Legal Aid Worker (2 years)

This position is responsible for providing both direct in person and remote client service assistance for Barrie, Bradford, Collingwood, Orillia, Collingwood, Midland and Bracebridge Duty Counsel services in both the family and criminal courts.

The legal aid worker will be responsible for the initial assessment and intake of family law clients at the duty counsel office. This includes speaking in court, checking conflicts; assigning files to duty counsel and scheduling appointments; creating and managing files; liaising with court stakeholders; responding to client enquiries; referring clients to appropriate services and resources; providing LAO status checks; and providing general administrative support at the office.

The legal aid worker would also be required to assist criminal duty counsel service by providing direct client service and administrative support, including client and surety interviews; triaging client needs and referring clients to appropriate services and resources and speaking to adjournments.

The position would also need knowledge of certificate and roster management processes for the Central East district and organization.

Home Location: Barrie
Secondary/Other Locations: Simcoe Country and Muskoka

Reports to: Manager, District Operations

• 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.
• Address matters in court (remote or in-person)
• Assist in scheduling duty counsel.
• Conduct client and surety interviews in criminal matters.
• Input client data in PeopleSoft through Service Integration.
• Liaise with private bar lawyers and other appropriate court stakeholders.
• Ensure printed materials, documents and office supplies are replenished and maintained at the office.
• Complete applications or certificate management for vulnerable clients as needed
• Support roster management
• Perform other duties as required.

• 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 and criminal court processes, rules and practice.
• Ability to travel in-person
• 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; and the Criminal Code of Canada.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft programs (e.g. Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Experience in the use of Legal Files and PeopleSoft (Service Integration).

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.
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 support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com