Legal Aid Worker

This position is responsible for providing client service under the direct supervision of Manager, District Operations. The Legal Aid Worker will be responsible for the initial assessment and intake of criminal, family, and prison law clients to assist in determining the appropriate service for the client and/or referral to appropriate services and resources, providing basic procedural information to clients, interviewing sureties, possible appearances in Case Management court , preparation and drafting of non-complex family court documents and pleadings, including the drafting and preparation of applications, answers, motions, affidavits, and financial statements and other duties as assigned. Possible attendance at local provincial and federal correctional facilities. Providing administrative support for the Lawyer Manager, Manager, District Operations, and staff duty counsel lawyers which may include assistance with scheduling, bring forward/tickler systems, maintaining organized computer filing system for criminal matters (Service Integration/SI) and family enhanced duty counsel services, and communicating with certificate and per diem roster members.
The role may require the successful candidate to attend various court locations, provincial and federal institutions within the district and therefore the successful candidate must be willing to travel.
Home location: Kingston
Secondary locations: Napanee, Belleville
Reporting to: Manager, District Operations

• Assessment of the client need to determine the appropriate service for the client, including the early identification of vulnerable clients so that the appropriate service can be provided and/or referrals can be made
• Perform intake by interviewing clients (in-person, phone, video) to gather necessary information (case history) required for decision making and assist the staff and per diem lawyers with client queries, referrals, and requests for information;
• Assist with the drafting and preparation of variation applications for support, non-complex family applications for decision-making responsibility, parenting time, and support and any other documents required by the Family Law Rules, under the direct supervision of lawyer;
• Maintaining tickler systems, interviewing criminal clients and potential sureties as support for staff and per diem lawyers;
• Take applications for Legal Aid certificates. Ability to determine legal and financial eligibility based on Legal Aid Ontario's eligibility criteria and to generate certificates in accordance with policy, procedures and standard formats
• Perform office administration tasks such as data input, ordering supplies, maintaining files, scheduling per diem duty counsel and other tasks as assigned
• Familiarity and competence with proper maintenance of client data base, computer information databases such as Legal Files, DivorceMate, PeopleSoft, conflict of interest systems, file tickler systems,
• Familiarity with financial and legal eligibility for Legal Aid Ontario programs, certificate coverage and Legal Aid Ontario Tariff guidelines;
• Travel will be required

• Excellent family law drafting and word processing skills, familiarity with family law software programs, such as DivorceMate and Legal Files;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with clients, lawyers, and other agencies with the proven ability to exercise judgment when encountering stressful situations including the early identification of vulnerable clients so that the appropriate service and referrals can be made;
• Good understanding of criminal and family court processes and the rules and practice directions for all levels of court serviced by duty counsel;
• Legal worker experience in criminal and family law;
• Knowledge of relevant criminal, family, and prison law legislation;
• Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures;
• Demonstrated commitment to client service and relationship building skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team;
• Possess significant knowledge of Legal Aid Ontario's mandate and priorities;
• Ability to maintain detailed functional and theoretical knowledge of Legal Aid application processing rules and procedures;
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including familiarity and competence with proper maintenance of client data base, computer information databases such as PeopleSoft;
• Well-developed interview skills;
• Ability to determine legal and financial eligibility based on Legal Aid Ontario's eligibility criteria and to generate certificates in accordance with policy, procedures and standard formats;
• Written and oral French language skills are an asset;
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies including Smartphones and videoconference systems;
• Must have intermediate knowledge of the following Microsoft programs: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
• Must have clear CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre);
• Valid driver's license, access to a vehicle, and ability to travel within the Eastern District.
Organizational Competencies Expected
• Client Focus
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Personal Motivation and Accountability
• Focus on Quality and Best Practice
• Problem Solving and Judgment
• Organizational Awareness
• Teamwork and Collaboration
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.
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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: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com.