Advocate/Paralegal Prince George B021-26

Legal Aid BC•Prince George, BC

1d•CA$67,053 - CA$76,597•Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Aid BC is seeking an Advocate/Paralegal for a regular full-time position in Prince George. This role involves providing advocacy and support for clients in family law and child protection matters, including mediation, collaborative processes, and court proceedings. The position also supports lawyers in case preparation, liaises with external agencies, and provides legal information and advice. A key aspect of the role is to offer wrap-around client support for issues collateral to family law/child protection matters. Legal Aid BC is committed to Truth and Reconciliation, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and seeks candidates who share these values and are passionate about supporting clients and colleagues.

Requirements

Grade 12 education supplemented by post-secondary education in Law, Criminology, Library Science, and/or Social Work, or Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate from a recognized educational institute.
Minimum 5 years relevant experience in a legal environment and/or as outlined in rated requirements.
Ability to communicate effectively in English.
OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of child protection and family law, mediation, legal proceedings and collaborative processes.
Knowledge of Provincial Court family forms and Supreme Court family forms.
Knowledge of LABC policies and procedures.
Experience screening for family violence, doing risk assessments and safety planning.
Ability to practice cultural sensitivity using extensive knowledge of Truth & Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.
Ability to practice active listening, non-violent communication, non-violent crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
Knowledge of how to apply trauma informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally sensitive approach to engage with clients.
Knowledge of local community’s cultural diversity and resources.
An understanding of issues affecting Indigenous communities, knowledge of Indigenous cultures as well as Indigenous community groups and agencies.
An awareness of government laws and policies impacting Indigenous peoples and of the structure and history of Indigenous communities within BC.
Knowledge of administrative principles, practices, techniques, policies, and legislative development relevant to Indigenous programs, services and activities.
Knowledge of collaborative processes including the Ministry of Children and Family Development and Delegated Aboriginal Agency’s collaborative planning and decision-making policies.
Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills in person, by telephone, and by email.
Demonstrated ability to analyze/assess legal problems and provide legal information/advice.
Demonstrated ability to conduct legal research, and advocate for clients.
Demonstrated ability to prepare basic legal correspondence and court documents.
Demonstrated ability to recognize and diffuse stressful situations and deal with clients in a sensitive manner.
Demonstrated ability to make and maintain effective contacts with agencies, organizations, and other community groups.
Demonstrated ability to be discreet and manage confidential information.
Demonstrated ability to work well with others in a team setting.
Ability to type 40 words per minute (wpm).
Intermediate knowledge of English grammar and spelling.
Familiarity with general software applications (MS Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams).
Strong desire to assist disadvantaged clients, including those experiencing family violence or addiction issues, those with low income, those with mental disabilities, equity-seeking groups, or those whose first language is not English.
Must be eligible for and obtain clearance from a Criminal Record Check (CRC) and a security clearance check by BC Corrections.

Nice To Haves

Skills testing may be required, including Microsoft 365 (Office Suite) – Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Spelling, Typing, and Written Assessment.

Responsibilities

Collect and review intake materials for LABC referral applications.
Establish and maintain client files under supervision.
Assess client issues, needs, urgency, and status of matters.
Interview clients using a trauma-informed approach, provide verified legal information, and consider next steps.
Ensure clients have legal representation prior to court appearances, as appropriate.
Conduct summary research as directed.
Consult with centre lawyers and communicate verified legal advice/information.
Assist with basic case preparation, including documents.
Assist with drafting correspondence.
Provide referrals to and liaison with external advocates, private bar/pro bono counsel.
Negotiate settlements with third parties, including the Ministry of Children and Family Development or Delegated Aboriginal Agency.
Provide advocacy at collaborative meetings and support at court.
Prepare and provide self-help materials, including precedents related to family law and child protection.
Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, and other cultural and ethnic groups.
Build and maintain relationships with client resource groups (e.g., drug and alcohol, mental health, housing, parenting support).
Develop and conduct workshops for community groups.
Distribute public legal education and information (PLEI) materials using a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally sensitive approach.
Assist clients with identifying and accessing appropriate LABC services.
Attend court with clients and liaise with legal counsel, LABC lawyers, duty counsel, government agencies, and community resources.
Provide orientation for clients on civil and family law justice system processes.
Explain processes and conduct interviews with clients.
Provide input into the development of culturally appropriate PLEI materials.
Collect client documents and information for intake applications.
Refer clients to external resources or other services.
Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

Four weeks paid vacation to start that grows the longer you are with LABC
An excellent employee benefits package, where premiums are 100% paid by LABC
A generous defined benefit pension plan
Support for training and development
An Employee and Family Assistance program
The opportunity to participate in various Employee programs (Employee Wellness, etc.)
Support for a healthy work/life balance
Generous leave provisions (sick time, special leaves)
13 paid statutory holidays
An opportunity for a flexible hybrid work arrangement for some positions
Transit friendly employer for eligible staff to have their commute subsidized
Dog-friendly offices
Dedicated Cultural Leave provisions for Indigenous employees