Legal Aid Worker

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 LAO’s Duty Counsel services in the courthouse and at the Niagara Detention Center. The incumbent will often be the first point of contact for a client contacting Duty Counsel. The incumbent will triage and interview clients about their legal matter, provide clients with procedural information about Legal Aid Ontario services, provide public legal information, and make referrals to LAO services and community service providers. The incumbent will take legal aid applications and assist clients with getting a lawyer.

The incumbent will provide direct lawyer support services in virtual and in person criminal court, including interviewing clients, recording client and case information, and speaking to the court to address adjournments, etc, with the supervision of a lawyer. The incumbent will support the provision of duty counsel services for individuals being held at the Niagara Detention Center, which may involve remote and in-person work at the Detention Center. The incumbent will have to be comfortable with ZOOM, Microsoft 360 Teams, and the use of data management programs.

Home Location: St. Catharines courthouse

Secondary/tertiary locations: Niagara Detention Center, Welland courthouse

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities

Triage and intake of clients in person, in writing and over the phone;

• Provide general information, including information about Legal Aid services, court procedure and community resources, to lawyers, clients and other legal system partners;
• Liaise with other legal service providers, internal and external, including court based services, to ensure seamless client service;
• Perform client and certificate file management activities, including providing information to clients and/or their lawyers relating to legal aid application status and court proceeding;
• Complete legal aid applications in person or remotely – for clients in custody and out, including financial eligibility testing and client/conflict checks;
• Create and maintain systems to manage the volume of work and the ability to compile information for statistical purposes and reporting/analysis;
• Prepare payment agreements, legal aid certificates, court and other forms and general correspondence;
• Assist with office administration;
• Support duty counsel services for individuals held at the Niagara Detention Center or other institutions;
• Possible rotation between the district office and duty counsel offices as required;
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Skills & Experience

Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with clients, justice sector partners, members of the public and colleagues

• Proven ability to be compassionate and to exercise sound judgment when encountering stressful situations
• Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures
• Demonstrated commitment to client service and relationship building
• Knowledge of LAO priorities, policies and procedures is an asset
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills
• Well-developed interviewing/intake skills in a social service environment
• Experience assisting individuals from vulnerable populations such as racialized communities, youth, or those experiencing physical, cognitive, mental health or addiction challenges, or experiencing housing insecurity
• Ability to function in a high intensity, public facing role with quick turn-arounds
• Experience with data management and file organization
• French language skills, both oral and written are an asset
• Ability to speak and write other languages an asset
• Ability to travel to secondary office locations is required.

What do we offer?

At Legal Aid Ontario, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment and is designed to enhance both professional and personal well-being.

We have a comprehensive health and wellness program that include dental, health and life insurance along with Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Short-Term Disability (STD), and Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage.

Employees at Legal Aid Ontario also enjoy generous paid time-off policy including vacation days, illness days, discretionary days and statutory holidays.

Employees are eligible to be enrolled to OPSEU Pension Plan, administered by OPSEU Pension Plan Trust Fund (OPTrust).

How to apply?

Submit a résumé and cover letter.

Please clearly set out in your cover letter why you are interested in the Legal Aid Worker position, and highlight relevant experience, skills, and training that make you an ideal candidate.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

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

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 résumé 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 a position with 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 View phone number on ca.workus.org or email support: ***email_hidden***.

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, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at LAO. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.