Address
Form of workThe family Legal Aid Worker (LAW) is an integral member of both their core family triage team and the larger Toronto Family Law Services program that provides family law services, legal information, advice and other applicable unbundled family law services in the Toronto District.
The primary function of the family LAW is to provide front-line intake service to clients who require family law assistance within the Toronto Family Law Services and Summary Legal Advice Family 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 assisting clients within the Toronto Criminal Law Services and Criminal Summary Legal Advice programs, as well as the opportunity 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 and any other location in Toronto where duty counsel services are provided.
Reporting to: Manager, District Operations
• Conducting assessments in a virtual or in-person environment to identify the vulnerability of clients, and 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 the Toronto District Criminal Law Services program and/or 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,
• and the Child and Family Services Act;
• Strong understanding of court processes, rules and practice directions;
• Experience with Legal Files, Divorcemate, PeopleSoft and Microsoft and Adobe programs
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 the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and the successful incumbent will be governed by the provisions of a collective agreement and subject to union dues.
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
