Legal Aid Worker (3 year contract)

Full job description
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

The Legal Aid Worker is responsible for providing direct client service assistance, in person and remotely, for Simcoe County and Muskoka in both family and criminal courts. The Legal Aid Worker is responsible for the initial assessment and intake of criminal and family law clients including but not limited to: speaking in court, checking conflicts, assigning files to duty counsel and scheduling appointments, creating and managing files, liaising with court stakeholders, responding to client inquiries, referring clients to appropriate services and resources, providing LAO status checks, and providing general administrative support at the office.

The incumbent is also responsible for assisting criminal duty counsel services by providing direct client service and administrative support, including client and surety interviews, triaging client needs and referring clients to appropriate services and resources and speaking to adjournments. The incumbent requires knowledge of certificate and roster management processes for the Central East district and organization.

Reporting to: Manager, District Operations

Key accountabilities

Interview clients to gather information about case, field telephone calls from clients, and assist the lawyer manager with client queries, referrals, requests for information etc.;
Assessment of the client needs to determine the appropriate service for the client, including the early identification of vulnerable clients so that the appropriate service and referrals can be made
Carry out initial intake of clients, including administering the financial and legal eligibility tests.
Complete applications or certificate management for vulnerable clients as needed
Assist clients and lawyers on the phone and/or in-person by providing general information, including the status of applications, appeals or referrals.
May require to assist with the drafting and preparation of variation applications for support, noncomplex family applications for custody, access, and support and any other documents required by the Family Law Rules, under the direct supervision of lawyer;
Maintaining tickler systems, interviewing criminal clients and potential sureties as support for staff lawyers, ability to interview criminal clients with mental health issues for intake purposes;
Familiarity and competence with proper maintenance of client data base, computer information databases such as Legal Files and Divorcemate, conflict of interest systems, file tickler systems, and basic principles of family law;
Check for conflicts, assign files to duty counsel and schedule document preparation appointments in family law matters.
Address matters in court (remote or in-person)
Input client data in PeopleSoft through Service Integration.
Liaise with private bar lawyers and other appropriate court stakeholders.
Perform office administration tasks such as data input, ordering supplies, maintaining files, scheduling per diem duty counsel and other tasks as assigned
Perform other duties as required. Required skills & experience
Familiarity with financial eligibility, certificate coverage and tariff guidelines;
Travel will be required
Required skills & experience

Excellent communication, interpersonal and interview skills.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in interacting with clients, lawyers and other agencies, especially in stressful situations.
Sound knowledge of LAO guidelines, policies and procedures.
Excellent drafting and word processing skills, some familiarity with family law software programs, such as Divorcemate and Legal Files;
Ability to effectively identify the needs of the clients, in order to refer them to the appropriate services
Ability and willingness to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures.
Good understanding of family and criminal court processes and the rules and practice directions for all levels of court serviced by duty counsel;
Legal worker experience in criminal and family law
Ability to maintain detailed functional and theoretical knowledge of legal aid application processing rules and procedures including Section 30 process, s. 25 process (youth certificate) and s. 85 process (mental health certificate) financial principles and LAO policies and practices.
Ability to travel in-person
Knowledge of relevant legislation would be an asset, such as the Family Law Act, Children’s’ Law Reform Act; Child, Youth and Family Services Act; and the Criminal Code of Canada.
Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft programs (e.g. Word, Excel, and Outlook
Experience in the use of Legal Files and PeopleSoft (Service Integration).
Familiarity with financial eligibility, certificate coverage and tariff guidelines;

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email. Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

This position is collectively represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and the successful incumbent will be governed by the provisions of a collective agreement and subject to union dues.

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.
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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: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.

Canada
Ontario
Barrie Show on map Get directions