300 Poverty Law Advocate

The Kitimat Community Development Centre is a CARF accredited, non-profit organization that serves Kitimat and KitamaatVillage. We offer three streams of support services for families, children and adult services that support a fully inclusive and inviting environment.

Our mission is to serve and support people of all abilities to reach their personal potential, and to improve the quality of life for all members of our community.

Come and be apart of making an impact in our Kitimat Community!

Poverty Law Advocate

Job Description

The Kitimat CDC is looking for a passionate, knowledgeable, initiative-taking Poverty Law Advocate to provide front-line services to low-income families and seniors. You will join a dynamic team of community-driven staff and volunteers in a busy office environment with diverse clientele. You will help individuals and families with income assistance, disability assistance, tenancy disputes, Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits, employment insurance benefits, debt, and other income support related programs.

Job Type: Fulltime
Wage: $24.72 - $30.73

We can offer you:

• Flexibility and promote work/life balance
• A positive and supportive work environment
• Personal health days
• Extended health benefits
• Matching RRSP contributions
• Professional development
• Mentorship
• Competitive wages
• Small-town friendliness and easy access to outdoor activities (see below)

Duties and Responsibilities

The Advocate will:

• meet with and advise clients with respect to legal rights and options in the areas of income support programs both provincially and federally, residential tenancy, debt, and other legal and rights related supports;
• provide information and referrals to clients;
• help clients to complete forms;
• prepare written communications and submissions on behalf of clients and represent them at tribunal hearings;
• assist with negotiation and mediation;
• prepare and provide public legal education workshops on poverty law initiatives;
• develop and maintain working relationships with the Ministry of Social Development, other government agencies, other service agencies and the community;
• perform administrative practices including record keeping, file management and reporting to accredited standards; and
• promote the project’s activities at public events.

Qualifications and Skills·

• Minimum two years post-secondary education in a Social Service field or the equivalent preferred
• Minimum two years’ experience in tenancy, disability, and income support programs; advocacy and case management experience an asset.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret legislation, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to negotiate and mediate with landlords, government, and other agencies on behalf of clients.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including verbal and written skills, team oriented and exercises good judgment.
• Self-motivated with well-developed case management and planning skills; organization, time management, problem solving and decision making skills essential.
• Knowledge of local community resources and an awareness and understanding of poverty related issues.
• Adequate computer skills and proficiency in Office products such as Excel, Word, and Outlook; as well as experience in working with databases.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and delegate in a fast-paced, diverse, community environment.
• Understands the need for high professional ethical standards, discretion and flexibility.

Training by the BC Law Foundation will be provided.

Additional Requirements

• A criminal record and Criminal Records Review Act check is required.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License
• Available Monday to Friday and able to occasionally work flexible hours.

Kitimat and the Kitimat CDC

Are you looking for a relaxed lifestyle with shorter commutes and unlimited access to the outdoors? A true Pacific Northwest town, Kitimat offers outdoor recreation for all seasons- hiking, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, and more! Embrace a work-life balance with flexible schedules, nearby amenities, and affordable housing in town. Located on the unceded traditional territory of the Haisla people we are a wonderment of natural beauty. Come discover more about your Kitimat adventure at https://kitimatbound.ca/

While we appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.