Legal Aid Worker - Milton, Canada - Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario

Verified Company

Milton, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

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 position is responsible for supporting the mandate of the Central West District, working out of the Duty Counsel office in the Milton courthouse.

The Legal Aid Worker (LAW) works with their manager, staff lawyers, and other LAWs to provide direct client service and administrative support in a busy courthouse environment.

Home Location:
Milton Courthouse

Secondary Location:
Not applicable

Reports to:
Manager of Legal Services, Milton

Key accountabilities
Direct Client Services

Provide services in courthouse locations including client triage and intake
Assist clients with drafting and service of family law documents under the supervision of duty counsel/staff lawyer
Assist duty counsel/staff lawyer by triaging/screening clients and provide clients with public legal information including procedural legal information
Attend family court to support and assist duty counsel clients
Assist clients/duty counsel with routine administrative matters in court (i.e. adjournments)
Refer clients to appropriate resources and service providers

Client Management and Administration

Perform intake by interviewing clients (inperson, phone, video) to gather necessary information (case history) required for decisionmaking
Make entitlement decisions (including ongoing eligibility) based on LAO's financial and legal eligibility policies and guidelines. This could include complex client and legal/financial matters
Assisting with the training and mentoring of new staff and supporting the implementation of new LAO initiatives
Perform administrative tasks such as data input, ordering supplies, maintaining files, scheduling per diem duty counsel, approving accounts, collecting/compiling information for statistics/performance measures and other tasks as assigned

Communications and Outreach

Communicate with and respond to clients, lawyers, and other legal system partners inperson, by phone, video, and through written correspondence
Perform outreach with stakeholders including clinics and other community agencies to promote and expand service coordination opportunities
Liaise with private bar lawyers, duty counsel, mental health workers, and other court workers and administrative staff
Identify and elevate issues/service trends and seek guidance from management when necessary

Required skills & experience

Ability to draft legal documents and correspondence without need for review is required
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with clients, lawyers and other agencies with the proven ability to exercise judgement when encountering stressful situations including the early identification of vulnerable clients so that the appropriate service and referrals can be made
Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures
Demonstrated commitment to client service and relationship building skills
Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including smartphones, tablets, and videoconference systems
Must have intermediate knowledge of the following Microsoft programs: Outlook, Word, Excel
General knowledge and familiarity with family court and criminal court procedures is an asset.
Ability to communicate in French is an asset

This position is represented by the OPSEU and the employee will be governed by the provisions of the collective agreement and union dues will be deducted bi-weekly from the date of hire.

To apply, submit a cover letter & résumé.

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, acco