Legal Aid Worker

The primary function of the LAW is to provide front-line intake service to clients who require family law
assistance within the Toronto Family Law Services programs. The LAW will conduct initial needs assessments
of family law clients virtually and in-person, and make referrals to appropriate services or resources and
schedule clients for unbundled legal services and FLIC Advice appointments by a lawyer. They will also field
referrals, calls and emails from internal sources and external stakeholders; including creating, storing,
accessing and retrieving confidential client information and documents through LAO software to ensure the
client path and continuum of service are seamless.
This position will handle a high-volume of clients, many of whom are vulnerable or are from marginalized
communities and have time-sensitive, complex family law matters or have varying needs making for
demanding and challenging work. This position will appeal to a motivated, ambitious individual with
substantial experience in family law who can effectively navigate the demands of a dynamic and busy
workplace.
Job duties may be expanded to include opportunities to learn and assist with various district duties.

Home Location: Toronto Provincial Office
Secondary Location: Ontario Court of Justice at 311 Jarvis Street, 47 Sheppard Avenue, Community Legal Clinics, and any other location in Toronto where duty counsel services are provided.

Reporting to: Manager, District Operations

The LAW is responsible for:

•Conducting assessments in a virtual or in-person environment to determine financial and legal eligibility and the appropriate service required in their family law path
•Assisting with client interviews, information gathering, document collection, financial assessments and client and stakeholder correspondence
•Scheduling client appointments to speak with LAO family lawyers
•Accurate client referral to LAO or external services as required
•Creating systems to manage the volume of work, and the ability to compile information for statistical purposes and reporting/analysis
•Working effectively and collaborating with core and program team members every day
•Performing other duties as required, which may include opportunities to assist with various District duties.

•Excellent interpersonal, communication and interview skills, and sound judgment for working with a high-volume of clients, lawyers and other agencies;
•Ability and willingness to work closely and effectively with a team;
•Aptitude and willingness to work effectively with vulnerable and marginalized clients, particularly those with mental health issues and survivors of domestic abuse;
•Knowledge of the legal aid application process, financial and legal eligibility principles and LAO policies and practices;
•Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures;
•Advanced computer and technology skills, specifically with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Legal Files, PeopleSoft, Outlook and Adobe
•Prior family law court and/or document drafting experience
•Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Legal Aid Services Act, Family Law Act, Child and Family Services Act, and the Criminal Code of Canada
•Strong understanding of court processes, rules and practice directions

Preferred Skills & Experiences:

•Experience with Legal Files, Divorcemate, PeopleSoft, Service Integration, and Microsoft and Adobe programs
•French language skills are a preferred asset

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.

This position is collectively represented by OPSEU and the successful incumbent will be governed by the provisions of a collective agreement and subject to union dues.

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 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.
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Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.

Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support:candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com