LEGAL AID BC
POSTING
TO: LABC STAFF (cc: BCGEU)
FROM: HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
COMPETITION NO: B023-24
DATE POSTED: June 4, 2024
CLOSING DATE: June 18, 2024
STARTING DATE: ASAP
SALARY: Job Class 16 (Market Adjusted) *under review* ($65,100 - $74,366)
HOURS OF WORK: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
This position is not on the modified workweek.
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. We encourage applicants to self-identify within their resume and/or cover letter.
PRIMARY FUNCTION:
To liaise with Indigenous communities and agencies and provide advocacy and administrative support, legal information and advice, early intervention, education and community outreach, and referrals to address the key civil and poverty law issues that affect Indigenous people.
The following job duties are illustrative examples and shall not be construed as an exhaustive description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.
VALUES STATEMENT:
Our commitment to the principles of fundamental justice embedded in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and to Truth and Reconciliation, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is ambitious and foundational. It informs everything we do, as we defend liberty, equality, autonomy, and dignity; as we dismantle colonization, racism, sexism, transphobia and homophobia, and all discrimination. These are our values, and they inform our hiring practices too. Our business is aiding people in severe legal distress and necessitates internal and external alignment of practicing these values. Integrating Truth and Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion throughout every aspect of Legal Aid BC is critical to building that culture, and we prioritize ongoing resources to achieve that goal.
DUTIES:
1. CIVIL/POVERTY LAW ADVICE AND ADVOCACY TO INDIGENOUS CLIENTS:
a) Collect and review intake materials for LABC referral application;
b) Establish and maintain client files;
c) Assess issues/needs/urgency and status of matter(s), including any legal proceedings;
d) Meet and interview clients, provide brief legal advice, consider next steps;
e) Ensure client has legal representation prior to court appearances as appropriate;
f) Conduct any summary research;
g) Consult with Managing Lawyer and provide summary advice;
h) Assist with basic case preparation, including documents;
i) Assist with drafting correspondence as required;
j) Provide referrals to and liaison with external advocates, private bar/pro bono counsel;
k) Negotiate settlements with third parties, including the Ministry of Children and Family Development;
l) Provide advocacy at collaborative meetings and support at court; and
m) Prepare and provide self-help materials, including precedents related to areas of civil law such as access to benefits, health, Indian residential schools settlement, wills, and estates and on and off reserve housing.
2. LIAISE WITH AND PROVIDE LEGAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY:
a) Build relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities to network, raise awareness of LABC and PLC and other LABC services, present information and identify community needs, including developing and conducting workshops to train band members, Chief and Council and community members (intermediaries and the public) on a variety of issues related to their needs including child protection, family law, civil law and mediation;
b) Build and maintain relationships with services in the community, including but not limited to drug and alcohol, mental health, housing, parenting support and counselling groups and services; and
c) Distribute public legal education (PLE) materials and describe the material in a culturally meaningful way.
3. PROVIDE CLIENT LIAISON AND SUPPORT ON LEGAL MATTERS:
a) Assist Indigenous clients with identification and access of appropriate LABC services including legal representation and mediation;
b) Attend court with client, liaise for client with the Ministry of Children and Family Development or Delegated Aboriginal Agency, LABC lawyer, duty counsel, band members to foster a holistic approach;
c) Provide orientation for clients on civil and family law justice system process including child protection, mediation and other options; and
d) Assist duty counsel at court house by working directly with clients explaining process and conducting interviews.
4. PROVIDE OTHER RELATED DUTIES:
a) Provide input into the development of PLE materials that are culturally appropriate as needed;
b) Collect client documents and information in support of intake applications and provide to LABC intake for processing and decision making;
c) Refer clients to other LABC services or external referrals; and
d) Perform other related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Basic requirements
Rated requirements
This position requires some travel:
This competition may require skills testing based on the qualifications for this position:
Employment is conditional upon completing and obtaining clearance from the following:
We offer (based on your employment status and affiliation):
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.legalaid.bc.ca
We would like to thank all external applicants for their interest but regret that only those shortlisted will be contacted.