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 the preparation of family court documents and providing procedural advice, under the direct supervision of a family lawyer in the Family Law Service Centre, Thunder Bay. The legal aid worker will be responsible for the initial assessment and intake of the family law client to assist in determining the appropriate service for the client, the referral to appropriate services and resources, and applications for legal aid. The legal aid worker will also assist lawyers with front end tasks and the administrative work involved in moving client matters through the Thunder Bay Family Law Service Centre.
Home Location: Thunder Bay
Reporting to: Manager of Legal Services, North District
Key accountabilities
- Provide general information, including procedural legal information, by responding to in-person and phone inquiries from clients. Prepare accounts for client file work, maintain certificates, file forms and provide support such as general correspondence on file matters under lawyer supervision;
- Perform client and certificate file management/ maintenance activities, including providing of information to clients relating to legal aid and court proceeding;
- 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;
- Assessment of the client need 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, under the supervision of staff lawyers;
- Outreach work with Clinics and other community agencies to promote and expand services co-ordination opportunities;
- Interview clients to gather information about their case, field telephone calls from clients, and assist the lawyers with client queries, referrals, requests for information, client interviews, etc.;
- Court document preparation; client interviewing and assistance with information gathering and correspondence under the direct supervision of the staff lawyer;
- Liaise with private bar lawyers, Children’s Aid Society counsel and workers, Mental Health and other court workers, police and other court staff;
- Create systems to manage the volume of work and the ability to compile information for statistical purposes and reporting/analysis; and
- Perform other duties as required.
Required skills & experience
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and interview skills, and sound judgment for dealing with clients, lawyers and other agencies;
- Solid understanding of court processes, rules and practice directions for all levels of court serviced by staff lawyers;
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Family Law Act and the Child, Youth and Family Services Act;
- Aptitude and willingness to work effectively with vulnerable clients, particularly clients with mental health issues;
- Ability to maintain detailed functional and theoretical knowledge of legal aid application procedures, financial principles and Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) policies and practices;
- Access to a vehicle and willingness to travel to North District;
- Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office and Divorce Mate;
- Ability to determine legal and financial eligibility based on LAO eligibility criteria in accordance with office procedures and standard formats;
- Fluency in spoken French or another language would be considered an asset;
- Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures;
- Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including Smartphones; Blackberry’s and iPhone; and
- Must have intermediate knowledge of the following Microsoft programs; Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Divorcemate. Experience with Legal Files Access would be an asset.
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.
Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.
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:[email protected].
