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 providing direct client service and for assisting the Oshawa Criminal duty counsel office. At this time, duties required would be conducted both remotely and in-person, with a rotation.

The responsibilities of this position will be to assist the criminal duty counsel office by providing direct client service and administrative support, including client and surety interviews; triaging client needs and referring clients to appropriate services and resources. Providing support in Virtual Case Management court will be required, utilizing Zoom technology – with remote services, this would primarily be for Oshawa, though possibly other court locations in the district as needed.

The legal aid worker would also be required to support Criminal Duty Counsel Services by triaging client over phone, as this is regularly first point of contact for clients entering Duty Counsel programs. The position would monitor messages, returning calls, conducting both DCFET and Certificate FET assessments, to determine best course of action for client.

With this, the Legal Aid Worker would be expected to understand all certificate management functions, to answer both clients and judicial stakeholders. This includes knowledge of roster management.

The position also requires strong knowledge of PeopleSoft functions, including Service Integration/Duty Counsel Worksheet systems.

Home Location: Oshawa Criminal Duty Counsel

Other Locations: n/a

Reporting to: Manager of Legal Services

Key accountabilities

• Carry out initial intake of clients, including administering the financial and legal eligibility tests (Both FET and DCFET).
• 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 court procedures, the status of applications, appeals or referrals.
• Appear remotely in Virtual Case Management court (both Oshawa and other local courts)
• Assist in scheduling duty counsel.
• Monitor Criminal Duty Counsel Email systems, and organize local disclosure requests
• 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 certificate management through district worklists such as amendments, authorizations, change of solicitors
• Prepare contribution agreements, certificates, forms and general correspondences
• Support roster management through enrolment and issues
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Skills & Experience

Excellent communication, interpersonal and interview skills.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment in interacting with clients, lawyers, judiciary 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 criminal court processes, rules and practice.
• Ability to travel
• 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; the Criminal Code of Canada, Controlled Drug & Substance Act, Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft programs (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Intermediate knowledge of Zoom and or other video software programs
• Experience in the use of PeopleSoft (Service Integration) programs
• Legal education background, either degree, diploma, or professional designation such as Paralegal or Law Clerk or first hand court experience as a Lawyer agent would be considered an asset

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.

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 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.