Indigenous Community Legal Worker-Advocate/Paralegal, PLC Victoria B031-26

Legal Aid BC•Victoria, BC

7d•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, is for an Indigenous Community Legal Worker-Advocate/Paralegal. The primary function is to liaise with Indigenous communities and agencies, providing advocacy, administrative support, legal information and advice, early intervention, education, community outreach, and referrals to address civil and poverty law issues affecting Indigenous people. Legal Aid BC seeks talent from equity-seeking groups and encourages applicants to self-identify. Preference will be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry.

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 obtaining security clearance check by BC Corrections including a Canadian Police Information Computer (CPIC) system check.

Nice To Haves

Preference will be provided to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry.

Responsibilities

Collect and review intake materials for LABC referral applications.
Establish and maintain client files.
Assess issues, needs, and urgency of matters, including legal proceedings.
Meet and interview clients, provide brief legal advice, and consider next steps.
Ensure clients have legal representation prior to court appearances as appropriate.
Conduct summary research.
Consult with Managing Lawyer and provide summary advice.
Assist with basic case preparation, including documents.
Assist with drafting correspondence as required.
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.
Provide advocacy at collaborative meetings and support at court.
Prepare and provide self-help materials, including precedents related to civil law areas such as access to benefits, health, Indian residential schools settlement, wills, and estates, and on and off reserve housing.
Build relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities to network, raise awareness of LABC and PLC services, present information, and identify community needs.
Develop and conduct workshops to train band members, Chief and Council, and community members on issues related to child protection, family law, civil law, and mediation.
Build and maintain relationships with community services, including drug and alcohol, mental health, housing, parenting support, and counselling groups.
Distribute public legal education (PLE) materials and describe them in a culturally meaningful way.
Assist Indigenous clients with identification and access of appropriate LABC services, including legal representation and mediation.
Attend court with clients, liaise with the Ministry of Children and Family Development or Delegated Aboriginal Agency, LABC lawyer, and duty counsel to foster a holistic approach.
Provide orientation for clients on civil and family law justice system processes, including child protection, mediation, and other options.
Assist duty counsel at the courthouse by working directly with clients, explaining processes, and conducting interviews.
Provide input into the development of culturally appropriate PLE materials.
Collect client documents and information to support intake applications and provide to LABC intake for processing.
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