Advocate/Paralegal Kamloops B020-26

Legal Aid BC•Kamloops, 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 Kamloops. This role is part of Legal Aid BC's transformative journey to embed Truth and Reconciliation, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in all aspects of their work. The organization seeks talent from equity-seeking groups and values a culture of support for clients and colleagues. The primary function is to provide advocacy and support for clients in family law and child protection matters, assist lawyers in case preparation, liaise with external agencies, and provide legal information and advice. The role also involves community outreach with the goal of providing wrap-around client support for issues collateral to family law/child protection matters.

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.
Must be eligible for and obtain clearance from Criminal Record Check (CRC) and 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 legal information, and consider next steps.
Ensure clients have legal representation for court appearances.
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.
Provide advocacy at collaborative meetings and support at court.
Prepare and provide self-help materials related to family law and child protection.
Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, cultural and ethnic groups, and client resource groups.
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 LABC services.
Attend court with clients and liaise with legal counsel and external agencies.
Provide orientation to clients on the justice system process.
Assist centre lawyers by working directly with clients, explaining processes, and conducting interviews.
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
An Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council, and Indigenous employees Council and Accessibility Committee of employees from equity-seeking groups that advises on ongoing improvements and investments in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at our workplace