District Programs Advisor

at  Legal Aid Ontario

COMPANY BIO

Legal Aid Ontario employees are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients.
As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid Ontario is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law.
If you are looking for a new challenge in your already meaningful career with a team dedicated to justice, and innovation in a flexible and supportive work environment consider this opportunity below.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

What we offer?
At Legal Aid Ontario, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment and is designed to enhance both professional and personal well-being.
We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that include dental, health and life insurance along with Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance and Short-Term Disability (STD) coverage. Legal Aid Ontario also offer a personal spending account which is an allotment of funds geared to supporting your mental, physical and financial well-being.
Employees at Legal Aid Ontario also enjoy generous paid time –off policy including vacation days, sick days, discretionary days and statutory holidays.
Employees are automatically enrolled to Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP), administered by the Ontario Pension Board (OPB)
LAO is seeking a District Programs Advisor for the East District. This position reports to the Manager of District Operations (Napanee district) and is responsible for advising the Director General and East district management team on program, system, and service needs and opportunities across the district. The District Program Advisor will support LAO’s strategic goals and work closely with management to identify and co-lead district-specific initiatives and program enhancements. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical, organizational and communication skills, and will provide expert advice, training and project leadership.
Home Location: East District
Secondary/Other Location(s): n/a
Reporting to: Manager, District Operations

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Advise Director General and management team on the following:

• District structure and staff relations, including labour relations, staffing strategies, duties and responsibilities of positions.
• District programs and systems, including program requirements, policies and resources.
• Service delivery within the district, including gaps and opportunities to innovate and streamline.
• Training needs and change management strategies.
• District priorities and related initiatives to advance LAO’s mandate and Strategic Plan.
• Community outreach to support LAO’s vulnerable client strategies.
• Data collection and analysis in relation to district programs and activities.
• Other areas concerning district accountabilities, as needed.

District Initiatives, Programs and Project Support:

• Collaborate with management team to identify and drive district initiatives, develop/refine district programs, and co-lead projects to support district priorities.
• Identify opportunities to improve programs and processes to enhance client services, staff experience, and administrative efficiency.
• Support court-based recovery needs assessments, systems and tools, such as Service Integration and file management, WI-FI upgrades, and device inventory/allocations.
• Prepare and review briefing notes on district needs and proposed initiatives and enhancements.
• Develop comprehensive project documents, including work plans, scope statements, schedules, and progress reports.
• Organize and lead project meetings to ensure alignment and progress.
• Monitor, review and update district policy and process documents.
• Promote cross-team collaboration to achieve objectives and deliverables.
• Partner with management team to assess and improve current business processes, including budgetary processes, which includes brainstorming, consulting and informing organizational decision.
• Support the risk management process and reporting for the district.

Training and District Programs Support:

• Identify training needs related to district programs and projects.
• Design targeted training plans in partnership with management team.
• Develop and deliver training programs through a variety of modalities that meet the needs of diverse inter-professional teams and stakeholders.
• Partner with internal LAO experts on content and instructional design.
• Create and maintain training resources, including job aids, modules, and presentations.
• Improve consistency in training to support core competencies, cross-training and collaboration.
• Provide guidance and support on an ongoing basis to staff and per diems within the district.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Education and knowledge: A university degree in a related field (e.g. public administration, communications, project management) is preferred; however we recognize and value diverse educational backgrounds and experiences. Equivalent professional experience, industry certifications, or a combination of education and practical experience will also be considered. Knowledge of Legal Aid Services Act (LASA) and Rules, LAO Business Plan, Strategic Plan, district planning and initiatives is an asset.
• Project management: Proven experience in project coordination and leadership is considered a strong asset.
• Change management: Experience in developing and implementing strategies for change and effectively supporting team members through the change process.
• Interpersonal and communication skills: Strong organizational and communication skills, including delivering presentations to diverse audiences. Ability to work collaboratively and foster cross-team cooperation. Ability to work under pressure and manage tight deadlines.
• Training, teaching and facilitation: Proven experience developing and implementing training programs and engaging with internal and external participants.
• Technical proficiency: Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe, Excel, Zoom, Teams, and other Office applications. Familiarity and competency with client and file management systems are considered assets, including PeopleSoft, Legal Files, Case Lines, DivorceMate, and conflict of interest and file tickler systems. Proficient in virtual training facilitation via Teams and Zoom.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB): Dedication to serving vulnerable populations and promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the delivery of client services. Experience working with marginalized communities and addressing systemic barriers within the workplace and justice system, more broadly. Awareness of neurodiversity and learning differences as it relates to training development and delivery.
• Language: Fluency in French and other languages, in addition to English, is considered an asset.
  To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
  Please include a cover letter with your application that explains why you should be considered as a strong candidate for this role. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.
  Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume or to the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.
  First time applying to LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position.
  Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select “my jobs” to apply.
  Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.
  Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support: recruiter.njoynhelp@cgi.com

EQUITY STATEMENT

Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and embraces differences as a priority is a core value at LAO. LAO encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis, Black and racialized, as well as persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
We recognize the value of equity, diversity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and prioritizing, attracting and retaining diverse staff. All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at LAO. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.

Please refer the Job description for details