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.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Interview and triage clients being held at the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre to determine their legal issue and to make the appropriate referral. Duties may include assisting the duty counsel lawyers with bail preparation by contacting sureties, preparing affidavits and referring matters to the John Howard Society.
Interviewing clients and triaging those clients needing legal advice to duty counsel lawyers.
Assist with certificate management and the certificate application process and particularly assist clients from vulnerable backgrounds who may be experiencing difficulty in making their legal aid application while in custody.

Review and determine financial eligibility of complex case files, including big case management.

• Assist in managing mid-level and big case files in co-ordination with other LAO departments; analyse financial eligibility for complex matters, as necessary
• Co-ordinate decision making with other LAO departments, such as CLSC, Central Operations, Investigations, CML, etc
• Provide general information, including procedural legal information, by responding to in-person, written and phone inquiries from lawyers, clients and other legal system partners, on the status of applications, appeals and referrals.

• Perform client and certificate file management activities, including providing clients with information related to legal aid and court proceedings, • Support roster management within the district; review and report any issues to the Directors.

• Support Eligibility review office processes, including facilitating review requests and communicating decisions based on LAO’s financial eligibility and policy criteria
• Prepare and have executed payment agreements, certificates, forms and correspondence
• Outreach work with stakeholders, including clinics and other community agencies to promote and expand service co-ordination opportunities
• Process legal aid applications on occasion
• Provide feedback to the Lawyer Manager on significant trends in certificate management with respect to legal and financial issues
• Perform other duties as required

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 1 year criminal law experience
• Advanced writing skills
• Advanced knowledge of PeopleSoft
• Strong interpersonal, communication and interview skills
• Solid understanding of processes, rules and practice directions for all levels of court;
• Knowledge of relevant legislation;
• Knowledge of criminal court proceedings and procedures
• Detailed functional and theoretical knowledge of legal aid application rules and procedures, including eligibility review process, legal and financial eligibility criteria, and LAO policies and practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other departments, districts and offices.
• French is an asset
• Access to a vehicle or other transportation
• Obtain a Police clearance and participate in any other security / background screening required by Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre

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