Legal Aid Worker (18 Months) - Jobs in Peterborough, ON

Job Description

Company BioLegal 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. Its 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 functionThis position is responsible for providing client service and for assisting the Peterborough, Lindsay and Cobourg duty counsel offices. The individual selected for this position will be expected to work, as required, at the Peterborough OCJ and LAO Area Office. In addition, they may be asked to assist remotely with other locations within the LAO Central East District.The legal aid worker would be required to assist these criminal duty counsel offices by providing direct client service and administrative support, including client and surety interviews; triaging client needs and referring clients to appropriate services and resources. The position would include speaking to matters in court.They will also be responsible for the initial assessment and intake of provincial inmate clients at the Central North Correctional Centre and Central East Correctional Centre by telephone or video. The position would also assist with certificate and panel management items as required within the district.Legal Aid Ontario has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that requires all staff be fully vaccinated by a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine or undergo regular testing. Individuals with valid medical or other human rights-based exemptions will be considered for appropriate accommodation within the policy.Key accountabilities

• Carry out initial intake of clients, including administering the financial and legal eligibility tests, and issuing certificates.
• Assess or triage client needs in order to refer clients to the appropriate resource(s) and/or service(s).
• Assist clients and lawyers on the phone and/or in-person by providing general information, including the status of applications, appeals or referrals.
• Conduct client and surety interviews in criminal matters.
• Conduct client interviews remotely for Central North and Central East Correctional Centres.
• Input client data in PeopleSoft and Duty Counsel Worksheets (Service Integration).
• Liaise with private bar lawyers and other appropriate court stakeholders.
• Complete certificate management through district worklists such as amendments, authorizations, change of lawyers
• Prepare contribution agreements, certificates, forms and general correspondences
• Support panel management through enrolment and issues
• Perform other duties as required.

Required skills & experience

• Legal work experience in criminal law;
• Familiarity and competence with basic criminal law procedural rules, and Criminal Code of Canada;
• Good understanding of criminal court processes and the rules and practice directions for all levels of court serviced by duty counsel;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in interacting with clients, lawyers and other agencies, especially in stressful situations.
• Ability to effectively identify the needs of the clients, in order to refer them to the appropriate services.
• Sound knowledge of LAO guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Ability and willingness to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and interview skills, and sound judgment for dealing with clients, lawyers and other agencies;
• Excellent word processing skills;
• Experience in the use of PeopleSoft (Service Integration) programs would be an asset.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft programs (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience in the use of Legal Files and PeopleSoft (Service Integration) programs would be an asset.
• Written and oral French language skills are an asset

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.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.comEquity StatementLegal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available upon request.Legal Aid Ontario encourages applicants from equity seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis descent, persons with disabilities, women, members of racialized communities and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We recognize the value of diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and 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.COVID-19 Vaccine Policy: Legal Aid Ontario has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that requires all staff be fully vaccinated by a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine or undergo regular testing. Individuals with valid medical or other human rights-based exemptions will be considered for appropriate accommodation within the policy.Job Type: ContractQuick Apply

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