Head of Family Court Support Service

Job Title - Head of Family Court Support (Part Time)

Team - Family Court Support Team

Type of Contract - Permanent

Salary - Between £30,000 and £33,000 pro rata (based on experience)

Location - Remote home based (Optional office space in Ashford, Kent)

Hours - Monday to Friday 20-25 hours (flexible)

Benefits - 25 days annual leave (pro rata), company pension, employee Health Assured programme

Responsible to - CEO

This role would suit individuals coming from a paralegal or legal secretary background who can work independently and enjoy making a positive impact through exceptional legal and administrative support. Join us in delivering meaningful services to clients navigating the Family Court process.

Dads Unlimited – 

Dads Unlimited supports the emotional safety of men and those they care about through three key areas; supporting male victims of domestic abuse, supporting men through family separation, and supporting men’s mental health. All of our services use an evidence-based, trauma-informed, person-centred approach.

We do this through the provision of a family separation helpline, One-to-One Mentoring Advice, Mental Health Support, Family Court Support / Barrister Representation Service, Peer-led Support Groups, Education and Social Services Liaison, Pastoral Support, and Adult and Child Community Activities.

Our Core Values

• Integrity
• Honesty
• Valuing Diversity and Equality
• Respect and Dignity
• Justice and respect for the law
• Commitment and Courage

Job Purpose and Objective

As the Head of Family Court Support, you will lead the delivery of guidance and practical support to clients throughout their Family Court process. Your focus will be on helping clients make informed decisions, understand their legal circumstances and work towards improving outcomes for their children. You will oversee the Family Court support services, ensuring clients receive the assistance they need in navigating complex legal proceedings. Additionally, you will provide direction and expertise to staff across other teams, helping them effectively support their clients in relation to Family Court matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Senior Management Team and CEO to oversee the efficient delivery of family court support services.
• Partner with internal teams, including Mentoring, DAVE, and Mental Health, to address Family Court-related inquiries and provide comprehensive client support.
• Assist clients in understanding and reviewing legal documents such as court notices, application forms, statements, judgments, and bundles.
• Provide direct support to clients utilising the services Dads Unlimited provide, including coordinating with barristers and chambers for representation and arranging meetings or conferences as needed.
• Negotiate fees with chambers on behalf of clients, ensure timely payment of fees, and maintain strong professional relationships with chambers.
• Manage administrative tasks related to client cases, maintain accurate records of hearings, and ensure all client details are up to date in the case management system.
• Answer telephone inquiries efficiently and professionally, ensuring excellent client communication and service.
• Attend networking events and build connections with legal networks to promote family court support services and foster external collaborations.
• Stay informed on Private Family Law updates and share relevant insights with internal teams, enhancing service delivery.
• Create and deliver training sessions for staff on court support topics
• Quality assuring the Court Ready Workshop for clients.
• Handle confidential information with discretion and maintain professional integrity.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Law degree or 2-3 years’ proven experience working within the courts or in a similar legal administrative role. Family law experience preferred but not essential.
• Excellent technical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems.
• Ability to manage a busy workload with minimal supervision and meet tight deadlines.
• Exceptional communication skills with a confident, friendly, and professional demeanour.
• A meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• A passion for helping people and a desire to make a positive impact on their lives.
• A proactive, can-do attitude and an ability to listen actively.
• Professional, self-motivated, and enthusiastic approach.

Note: This job description is not exhaustive, and the postholder may be required to undertake additional duties that align with the role and responsibilities outlined above.