Competition #2025-101

Category: Full-Time – Permanent

Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Children and Families, the First Nations Family Advocate Office (FNFAO) Legal Servicers Attorney at Law seeks to enhance the capacity of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) by delivering quality legal services to First Nations families in contact with the Child and Family Services (CFS) system by working substantially in the areas of child protection, private guardianships, human rights complaints, and matters before the Office of the Vulnerable Person’s commission.

KEY ACTIVITIES

• Assist FNFAO-AMC by undertaking innovative legal research which is aimed at supporting broader law reform efforts including efforts aimed at reforming Manitoba’s child protection and CFS systems, encouraging self-government and self-determination of First Nations, and promoting reconciliation;

• Liaising with Manitoba Law Society regarding regulatory compliance;

• Developing public legal education resources regarding child protection processes & rights;

• Assisting clients with child protection proceedings including:

  • Opposing temporary and permanent orders sought by child protection agencies
  • Seeking guardianship orders for family members where appropriate
  • Advocating for adequate visitation schedules for parents and grandparents
  • Advocating for appropriate placements of children in care;

• Assisting clients with private guardianship agreements;

• Representing FNFAO in interventions on matters relevant to the work undertaken by the office;

• Drafting legal documents in support of litigation targeted at systemic reforms;

• Preparing grant applications in areas relevant to justice and child protection;

• Preparing research memorandums and legal opinions on a wide range of topics;

• Developing legal forms for the use by FNFAO staff;

• Providing legal information to FNFAO staff; and

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A law degree from an accredited Canadian Law School or University;

• A member in good standing with the Manitoba Bar Association;

• Knowledge of statistical methods, techniques and information to develop analytical frameworks;

• Knowledge of First Nations research methods and procedures;

• Knowledge of First Nations culture, history, treaty and inherent rights;

• Experience working with First Nations and First Nations organizations or entities;

• Excellent verbal, written, inter-personal communication and presentation skills;

• Demonstrate ability to provide analytical supports while managing multiple projects and deadlines;

• Proficient use of Microsoft Office software, Word, Excel and Outlook;

• Be able to follow office practices, procedures and confidentiality;

• Applicants to provide criminal record and child abuse registry checks;

• Knowledge of First Nation people and communities;

• Ability to work flexible hours and be able to travel upon request; and

• Possess a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their cover letter identifying the position title and quote competition number applying for, qualifications, and resume, along with 3 professional reference listings (including a most recent employer reference) to:

Human Resources

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

14th Floor, 275 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B3

Quote Competition # 2025-101 in your application.

For best results, submit your application to BambooHR

https://manitobachiefs.com/about/job-opportunities/

Preference will be given to First Nations people. If successful, applicants will be asked to provide verification of citizenship documentation issued by a First Nation or government-issued documentation or affirmation from Inuit, Métis, or non-status Indigenous community with which they identify. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

Please visit our website at www.manitobachiefs.com