Company Bio
Legal Aid Ontario employees are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients.
As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid Ontario is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law.
If you are looking for a new challenge in your already meaningful career with a team dedicated to justice, and innovation in a flexible and supportive work environment consider this opportunity below.
Primary function
This position supports LAO’s Immigration Detention Representation Program (IDRP), managed out of the Refugee Law Offices in Hamilton and Toronto. This position reports to Management at RLO Hamilton.
This position provides legal administrative support for detention lawyers, paralegals and detention staff in the Refugee Law Office. We are seeking someone with the ability to work co-operatively in a high-pressure environment. The person must be comfortable performing client facing work, including with pre-dominantly Black and racialized clients facing mental health, addictions, and poverty related challenges. The person must be fluent in English and able to write well, must by highly organized, demonstrate technological aptitude, and have strong attention to detail. Previous experience working with immigrant and refugee populations is preferred.
Primary Location: Hamilton Refugee Law Office
Secondary Location: Refugee Law Office, Toronto
Reports to: Manager, RLO - Hamilton
Key accountabilities
- Demonstrated ability to exercise the below job related tasks with an anti-oppressive and anti-racist lens towards clients, stakeholders, and colleagues
- Prepares litigation materials under the supervision of detention counsel, including compiling documents for e-filing, and drafting affidavits.
- Prepares and manages administrative matters related to client files, including opening and closing files, and record keeping and reporting
- Provides client intake coverage, as required
- Provides reception coverage, as required
- Provides back up invoicing assistance, as required
- Provides administrative support to lawyers, paralegals, and detention staff as required, such as drafting correspondence, arranging interpreter or medical appointments, arranging disclosure service, etc.
- Liaises with other service providers, internal and external, including private bar counsel, court-based services, counsellors, doctors and psychiatrists, as required.
- Additional, specific duties as outlined by RLO management.
Required skills & experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to multi-task, to work well under pressure, and to exercise sound judgement while doing so.
- Ability to take initiative, work with limited instruction, identify problems, and suggest and implement solutions.
- Ability to work with vulnerable clients, including persons with mental health issues and addictions challenges.
- Demonstrated commitment to client service and relationship building skills.
- Team player willing to perform a variety of tasks as the necessity demands.
- Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures.
- Intermediate to advanced skill level in Microsoft Office products such as Word, Outlook, Excel, Adobe, PDF, and video conferencing technologies including MS Teams.
Education & Experience
- Previous experience working with refugee and immigration populations an asset
- Previous experience working with vulnerable clients an asset
- Previous administrative experience in a law office an asset
- Law clerk diploma an asset
- Knowledge of immigration, refugee law tribunal policies, procedures an asset
- Lived experience as an immigrant and/or within immigrant and refugee communities is an asset
- Ability to communicate in languages other than English is an asset.
To apply submit a covering letter & résumé.
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.
This position is collectively represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and the successful incumbent will be governed by the provisions of a collective agreement and subject to union dues.
Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume or to the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.
First time applying to LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position.
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Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.
Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support:
[email protected]
Equity Statement
Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and embraces differences as a priority is a core value at LAO. LAO encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis, Black and racialized, as well as persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
We recognize the value of equity, diversity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and prioritizing, attracting and retaining diverse staff. All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at LAO. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.