Legal Aid Worker - Family Senior Counsel Program (Central East)

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.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide general information by responding to in-person, email, and phone inquiries from clients;
• Perform client file management including tasks like opening and closing files, maintaining a tickler system, preparing, and reviewing correspondence, organizing files as well as motion, conference and trial materials and billing files. Responsible for client intake, drafting and referrals of client to other services as required;
• Liaise with other legal service providers, internal and external, including court-based services, to ensure seamless client service;
• Liaise with shelters and other community agencies;
• Liaise with private bar lawyers, Children’s Aid Society counsel and workers, Mental Health and other court workers, police and other court staff as directed by the staff lawyer;
• Preliminary interviews of clients to gather information about their case; primary contact with clients; field inquiries from clients, and assist lawyer with client queries, referrals, requests for information, client interviews, etc.;
• Procedural court document preparation; assistance with information gathering and correspondence, under the direct supervision of the staff lawyer;
• Implement established systems to manage the volume of work, and the ability to compile information for statistical purposes and reporting/analysis;
• Act as floater LAW, including triaging clients and other administrative tasks as assigned;
• Demonstrate flexibility in terms of work hours including occasionally working through lunch breaks or past regular work hours; and
• Provide mentorship and/or training to other staff, information to legal and non-legal staff relating to PLEI, community outreach and drafting.
• Perform other duties as required.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Fluency in French, and/or in languages other than English and French, will be considered an asset;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and interview skills, and sound judgment for dealing with clients, lawyers and other agencies;
• Resiliency, solution-oriented, possessing a calm temperament; adaptability to working well in a constantly changing environment;
• Ability to work well under strict time constraints;
• Ability to manage client expectations;
• Ability and willingness to work effectively in a team environment;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with Legal Aid Workers, staff lawyers, paralegals, per diem Duty Counsel and Managers;
• Solid understanding of court processes, rules and practice directions;
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Legal Aid Services Act, Family Law Act and Child Support Guidelines, Children’s Law Reform Act, Child and Youth Family Services Act, Divorce Act, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families and the Family Law Rules
• Minimum of 3-years demonstrated experience in drafting family law court documents.
• Aptitude and willingness to work effectively with and be sensitive to the needs of vulnerable clients, particularly clients with mental health issues, survivors of domestic abuse, clients from marginalized communities and clients who have concurrent immigration and/or criminal law matters;
• Sound knowledge of legal aid application procedures, financial principles and LAO policies and practices;
• Ability to determine legal and financial eligibility based on LAO eligibility criteria in accordance with office procedures and standard formats;
• Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures;
• Ability to assemble child protection and domestic family application records, status review records, motion records, trial records, appeal records, joint briefs and exhibit books;
• An understanding and adherence to discretion and client confidentiality;
• Must have competent computer skills and knowledge of the Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Divorcemate;
• Experience with Legal Files would be an asset; and
• Diploma or certificate in law practice or court-related area would be an asset.

Organizational Competencies Expected

• Client Focus
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Personal Motivation and Accountability
• Focus on Quality and Best Practice
• Problem Solving and Judgement
• Organizational Awareness
• Teamwork and Collaboration

As per the requirements of the Collective Agreement governing this position, first consideration is given to current OPSEU member applicants.
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:candidate.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