1084 Pft Legal Counsel - Newmarket, Canada - YORK REGION CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY

YORK REGION CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY

Verified Company

Newmarket, Canada

1 week ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

May 7, 2024

Job Posting #1084 #hp

Permanent Full-Time

Legal Counsel

The York Region Children's Aid Society (YRCAS) is a non-profit community organization legally mandated to protect children and youth from abuse and neglect.

As a leader within the child welfare sector, we partner with parents, caregivers, and community to provide a safe environment for children and youth, through equitable, culturally aligned services.

Comprised of interdisciplinary teams of diverse professionals who push boundaries in support of family centered care, we engage with children and families for a stronger, healthier community within the York Region.

YRCAS is fully committed to a culture of belonging and an inclusive environment that encourages every team member to lead within their role, generate innovative ideas that reinforce our mission and goal to create a healthy workplace and community where children youth and families thrive.

To support us on our journey, YRCAS is looking for a Legal Counsel to support our Legal Services.

Why Work for Us?

Hybrid working model (working virtual and in person)
Casual dress code
Employer paid Group Insurance and Health & Dental Benefit
Four (4) Weeks of Vacation accrued per calendar year
Five (5) float days per calendar year
One day off every three (3) weeks during Winter months
Shortened Summer hours
OMERS Pension, with employer and employee sharing premiums equally
Mileage Reimbursement
Enhanced Wellness Initiatives Virtual Fitness Classes

SUMMARY OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of our legal team, you will be responsible for delivering legal services as a trusted legal advisor, integrated in the fabric of the organization.

You will be responsible for ensuring that services are delivered in keeping with our mandate under the _Child Youth and Family Services Act_ as well as our responsibilities under _An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families._ This includes but is not limited to responsibility for all court-related activities regarding child protection matters by preparing pleadings, court attendance including interim hearings, trials and appeals.

You will be responsible for assisting our child protection workers in all legal aspects of their cases, whether they involve court activity or not.

As a trusted legal advisor, you will be expected to provide legal support to staff on all agency-wide issues.

NATURE OF POSITION:

Prepares for and actively conducts trials, motions for summary judgement and various other motions.
Prepares for and represents the Society before administrative tribunals, including expungement hearings at the Child Abuse Register, and complaints and reviews before the Child and Family Services Review Board.
Prepares for and represents the Society at appropriate hearings under the _Children's Law Reform Act._
Acts as legal resource person for consultation with protection workers and administration with respect to the _Child Youth and Family Services Act_ and child protection matters (including adoption) and with respect to the _Youth Criminal Justice Act_ and other legislation affecting children. On occasion, represents the Society as statutory parent or as thirdparty record holder in Criminal cases.
Sits as a member of inhouse and local committees.
Assists with training sessions for agency staff.
Prepares legal bulletins and supports internal legal clinics.
Assists in the resolution of jurisdictional conflicts between societies.
Notarizes and commissions documents.
Acts as guest speaker or panelist as requested by various groups and as time permits.
Other related duties as may be assigned by the Director of Legal Services.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Bachelor of Law Degree and membership in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.
A minimum of 3 years' experience representing children and parents in child welfare and family law matters.
Bilingualism in French would be an asset.

Knowledge and Skills

A demonstrated understanding of the impact of colonialism on child welfare in Ontario and a demonstrated understanding and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonizing child welfare practices.
Excellent knowledge of case preparation, presentation and litigation techniques and alternative dispute resolution strategies.
Advanced knowledge of legislation governing and impacting child welfare in Ontario.
Knowledge in CPIN is considered an asset.
A passionate lifelong learner.
Flexible, adaptable, and responsive to change.
Computer competence and literacy.
Excellent written, oral communication and interpersonal skills providing constructive, meaningful, and timely interaction with all levels of staff.
Ability to think analytically with attention to detail in the presence of frequent interruptions.
Ability to make sound judgment and provide legal advice, often in crisis or emergency situa