Legal Aid Worker

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

This is an in-person position that is responsible for providing direct client service in the Kitchener Family Duty Counsel Office.

The responsibilities of this position will be to support the Kitchener family duty counsel office. Some of the duties will include: initial assessment and intake of family law clients, 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 such as certificate status, general administrative support, family document preparation, as well as all other duties as assigned.

Primary Location: Kitchener Family Duty Counsel Office and Waterloo Region Courthouse

Secondary Location: Not applicable

Reporting to: Manager of Legal Services

Key accountabilities

• Carry out initial intake of clients, including administering the financial and legal eligibility tests;
• Assess or triage client needs in order to refer clients to the appropriate resource(s) and/or service(s);
• Assist clients and lawyers on the phone and/or in-person by providing general information, including the status of applications, appeals or referrals;
• Check for conflicts, assign files to duty counsel and schedule document preparation appointments in family law matters;
• Assist in scheduling duty counsel and approving duty counsel accounts;
• Assist with the drafting and preparation of court documents under staff lawyer supervision;
• Taking in person applications for vulnerable clients;
• Input client data in PeopleSoft;
• Liaise with private bar lawyers and other appropriate court stakeholders;
• Ensure printed materials, documents and office supplies are replenished and maintained at the office;
• Perform other duties as 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;
• Ability to effectively identify the needs of the clients, in order to refer them to the appropriate services;
• Sound knowledge of LAO guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Ability and willingness to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures;
• Good understanding of family court processes, rules and practice;
• 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;
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft programs (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook);
• Experience in the use of PeopleSoft program.
  
  

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

This position is collectively represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 525 and, therefore, union dues will be deducted bi-weekly.

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: [email protected].

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.