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.
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.
Primary function
This position is responsible for supporting the district office by advancing a client’s legal matter and is responsible for providing client service under the direct supervision of the Manager of District Operations for the Central West District at the Central West District Office located in Hamilton.
This position will be primarily focused on co-ordinating and overseeing the scheduling and execution of settlement conferences for the entire Central West District.
Primary location: Hamilton
Secondary location: NA
Reports to: Manager, Legal Services
Key accountabilities
- Communicating with lawyers regarding Settlement Conference matters and determining if an LAO Settlement Conference is appropriate.
- Updating and maintaining the Settlement Conference calendar.
- Updating and maintaining the Settlement Conference database.
- Keeping LAO client files updated in PeopleSoft.
- Creating and sending confirmation letters to counsel and facilitator upon confirmation of conference date.
- Collecting material submissions and required documents from counsel and sending to facilitators ahead of the conference.
- Receiving facilitator account/reports –and uploading to client file in PeopleSoft, for review.
- 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, request for reviews and referrals.
- Liaise with other legal service providers, internal and external, including court-based services, to ensure seamless client service.
- Perform client and certificate management activities when necessary, including providing of information to clients relating to legal aid and the courts.
- Support LAO’s Roster Management program.
- Create systems to manage the volume of work and the ability to compile information for statistical purposes and reporting/analysis.
- Review, summarize and respond to client complaints.
- Greet and assist clients and lawyers on the phone and/or in person.
- Provide back-up or vacation relief for other staff.
- Perform other duties as required.
Required skills & experience
- Well-developed interview and investigative skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with clients, lawyers and other agencies with the proven ability to exercise judgment \
- Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures.
- Demonstrated commitment to client service and relationship building skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
- Possess knowledge of LAO priorities, policies and procedures.
- Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including familiarity and competence with proper maintenance of client data base, computer information databases such as PeopleSoft
- Must have intermediate knowledge of the following Microsoft programs; Word, Excel and PowerPoint
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.
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:[email protected]
