Temporary Unit Assistant-Legal Disclosure

Catholic Children's Aid Society of Hamilton•Hamilton, ON

10d•CA$50,992 - CA$61,254•Hybrid

About The Position

The Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton is seeking a Unit Assistant, Legal Disclosure to join their team on a full-time temporary basis for a 13-month contract ending November 5, 2027. This role reports to the Senior Legal Counsel and is responsible for ensuring the completion of disclosure and access requests made to the Society, while maintaining privacy and confidentiality standards. The position involves consulting with the Senior Legal Counsel for clarification, maintaining a system to track requests, liaising with agency management and staff, preparing disclosure materials, requesting record searches, obtaining necessary consents or court orders, redacting files, and using internal tools and technologies. The Unit Assistant will also prepare procedures for disclosure and access processes, maintain a desk manual, keep records of completed files, attend unit meetings, participate in supervision and evaluations, represent the agency professionally, and complete mandatory training. A commitment to anti-oppressive practices and anti-racism, as well as compliance with health and safety policies, is expected. The agency is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, especially those who can provide different perspectives and contribute to a further diversification of ideas. Qualified candidates must possess skills and knowledge to work with a diverse population and address inequities.

Requirements

Graduate of a recognized community college or successful completion of the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario course, or equivalent experience.
At least 3-5 years of experience in a paralegal/law clerk position performing a legal disclosure function, or at minimum a College certificate or diploma in a law program and direct and relevant work experience.
At least 3-5 years of experience in an administrative legal support position in a family law practice.
Demonstrates a respectful, compassionate demeanor, using tact, sensitivity and diplomacy when dealing with others.
Demonstrated competence in problem solving and the exercise of good judgment.
Ability to be decisive and effective under pressure and to perform tasks efficiently and using initiative and judgment in a fast-paced environment. Seeks assistance when appropriate.
Demonstrated experience in duties requiring concentration and high attention to detail.
Familiarity with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and rules of access and disclosure.
Excellent organizational, coordination and time management skills to determine priorities, act in a timely manner and complete administrative duties within strict deadlines and manage several assignments simultaneously.
Effective verbal and written communication skills applying sound interpersonal and organizational skills. Produces written communication that is concise, professional and accurate. Proofreads for error, grammar, and content.
Ability to work jointly, co-operatively in consultation with other persons, professionals and teams. Maintains effective communication and working relationships with Agency staff, clients and stakeholders. Contributes own personal expertise in assisting other staff members.
Ability to work independently, to take responsibility for organizing, prioritizing and completing the work assigned.
Demonstrates a commitment to, and work ethic in leadership and role models behaviours that demonstrates the Mission and Vision of the Catholic Children’s Aid Society.
Knowledge and commitment to anti-oppressive/anti-racist philosophy.
Computer literate with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft office and proprietary child welfare systems and programs.
Able to affirm and integrate in the delivery of services the Society values which reflect the Agency’s Catholic faith, heritage, culture and traditions.
At the time of hire, documents required will include: Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Police clearance, Provincial Child Protection Record Check.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual French/English is an asset.

Responsibilities

Ensures the completion of disclosure and access requests made to the Society under the direction of the Senior Legal Counsel.
Maintains privacy and confidentiality standards at all times.
Consults with and is provided direction from the Senior Legal Counsel before taking any action on a request when clarification is required.
Maintains up-to-date system to track disclosure and access requests and tracks completions.
Liaises with agency management and staff as required.
Prepares disclosure and access material based on the priority and statutory timelines, as determined in consultation with supervisor.
Requests record searches to determine what records exist.
Ensures requisite consents or court orders are obtained.
Redacts files as required under disclosure policies.
Uses all internal tools and technologies for this role.
Prepares procedures that set out disclosure and access process to assist other staff in any absence.
Maintains desk manual outlining procedures and processes related to duties.
Maintains an up-to-date record of completed files and filing systems required in the legal unit.
Attends unit meetings, participates in regular supervision and in the evaluation programs.
Represents the agency in a professional manner with internal and external contacts.
Maintains confidentiality of all files, documents and materials.
Completes mandatory training and participates in ongoing agency training.
Demonstrates leadership and a commitment to the principles of anti-oppressive practices and anti-racism based on justice, fairness, equity, respect of the beliefs and traditions of others.
Complies with agency Health and Safety policies and the Ontario Health and Safety Act, and regulations.
Committed to the Society’s mission and vision.