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 Legal Aid Worker (LAW) position at the North Bay court location is responsible for interviewing clients, gathering details on client’s legal matter and financial situation, determining eligibility and appropriate service channel. The incumbent will be responsible for providing general procedural information, liaising with court based and community legal services, completing legal aid applications at both the JOT and by phone. This role may include responsibilities that cover all service models in the District, including bail support, case management court and DC assistance as required. As well this position may have some institutional responsibilities including attendance at the North Bay jail.

This LAW position will provide administrative support to both family and criminal lawyers within the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts.

In family law the legal aid work will assist with triage of clients at FLIC, assisting with preparation of court documents, filing court documents, copying, etc.

In criminal law the legal worker will attend court with the staff lawyers and per diem duty counsel to provide direct client service. Working in conjunction with duty counsel they will support the duty counsel program and Service Integration. They may be required to contact sureties, complete applications for treatment programs and follow-up on instructions. The LAW may also be required to travel to other offices in the district on occasion to support the duty counsel program in that location.

Home Location: North Bay - Nipissing
Other Locations: Parry Sound

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities

• Provide general information, including procedural legal information, by responding to in-person, written and phone inquiries, from lawyers, clients and other legal system partners, on the status of applications, appeals and referrals.
• Liaise with other legal service providers, internal and external, including court based services, to ensure seamless client service
• Perform client and certificate file management activities, including providing of information to clients relating to legal aid and court proceeding.
• Court document preparation; client interviewing and assistance with filing the client’s family court documents
• Support panel management as and when directed by the Director General
• Complete complex legal aid applications in person – in custody and out, by telephone including eligibility decisions and client/conflict checks
• Create systems to manage the volume of work and the ability to compile information for statistical purposes and reporting/analysis
• Assist clients and lawyers on the phone and/or in person
• Outreach work with clinics and other community agencies to promote and expand services co-ordination opportunities
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team setting with other Legal Aid Workers, Lawyers, and stakeholders
• This position may require travel.
• Perform other duties as required

Required skills & experience

• French language proficiency (or a second language) is a strong asset

• 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

• Ability and willingness to appear in court on behalf of clients

• Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures

• Demonstrated commitment to client service and relationship building skills

• Possess experience with all types of law and some knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Criminal Code of Canada, the Family Law Act and the Child and Family Services Act

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and presentation skills

• Possess significant knowledge of LAO priorities, policies and procedures

• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including familiarity and competence with proper maintenance of client data base and computer information databases such as Peoplesoft

• Well-developed interview skills in a social service environment

• Ability to maintain detailed functional and theoretical knowledge of legal aid application processing rules and procedures including Section 30 process, financial principles and LAO policies and practices

• Ability to determine legal and financial eligibility based on LAO eligibility criteria and to generate certificates in accordance with office procedures and standard formats and to submit files and appropriate documentation to area office staff for processing

• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies

• Must have intermediate knowledge of the following Microsoft programs; Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with Legal Files Access would be assets

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 1-877-427-7717 or email support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com.

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.