Crown Counsel

ELIGIBILITY FOR THIS COMPETITION IS RESTRICTED TO STEP 1 CANDIDATES INCLUDING OPS ALOC AND OCAA LAWYERS living or working within 125 km of this location. Note: Eligible lawyers from outside the Area of Search may apply but will not be entitled to relocation or travel expenses for the transfer as set out below.
Step 1: All regular/fixed-term OCAA and ALOC lawyers on staff, current Redeployment List Members and current Articling Student Hireback Pool Members.
Step 2: In the absence of qualified applicants at Step 1 the competition may be reposted so that external applicants or non-members of the above-mentioned groups would then be eligible to apply.
The Ministry of the Attorney General, Civil Law Division (CVLD) is seeking three counsel to provide legal advice and services to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), with a focus on child welfare and protection issues.
For one of the three positions, we are seeking counsel with specific experience in negotiating agreements between governments and First Nations Inuit or Métis peoples and/or their representatives, and specific experience working with theChild, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 and representing children and youth from Indigenous communities or other communities that are overrepresented in the child welfare system including First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and youth.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

All three positions will provide legal support to the ministry with a focus on child welfare and protection services, including advice on services provided to First Nations, Inuit and Métis children under theChild, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017. Counsel will:
• provide legal advice on the interpretation of Ministry statutes, regulations, program related agreements and policy
• provide legal advice on policy development and the need for amendments to statutes and/or regulations and draft (with legislative counsel) required amendments
• provide legal advice on operational issues
• support Crown Law Office Civil (CLOC) and Constitutional Law Branch (CLB) with litigation matters involving MCCSS
One of the three positions, in addition, will provide legal support to Ministry teams negotiating coordination and funding agreements under the federalAct respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, and other agreements concerning Indigenous-led models of child and family services. This work will include both supporting and attending at negotiations and the drafting of custom agreements and other instruments to support the delivery of Indigenous-led child and family services and programs

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

Membership in good standing as a lawyer with the Law Society of Ontario

Knowledge and Skills

For all three positions:
• Knowledge and experience in the interpretation, application and drafting of legislation/regulations
• Demonstrated experience advising on the development of legislation, regulations, and policy
• Demonstrated analytical skills, political acuity and judgment including ability to identify and assess legal and risk implications in client practices, policies and programs and provide solution-oriented legal advice
• Proven ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks while working under tight deadlines with changing and competing demands
• Demonstrated negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to welcoming diversity and promoting inclusion both in the branch and in engagement with clients and stakeholders
• Familiarity with ministry legislation and programs is an asset
• Experience working with First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples, or their representatives
For the position that will also support negotiation of agreements concerning Indigenous-led models of child and family services:
• Experience working with First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples, or their representatives
• Experience negotiating agreements with First Nations, Inuit, or Métis peoples and/or their representatives
• Experience working with theChild, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, including representing children and youth from communities that are overrepresented in the child welfare system, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and youth