Claims & Inquest Manager

Claims & Inquest Manager

The closing date is 08 December

This is an exciting time to join East Kent University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as we seek to build an entire new legal team.

The trust is moving from a heavily outsourced model to an in-house team to embed learning, indirectly improve patient care, support clinical staff well-being (within the team and the wider trust) and reduce expenditure.

These are adaptable roles in that whilst the advert is for two Claims & Inquest Managers; there is scope for these roles to be separated and have one Claims Manager and one Inquest Manager.

Applicants with strengths in both areas OR only one area (i.e claims or inquests) are encouraged to apply.

A decision will be made post interview in consultation with the successful candidate and the Head of Legal Services.

If the roles are separated then the successful candidate will still be required to cross cover for the other person during periods of leave / sickness / court attendance.

The roles are developmental roles with scope for training and progression in the future.

These roles will be busy and pressured so a candidate who can work at pace with the changing demands of the department is essential.

The roles will be managed directly by the Deputy Head of Legal Services and a Claims Assistant will support the roles.

Please contact Puja Sharma, Legal Consultant -

Main duties of the job

Under the supervision of the Deputy Head of Legal Services, to co-ordinate the detailed management of all LTPS, PES and CNST claims against the Trust, and the management of inquests involving the Trust.

To independently manage a caseload of LTPS, CNST and PES claims in accordance with Trust policies and the requirements of NHS Resolution and relevant legislation / regulations.

To independently manage a caseload of inquests up to hearing stage, including reviewing witness statements and attending court in a supportive capacity.

To provide legal advice to staff at the trust on various medico-legal concerns (within limits of own knowledge).

Be responsible for the provision of weekly reports detailing the legal services workload, maintaining up to date electronic records / Datix entries to ensure accurate reporting.

About us

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people.

Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'.

Everything we do is guided by our values : 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'.

We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'.

It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day.

We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country.

Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa applying for roles Band 5 and above.

Job responsibilities

Job responsibilities are described above under "Main duties of the job."

Person Specification

Person Specification includes qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge listed below.

Qualifications

Law degree (LLB / GDL), equivalent qualification with CILEX / SQA (level 1 minimum) or equivalent experience working as a senior paralegal

Diploma in claims / risk management or Level 4 qualification with Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) or equivalent

Legal Practice Course.

Ideally would have completed their training contract or worked as a paralegal for a number of years.

Skills

Excellent time management, organisational and administrative skills

Work autonomously without direct supervision of day to day tasks

Ability to put legal theory into practice and communicate appropriately

Ability to organise and prioritise own workload and meet deadlines

Extremely high attention to detail and ability to be able to retain complex information

Flexible and adaptable to changing workloads / priorities

High levels of written and verbal communication specifically in relation to dissemination of highly complex legal information

Research skills and ability to solve problems and investigate complex cases

PC literate including software packages of Word, Excel, Outlook, Intranet / Extranet, Datix

Experience

Knowledge of managing CNST, LTPS and PES claims

NHS legal experience is essential and must have a sound understanding of NHS Resolution processes and policies.

OR Similar experience in private practice or private healthcare provider legal department.

Detailed experience of managing clinical negligence claims and knowledge of inquest management processes

Liaising with clinicians and coroner's officers on a daily basis

Preparing for complex inquestsReport-writing and delivery of training sessions

Practical experience of managing inquests either in-house or at a law firm

Experience in managing ENS cases and high value claims e.g. maternity clinical negligence claims

Knowledge

Must have a detailed knowledge of NHS claims management process, Pre-Action Protocols, NHS complaints process

Sound understanding of the function and process of the Coroner's Court and Civil & Criminal Courts

Good understanding of risk management in the context of the NHS, including the association between claims, complaints, PALS, safeguarding and incident investigations

Knowledge of The Human Rights Act, The mental Capacity Act, Health and Safety Law and the law in relation to consent and confidentiality

Knowledge of tort negligence, contract law, statutes, data protection and security

Other

Dynamic and self-motivated

Positive outlook and can do attitude

Ability to work autonomously

Good interpersonal skills

Personable and able to develop productive working relationships at all levels

Ability to be able to converse with all professions as well as patients if appropriate

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order)

• and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

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