WHSCT_Court Liaison Officer Band 7

Advertised role location: Western Trust Area
Official document: Court Liaison Officer Band 7 September 26 (pdf)
Court Liaison Officer
Band 7

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE AND BAND: Court Liaison Officer (Band 7)
DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE: Court Services/Women & Children
LOCATION: Trustwide Waiting List DATE: September 2026
To create a trustwide waiting list for any permanent, temporary, full-time or part-time
vacancies. There is an immediate temporary vacancy based in Whitehill, Londonderry
Notes to applicants:
1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet
the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should
clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
2. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1
below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the
Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting.
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
3. Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of
employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting
stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should
therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to
do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be
measured is stated below.
Factor Criteria
Method of
Assessment
Experience
3 years post qualifying experience as a Social Worker or
above within a statutory Family and Childcare setting, one of
which must include working in Court in both private and
public law applications
Shortlisting
by Application
Form
Qualifications/
Registration
Have a Degree/ Diploma or equivalent in Social Work
Be registered or be eligible for registration with the Northern
Ireland Social Care Council
Shortlisting
by Application
Form
Other
Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the
UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criteria will
be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits
driving but who have access to a form of transport approved
by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of
the post.
Shortlisting
by Application
Form
SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/
selection stage:

Knowledge
Thorough knowledge of childcare legislation and procedures
and current issues in Family and Childcare.
Knowledge and experience of court work/evidence giving
Interview /
Test
Special
Aptitudes
Ability to communicate accurately and effectively with staff
and key agencies both written and oral.
Interview /
Test
Competencies
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will need to
demonstrate at interview that they have the required
competencies to be effective in this demanding leadership
role. The competencies concerned are set out in the NHS
Healthcare Leadership Model, details of which can be found
at

leadership-model. Particular attention will be given to the
following dimensions
• Inspiring shared purpose
• Leading with care
• Connecting our service
• Developing capability
• Influencing for results.
Interview /
Test
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
SECTION 3: these will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related
criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application
form how you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted
Factor Criteria
Method of
Assessment
Experience
Joint Protocol Training and Experience
Shortlisting by
Application
Form
Qualifications
Relevant post qualifying Award/Practice Teaching
Award
Shortlisting by
Application
Form
.If this is a Temporary Post add the following statement:
If this post is being sought on secondment then the individual MUST have the
permission of their line manager IN ADVANCE of making application.
As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for the Trust to carry out
an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can
be confirmed.
THE TRUST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
Successful applicants may be required to attend for a Health Assessment

JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Court Liaison Officer
BAND: Band 7
DIRECTORATE: Women & Children
INITIAL LOCATION: Trustwide Waiting List
REPORTS TO: Principal Practitioner - Court
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Director of Women & Children’s Directorate
JOB SUMMARY
The Court Liaison Officer will be responsible for undertaking public law applications alongside
Social Work staff. He/she will normally work alongside the Principal Practitioner for Court and
under direction will be responsible for scribing up to date and quality Social Work assessments
to Court. The post holder will have a mentoring role with Social Workers involved in the Court
process. He/she will primarily be the liaison person between Social Work staff and Court.
Such responsibility will include the ability to demonstrate enhanced levels of practice,
competence and skills in areas such as working with children and families, negotiation
between Social Services and Courts, multi-agency working, user and carer involvement,
knowledge of organisational systems and processes and the wider social policy context. The
Post holder will be expected to provide support and advice to Social Work colleagues and
enhance their understanding of case management in Public Law Proceedings. to other team
members. The Senior Practitioner will also be expected to attend to his/her professional
development through training, supervision and learning.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Service Delivery
1. Assist in the Court in any issue involving Social Work intervention which may be
brought before the Court.
2. Scribe Court Reports based on Social Work assessments.
3. Discuss potential Applications for Social Work Assessments and Reports prior to the
making of any Application.
4. Receive requests from the Court and agree in consultation with the appropriate office
a timescale for completion and submission of report.

5. Liaise with relevant Social Services Teams and Courts to clarify issues (delays, court
attendance etc)
6. Advise and assist Social Workers on Court Procedures, Protocols and the focus of
specific Assessments and Reports, and if appropriate scribe the Court Report
7. Assist and negotiate with Solicitors in any issue involving Social Work Intervention
which may have an impact on Proceedings.
8. To maintain a high professional standard at all times.
Direct practice with children
1. Engage in direct practice with children and families including, where appropriate, co-
working with other practitioners, as appropriate
2. Participate in Case Planning Meetings, Strategy discussions, child Protection Case
Conferences, Looked After Children Reviews and Pre-Proceedings Meetings, as
appropriate.
3. Where appropriate the post holder will be expected to Chair Pre-Proceedings
Meetings.
4. Effectively engage with service users and carers to promote participation
Facilitation, consultation and practice development
5. Provide support, guidance and advice to others in relation to their practice and
professional development within the Court arena.
6. Access and participate in, as appropriate, research and other developmental activity
relevant to improving standards of practice.
7. Participate in the development of evidence-based practice within the Family Support
Service.
8. Promote high standards of Social Work practice within the Court arena.
Governance and reporting responsibility
9. Maintain clear records of work undertaken.
10. Participate in professional supervision process with Manager.
11. Contribute to the development and delivery of the Trust’s governance framework,
audit schedules and quality and service improvements agenda.

