#1231 Legal Counsel - 16 Month Contract

August 6, 2026

Job Posting #1231

#hp

Legal Counsel

16-Month Contract

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 Department.

Why Work for Us?

• Hybrid working model (working virtual and in person)
• Casual dress code
• Employer paid Health & Dental Benefit
• 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 represents the Society on child protection cases in the Superior Court of Justice whether the applications are commenced by the Society or other parties.
• 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.
• Prepares for and represents the Society on appeals and judicial review applications in higher courts.
• 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 third-party record holder in Criminal cases.
• Sits as a member of in-house 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.
• Assists adoption workers in the finalization of adoption applications and presents said applications in the Superior Court of Justice where required.
• Notarizes and commissions documents.
• Acts as guest speaker or panellist 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.
• Excellent knowledge of case preparation, presentation and litigation techniques and alternative dispute resolution strategies.
• Bilingualism in French would be an asset.
• Advanced knowledge of legislation governing and impacting child welfare in Ontario.
• Basic knowledge of relevant York Region Children’s Aid Society industry computer applications such as CPIN, adobe pro, word, excel etc.
• Knowledge and experience in the application of related legal theory and practice.
• A satisfactory Police Records Check is required.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to a reliable motor vehicle with appropriate business class liability insurance is preferred.

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.
• 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 situations.
• Solid understanding and commitment to the agency’s core values, quality service and best practice.
• Accountable for own actions and decisions, making decisions within the scope of the position and referring issues/problems/events to Senior Counsel as required.
• Ability to deal with highly sensitive and personal information in a confidential manner.
• Advanced ability to analyse information, problem-solve and make solid recommendations.
• Self-directed with an excellent ability to organize, plan, prioritize and multi-task.
• Acts with integrity, trustworthiness, humility, transparency, and compassion.
• Demonstrates critical thinking.

  PAY GRADE

  Non-Union - Pay Grade 8 ($105,586.48 - $133,935.25)

  This role is for an existing position within the organization.

  HOURS OF WORK

  33.75 hours per week

  We appreciate all applications received. All communications will be held in strict and professional confidence. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their submissions.

  Employment at York Region Children’s Aid Society is conditional upon the verification of credentials, a satisfactory vulnerable sector check, and a class “G” driver’s license with daily access to an insured vehicle. York Region Children’s Aid Society works in a hybrid virtual and on-site working environment.

  Anti-Oppression/Anti-Racism at York Region Children’s Aid Society

  YRCAS is committed to having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of York Region and strongly encourages application from all qualified individuals, especially those who can provide different perspectives and contribute to a further diversification of ideas.

  Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

  York Region Children’s Aid Society is committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and fostering equity, diversity and inclusion in recruitment practices is a key aspect of the search process. The current posting is in search of candidates who identified from the following equity seeking groups; women, racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. If you are of the aforementioned identities, and feel comfortable making it known, you may choose to self-identify as member of a designated group. Any information directly related to you is kept confidential and used in a safe manner to inform our recruitment process towards being an equal opportunity employer.

  Vaccination Policy

  York CAS prioritizes the health and safety of their employees and closely follows the Public Health Guidelines and Recommendations. The agency's mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirement as a condition of employment is currently suspended. Should the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirement be reinstated, all active agency employees will be required to comply with YRCAS’ Mandatory COVID-19 policy (providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination-2 doses required).

  Accommodation at YRCAS

  We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants that may require accommodation during the selection process are encouraged to notify the Human Resources Department when contacted for an interview.

  Human Resources will work together with the hiring committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the selection process, which will enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.

  Children at the heart of all that we do!