Bilingual Legal Aid Worker (24 months) in Newmarket

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 role is responsible for providing client service under the direct supervision of a Manager of Legal Services. The legal worker will be responsible for reception duties as well as the initial intake and triage/assessment of family law clients to confirm financial eligibility and determine the most appropriate service for clients; communicate with clients, stakeholders and various agencies; support clients in the gathering of material evidence and financial disclosure; organize and sort through documentation provided by clients; draft court documents; provide general information, procedural guidance and referrals to other services and agencies; co-ordinate services with duty counsel and facilitate referrals to the certificate program. The legal worker will also carry out other administrative tasks or duties, as assigned by the Manager and support other members of the team.

Key accountabilities

• Primary responsibility for reception duties, including answering phone calls, general emails, and walk-in inquiries.
• Assessment of the clients’ needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to facilitate referrals to appropriate services.
• Confirming financial eligibility of clients as needed.
• Responsible for client intake and managing client files, under the direct supervision of the Manager of Legal Services, including interviewing and communicating regularly with clients to gather and organize information and documentation about their legal issues.
• Drafting and preparation of court documents, including pleadings and briefs and any other documents required by the Family Law Rules as well as drafting of other legal documents as instructed by Manager such as statutory declarations, affidavits in support of subsidized housing etc.
• Liaising with various community and government agencies, stakeholders and duty counsel.
• Occasional assistance with triaging family law clients with the Family Duty Counsel Office and the Family Law Information Centre.
• Working within established systems to prioritize and manage caseloads.
• Ensuring that statistical data is captured and reported accurately.
• Performing office administration tasks such as data input, ordering supplies, maintaining files and other administrative tasks as assigned.

Required skills & experience

• French language proficiency is a strong asset.
• Excellent writing, drafting and communication skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication and interview skills, including sound judgment in relating to clients, lawyers and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work well in a professional office and team environment, and proven ability to deal effectively and sensitively with vulnerable and marginalized clients on the phone and in-person.
• Ability to prioritize and work efficiently under severe time constraints.
• Ability to manage client expectations.
• Ability to be resilient, solution-oriented, possess a calm temperament and adapt to working well in a constantly changing environment.
• Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures.
• Good understanding of family court processes and the rules and practice directions for all levels of court serviced by Newmarket duty counsel.
• Understanding and knowledge of legal aid application process, including financial and legal eligibility guidelines and other LAO policies and practices.
• Intermediate knowledge and familiarity with Microsoft programs, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and LAO’s PeopleSoft program.
• An understanding and adherence to discretion and client confidentiality.

Organizational Competencies Expected

• Client Focus
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Personal Motivation and Accountability
• Focus on Quality and Best Practice
• Problem Solving and Judgment
• Organizational Awareness
• Teamwork and Collaboration

What do we offer?

At Legal Aid Ontario, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment and is designed to enhance both professional and personal well-being. We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that include dental, health and life insurance along with Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Short-Term Disability (STD), and Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage. Employees at Legal Aid Ontario also enjoy generous paid time-off policy including vacation days, illness days, discretionary days and statutory holidays. Employees are eligible to be enrolled to OPSEU Pension Plan, administered by OPSEU Pension Plan Trust Fund (OPTrust).

How to apply?

Submit a résumé and cover letter. Please clearly set out in your cover letter why you are interested in the Legal Aid Worker position, and highlight relevant experience, skills, and training that make you an ideal candidate. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified. Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check. This position is represented by OPSEU and the employee will be governed by the provisions of the collective agreement and union dues will be deducted bi-weekly from date of hire. Note: If a permanent employee, currently represented by OPSEU, is the successful candidate for this opportunity, they will return to their home position at the conclusion of this assignment, if the position continues to exist. 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 résumé 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.