12. Contribute to reviews of Trust Policies and procedures relating to services to children
and families.
13. Contribute to needs assessment and service development.
Continuing professional development.
14. Maintain a high level of professional self-development through training and
supervision and learning and research.
2. Communication & Information Management
2.1 Communicate effectively with staff and maintain productive working
relationships amongst your staff and with others
2.2 Report and record all accidents, untoward incidents, sickness and absence, within your
area of responsibility, using appropriate forms.
2.3 Deal with and report complaints, in keeping with Trust Policy, and assist with
investigations, when necessary.
3. Quality
3.1 Ensure that the needs of patients and their carers are at the core of the way that the
Trust delivers services
3.2 Work within the Trust’s governance framework to ensure policies and procedures meet
relevant statutory requirements, professional standards, policy guidance and
workforce and regulatory requirements.
3.3 Support the Trust in advancing its compliance with Risk Management Controls
Assurance Standards and to contribute to improving governance across the
organisation.
3.4 Promote a culture of continuous service improvement amongst your staff,
encouraging their participation and that of service users in reviewing and
modernising current services and in service development
4. Financial & Resource Management
4.1 Develop and monitor appropriate controls within scope of responsibility in accordance
with the Trust’s Schedule of Delegated Authority
4.2 Adhere to agreed policies and procedures including standing financial
instructions.
4.3 Authorise mileage forms and stock and non-stock requisitions in accordance with
the Schedule of Delegated Authority.

4.4 Ensure that the Trust’s funds are effectively used, that financial commitments
represent value for money and comply with standing financial instructions and
Trust protocol.
4.5 Manage and monitor service standards, contracts and agreements arising from
relationships with internal and external suppliers.
5. People Management
5.1 Establish a supportive, fair and open culture that encourages and enables staff, within
your area of responsibility, to meet required performance standards.
5.2 Identify, at least annually through performance appraisal, training and development
needs of staff in line with the NHS Knowledge and Skills framework and to carry out
the development review process as required.
5.3 Participate in the recruitment and selection of new staff as required.
5.4 Participate in the orientation and induction of new staff and in the development of
good interpersonal relationships.
5.5 Encourage good practice and act as a role model, give leadership and support to staff
and encourage effective teamwork within your area of responsibility.
5.6 Manage and document grievance and disciplinary matters in keeping with
Trust policies.
5.7 Take responsibility for managing and improving attendance of staff in accordance with
the Trust’s Managing Attendance Protocol.
5.8 Establish and promote a supportive, fair and open culture that encourages and
enables all parts of the team to have clearly aligned goals and objectives, to meet the
required performance standards and to achieve continuous improvement in the
services they deliver.
5.9 Ensure access to skills and personal development through appropriate training and
support.
5.10 Promote a culture of openness and honesty to enable shared learning.
5.11 Encourage and empower others in their team to achieve their goals and reach their
full potential through regular supportive conversation and shared decision making
5.12 Adhere to and promote Trust policy and procedure in all staffing matters, participating
as appropriate in a way which underpins Trust values.
6. General Management Responsibilities

6.1 The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture
of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all
concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with ‘Your right to raise a
concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and their professional code of conduct, where
applicable.
General Requirements
The post holder will be required to:
6 Ensure the Trust’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own
actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.
7 Co-operate fully with the implementation of the Trust's Health and Safety arrangements,
reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining
a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and
staff.
8 Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example:
• Smoke Free policy
• IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct
• standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour
9 Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your
designated area of work.
10 Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection
prevention and control.
11 All employees of the Western Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all
records held, created or used as part of their business within the Western Health &
Social Care Trust including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records
whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public
records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the
Freedom of Information act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the
General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Employees are required to be conversant with the [org name] policy and procedures on
records management and to seek advice if in doubt.
12 Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to
maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.
13 Represent the Trust’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service
to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she

comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful
manner.
14 The HSC Code of conduct sets out the standards of conduct expected of all staff in the
Western Health & Social Care Trust and presents standards of conduct and behaviours
required during and after employment with the Trust. Professional staff are expected to
follow the code of conduct for their own professions as well as this code.
15 Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community
were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and
effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal and Public
Involvement (PPI).
Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

16 Employees must at all times abide by Trust policies and procedures and the terms of
their contract of employment. They must conduct themselves with impartiality, integrity,
objectivity and honesty and maintain high standards of personal and professional
accountability.
17 Employees are expected to demonstrate commitment to the Trust by ensuring regular
attendance at work and efficient completion of duties.
18 Employees must ensure that they comply with any risk management responsibilities
specific to their post, and as set out in the Trust’s Risk Management Strategy.
19 The Trust is committed to the development and implementation of systems under
Integrated Governance to ensure continuous improvement in the quality of services
provided. Employees will be expected to co-operate and work with such systems.
20 All information concerning patients and staff must be held in the strictest confidence and
may not be divulged to any unauthorized person.
21 Employees must ensure that equality and human rights issues are addressed within the
post holder’s area of responsibility in accordance with the Trust’s Equality Scheme.
This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is
not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within
which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade
may be assigned from time to time.
It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within
the Trust's area, as needs of the service demand.
July 2020

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times