Community Legal Worker (Eviction Prevention)

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Dalhousie Legal Aid was the first legal Service for low income communities in Nova Scotia and is the oldest clinical law program in Canada. It is also the only community law clinic in Nova Scotia. The Clinic is a unique partnership of community groups, law students, community legal workers and lawyers working together and is operated by the Schulich School of Law. Dalhousie Legal Aid Service’s community-based office is located in a north-central neighborhood of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Community Legal Worker (Eviction Prevention) will be responsible for building and re-establishing community connections with other service providers; creation of simple, user-friendly, accessible informational materials; and regularly reviewing and updating existing and new materials to ensure they are legally accurate.

• Develop and deliver training sessions for other service providers, student groups, and community organizations, focusing on all stages of housing insecurity with a goal of eviction prevention and early dispute resolution.
• Serve as a navigator between services to ensure people land where the best help is available.
• Develop law reform and advocacy strategies aimed at eviction prevention and the promotion of tenants’ rights.
• Support and assist our current social justice team with intake and service.

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

• Strong communication skills and knowledge of anti-oppressive practice.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Experience working with, and understanding of, communities experiencing poverty and marginalization.
• Understanding of the housing climate in the Halifax region as well as the Residential Tenancies Act and procedures.

• A law degree is not necessary. Those without law degrees are encouraged to apply.
• Teaching or mentoring at a university or adult level.
• A solid track record of advocacy and knowledge of the above-noted administrative law areas.
• Experience assisting people before administrative tribunals.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:

- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills
- Communication
- Service

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Applications from university employees and external candidates are given concurrent consideration. Among short-listed candidates, university employees will be given special consideration.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.