Job Details

About the Job

The Regional and Wales Division of the CPS Serious Economic and Organised Crime Directorate deals with large, complex and sensitive economic and organised crime cases investigated by the Police, National Crime Agency, HMRC and other investigators. The types of cases prosecuted include people trafficking, drugs importation, bribery, corruption, serious tax evasion, historic sexual abuse and money laundering. The cases are some of the most high profile prosecuted nationally by the CPS.

The Regional and Wales Division is located across five geographical sites i.e. Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds and Manchester.   As such, travel may be required for attendance at training events, team meetings, legal conferences and court hearings. CPS employees can claim the cost of travel and other expenses in accordance with our Travel and Subsistence Code.

Paralegal Officers work closely with CPS Prosecutors, investigators and external barristers to prepare cases for court hearings, including trials.   The work includes preparation of briefs to Counsel for court hearings, attending court, preparation of evidence and unused material for service, drafting applications and working with external suppliers, like expert witnesses.  We are looking for people to be part of a team delivering justice in some of the most complex and high profile criminal cases dealt with by the CPS.  Previous experience working in the Criminal Justice System is not necessary because full training will be given. However, this post would be ideal for people with an interest in criminal law or wishing to progress an existing career.     

Paralegal Officers often have to deal with victims and witnesses at court, so we are looking for people who are able to communicate with individual from different backgrounds. Paralegal Officers need to be organised, professional and have good IT skills.

The following points below are essential criteria for this role

• Ability to communicate with individuals from a variety of backgrounds
• Ability to make sound decisions and to know when to refer decisions to others.
• Ability to work as member of a team
• Willingness and motivation to learn new skills.

The main duties of the role include:

Work collaboratively in a team to deliver high quality casework and services to victims and witnesses.

Effectively manage and progress allocated cases and own task list including dealing with: correspondence; evidence; applications; witness issues; progressing judges’ orders to ensure compliance; and dealing with disclosure subsequent to legal review.

Maintain relevant and accurate case notes and monitor progression of cases at court, ensuring an effective handover where applicable.

Provide assistance to the prosecuting advocate at court dealing with requests for information.

Deal with all communication (verbal and written) in a prompt and professional manner by demonstrating a range of communication skills appropriate to different situations and audiences, referring to a prosecutor when legal input is required. Communicate clearly and constructively.

Represent CPS views and policies in a clear and corporate way demonstrating CPS values.

Benefits

Join the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and have a future that matters: Find Your Purpose

CPS is passionate about ensuring that we are a top performing organisation and a great place to work. We are committed to be an equal opportunities employer and creating a culture where everyone can bring their whole self to work and individuality is truly appreciated.

We want to ensure all our employees can thrive at work and home and offer a range of support to achieve a balance. This includes where possible, flexibility of working hours, flexibility to support caring responsibilities and a flexible approach to deployment, which means that where you work (i.e. a court, an office, or a remote setting such as your home) will be based on the kind of work you are undertaking.

This culture of inclusion is underpinned by our staff networks covering Disability, Faith and Belief, LGBTQI+, Race, Social Mobility alongside our Mental Health First Aiders Programme and Wellbeing Sessions.

CPS commits to offer its employees the following experience

• Impactful, purposeful work – making a difference to your local communities
• The ability to learn and grow, with access to the right opportunities and resources
• To care about your wellbeing
• To feel valued, trusted and included

We also offer the following range of benefits:

• Civil Service Pension
• Access to employee savings
• Cycle2Work scheme
• 25 days leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service.
• 1 extra privilege day entitlement to mark the Queen’s Birthday.
• Competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave
• Flexible working and a family friendly approach to work.
• Childcare vouchers unless already registered with the Government Tax Free Childcare Scheme)