Paralegal - Debt Recovery

Job Introduction

Starting salary for this role is £34,434 (pro rata for part-time colleagues)

This role sits within a well defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.

Learn more in our ‘More than just a job’ brochure on our careers site.

Internal colleagues are also normally appointed at the bottom of the band, unless moving within the same profession and skill level, where the pay band is the same they can be appointed to the existing pay point.

To provide professional paralegal support and assistance to the Adult Social Care Debt Recovery Solicitors/Lawyers within BCP Council's Legal Services. The role will directly support the progression of Adult Social Care debt recovery matters, including case preparation, document drafting, evidence collation, court administration, client liaison and effective case management. The role will primarily support the Adult Social Care debt recovery workstream, with a requirement to assist other Legal Services teams when required.

Internal colleagues are also normally appointed at the bottom of the band, unless moving within the same profession and skill level, where the pay band is the same they can be appointed to the existing pay point.

Main Responsibilities

• To support the Adult Social Care Debt Recovery Solicitors/Lawyers with the preparation, progression and administration of debt recovery cases.
• To prepare first drafts of routine debt recovery correspondence, letters before action, instructions, court forms, applications, witness statement exhibits, bundles and other legal documents for review by the supervising solicitor/lawyer.
• To collate, review and organise evidence and records from Adult Social Care, finance and other client teams, including care charging information, invoices, payment records, correspondence and case notes.
• To assist with pre-action work, claim preparation, County Court processes, enforcement steps, settlement documentation and repayment arrangements under appropriate supervision.
• To submit applications, searches, filings and other procedural documents relevant to debt recovery matters, ensuring deadlines and court timetables are monitored and recorded.
• To maintain accurate case management records, update matter files, track key actions and support the production of reports on case progress, recovery activity and outcomes where required.
• To liaise professionally with Adult Social Care, finance colleagues, external parties, service users, representatives, courts and other stakeholders in relation to debt recovery matters, escalating sensitive or complex issues appropriately.
• To provide administrative and legal support to the team, including arranging papers, preparing bundles, managing shared mailboxes or referrals, and undertaking other tasks required to support effective delivery of the Adult Social Care debt recovery service.

The Ideal Candidate

Qualifications and Experience

CILEX Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice or equivalent qualification, or extensive proven relevant experience. Experience of debt recovery, civil litigation, court processes, adult social care, local government, finance administration, case management or legal support work is desirable.

Personal Qualities and Attributes

• Commitment to public service and an understanding of the Council's role, including the importance of lawful, proportionate and sensitive recovery of public funds.
• Commitment to effective team working, with the ability to support solicitors/lawyers and work collaboratively with Adult Social Care, finance and other client teams.
• Pro-active, professional, organised and detail orientated, with the ability to manage competing deadlines, maintain accurate records and escalate issues appropriately.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to deal sensitively and appropriately with information relating to vulnerable adults, representatives and debt recovery matters.

Job Requirements

• Must be able to travel, using public or other forms of transport where viable, or by holding a valid UK driving licence with access to own or pool car.

Contact Information

If you would like to discuss the Adult Social Care Debt Recovery position, please contact Litigation Legal Team Leader Johanne McNamara: Johanne.Mcnamara@bcpcouncil.gov.uk |

Additional Information

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work.

We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.

From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need.

It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here: Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits

A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council

At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.

Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at (Employee benefits | Working for BCP link to careers page)

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