Indigenous Community Legal Worker-Advocate/Paralegal B002-26

Legal Aid BC•Victoria, BC

20d•CA$67,053 - CA$76,597•Hybrid

About The Position

Legal Aid BC is committed to embedding Truth and Reconciliation, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in all aspects of its work. This full-time term position, located in Victoria and running until November 30, 2026, seeks talent from equity-seeking groups, particularly individuals of Indigenous Ancestry, to provide advocacy and administrative support, legal information and advice, early intervention, education, and community outreach to address civil and poverty law issues affecting Indigenous people. The role involves liaising with Indigenous communities and agencies, providing direct client support, and contributing to the development of culturally appropriate legal resources. Legal Aid BC values fundamental justice, Truth and Reconciliation, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and seeks staff who are passionate about supporting clients and each other.

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.
General knowledge of child protection, family, criminal and other civil and administrative legal proceedings that affect low income people.
Knowledge of collaborative processes and the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s Collaborative Practice and Decision-Making Policy.
Knowledge of various community resources available.
Knowledge of LABC policies and procedures.
Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills in person, by telephone and by email.
Ability to analyze/assess legal problems and provide legal information/advice.
Ability to conduct legal research, and advocate for clients.
Ability to prepare basic legal correspondence and court documents.
Ability to recognize and diffuse stressful situations and deal with clients in a sensitive manner.
Ability to make and maintain effective contacts with agencies, organizations, and other community groups.
Ability to be discreet and manage confidential information.
Ability to work well with others in a team setting.
Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Must be familiar with general software applications (MS Word, Outlook, Excel).
Must have a strong desire to assist disadvantaged clients, including those experiencing family violence or addiction issues, those with low income, those with mental disabilities, or those whose first language is not English.
Demonstrated awareness of the community's cultural diversity, particularly Indigenous cultures.
A valid BC driver’s license is required.
Must be willing and able to travel throughout BC.
Employment is conditional upon completing and obtaining clearance from a Criminal Record Check (CRC) in accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act.
Employment is conditional upon completing and obtaining clearance from a security clearance check by BC Corrections including a Canadian Police Information Computer (CPIC) system check.

Nice To Haves

Applicants of Indigenous Ancestry (pursuant to approval granted under the Special Programs section of the BC Human Rights Code, this position is only open to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry).

Responsibilities

Liaise with Indigenous communities and agencies.
Provide advocacy and administrative support.
Offer legal information and advice.
Conduct early intervention, education, and community outreach.
Make referrals to address civil and poverty law issues affecting Indigenous people.
Collect and review intake materials for LABC referral applications.
Establish and maintain client files.
Assess issues, needs, and urgency of client matters.
Meet and interview clients, provide brief legal advice, and consider next steps.
Ensure clients have legal representation prior to court appearances.
Conduct summary research.
Consult with Managing Lawyer and provide summary advice.
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 civil law.
Build relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Raise awareness of LABC and other LABC services.
Develop and conduct workshops for community members on various legal issues.
Build and maintain relationships with community services (e.g., drug and alcohol, mental health, housing).
Distribute public legal education materials and explain them in a culturally meaningful way.
Assist Indigenous clients with identification and access of appropriate LABC services.
Attend court with clients and liaise with relevant parties.
Provide orientation for clients on civil and family law justice system processes.
Assist duty counsel at the courthouse by explaining processes and conducting interviews.
Provide input into the development of culturally appropriate PLE materials.
Collect client documents and information for intake applications.
Refer clients to other LABC services or external referrals.
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