colleagues across all levels and departments within the Trust—spanning our three main sites—and work closely with external organisations and stakeholders. You’ll also have the opportunity to share your expertise by contributing to staff training on claims management and inquests, helping others grow in their understanding of these important processes.
Main duties of the job
Analysis of letters from solicitors, or direct from patients, identification of the key issues raised and review of the relevant healthcare records, and assignment of a risk grading that is constantly reviewed during the investigation process.
Arranging for the disclosure of documents directly to the Claimant’s solicitors and ensuring that reports are received from all relevant parties and that appropriate information is disseminated as necessary.
Obtain reports from clinicians as requested by HM Coroner and his/her officers. Requesting and obtaining Postmortem reports from Coroner’s officers and liaison with staff in arranging pre inquest meetings.
To assist in the administration of other ad hoc legal matters as required, including Access to Health Records requests and other general healthcare/legal enquiries.
Reporting all new claims to NHSR in accordance with their current guidelines and obtaining reports and other information as requested by NHSR
Team worker, who can offer support and flexibility, whilst also able to work upon own initiative.
Assess which claims require reporting to NHSR, and to report the same in accordance with current NHSR guidelines. This includes, if required the preparation of a preliminary analysis for each case report, with an assessment of liability, estimate of quantum and chronology of the care provided.
Working for our organisation
We work together, and in conjunction with MSE Health and Care Partnership, to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients in a compassionate way, and provide a respectful, but vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.
From facilities through to consultant specialists we want to be the best, to achieve this we need to recruit not just those who are the finest in their field but also those who have the potential to be. Yes, experience is important but so is outlook – if you are dynamic, forward-thinking and enthusiastic we want you to join us.
We not only offer you a good working environment with flexible working opportunities, but also the opportunity to develop your career with access to appropriate training for your job and the support to succeed and progress.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For more details, please refer to the attached job description.
We look forward to your application!
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- Degree level standard
- Proven experience in claims and Inquest handling
- Considerable previous experience in a customer service or pressurised service delivery environment.
- Experience of producing written material to a high standard.
- Proven experience of working within an administrative environment
- Team worker, who can offer support and flexibility, whilst also able to work upon own initiative.
- Excellent skills in analysing data using computer software such as Excel or related tools, identifying trends or themes.
- Possesses personal qualities of tenacity, tact, discretion, enthusiasm, compassion.
- Similar level of education to a relevant degree and/or relevant professional qualifications
- Understanding of relevant Government health strategies and standards.
- Experience of complaints procedures and current NHS agenda and legal system
- Knowledge of illness processes & biology
- Experience of patient safety procedures/ understanding of clinical risk
Communication
Essential criteria- Ability to communicate complex and/or contentious information clearly, accurately, and accessibly, both orally and in writing to include letter drafting, report writing, and presentation skills.
- Driving License
Please be aware as per the new Immigration guidelines we cannot sponsor candidates with a salary (full time or pro Rata) under the current minimum threshold.
Please note, the selection processes at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust are in place to ensure we recruit candidates with the right skills and values, please be advised that the use of AI in applications are monitored. We remain vigilant against candidates who misuse these tools to generate an application that doesn’t accurately reflect their skills, and you will be required to declare on your application if AI has been used before submitting your application