Job order – J0525-0184 – Permanent Full Time
Published May 17, 2025
Title
Legal Aid Worker
Category
Customer Service / Customer Associates
City
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
Job Description
Legal Aid Worker
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
The Legal Aid Worker (LAW) will be responsible for the initial assessment and intake of criminal and family law clients to assist in determining the appropriate service for clients, providing legal information, making referrals to services and resources, and other duties as assigned.
This LAW position will provide administrative support to both family and criminal lawyers within the Sault Ste. Marie area, and may be required to attend various court locations and institutions within the district.
Home Location: Sault Ste. Marie
Other Locations: n/a
Role Designation: LAO Workplace Based – Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace.
Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services
Key accountabilities
General
• Determine legal and financial eligibility for certificate and duty counsel services based on LAO eligibility criteria.
• Triage and interview clients to:
o Gather information about the client’s case;
o Assess client needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients, to determine the appropriate LAO service;
o Prepare client to have a productive meeting with duty counsel;
o Assist in case management procedures.
• Provide basic information about the law, forms, and court process.
• Perform client and certificate file management activities, including providing information to clients relating to legal aid status and court proceedings.
• Provide referrals to other internal and external programs and resources.
• Prepare reports and submit accounts/dockets, as required, in accordance with LAO policies.
• Provide general information, including procedural legal information, both in person and remote.
• Assist with training/onboarding colleagues and per diems.
• Participate in working groups, pilots and LAO initiatives.
• Stakeholder engagement and public legal education.
• Liaise with other legal service providers, including court-based services, to ensure seamless client service.
• Create systems to manage the volume of work and the ability to compile information for statistical purposes and reporting/analysis.
• Assist clients and staff Duty Counsel on the phone and/or in person
• Work cooperatively in a team setting with other Legal Aid Workers, Lawyers, and stakeholders.
• Other duties and administrative tasks as assigned.
Family Law
• Assist with triage of clients at the Family Law Information Centre.
• Determine the appropriate service(s) and referral(s) for client’s.
• Support a team of staff and per diem duty counsel
• Assist with administrative tasks of the Family Duty Counsel (DC) office
• Check conflicts, update and maintain client records in PeopleSoft, Legal Files and other business systems.
Criminal Law
• Interview clients under the supervision of a lawyer to:
o To gather information about the client’s case;
o Assess client needs, including the early identification of vulnerable clients
o To determine the appropriate LAO service for the client and make appropriate referrals;
o Prepare them to have a productive meeting with a staff lawyer.
• Under the supervision of a lawyer, interview potential sureties and make referrals to agencies.
• Under the supervision of a lawyer, speak to routine administrative matters in court.
• Collaborate with colleagues to maintain accurate organized electronic client files.
• Manage email and voicemail system by responding to such communications or directing clients to the appropriate service.
• Determine legal and financial eligibility for certificates and duty counsel services based on LAO eligibility criteria.
• Attend at various office locations in the district to support the Duty Counsel program in that location.
• Other duties and administrative tasks as assigned.
Required skills & experience
• Strong written and oral proficiency in French is preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with clients, lawyers and other stakeholders with the proven ability to exercise judgment when encountering stressful situations including the early identification of vulnerable clients so that the appropriate service and referrals can be made.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and presentation skills.
• Well-developed interview and client service skills.
• Ability and willingness to appear in court to assist eligible clients.
• Proven ability to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated commitment to client service and relationship building skills.
• Possess experience with all types of law and some knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Criminal Code of Canada, the Family Law Act and the Child Youth and Family Services Act.
• Possess significant knowledge of LAO priorities, policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain detailed functional and theoretical knowledge of legal aid application processing rules and procedures including financial principles and LAO policies and practices.
• Ability to determine legal and financial eligibility based on LAO eligibility criteria and to generate certificates in accordance with office procedures and standard formats and to submit files and appropriate documentation to area office staff for processing.
• Demonstrated ability to use latest communication technologies.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including familiarity and competence with proper maintenance of client and computer information databases. Experience with Legal Files Access and Peoplesoft would be assets.
• Must have intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe.
•Final candidates for this position will be required undergo a criminal record check.
To apply submit a cover 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.
Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select “my jobs” to apply.
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:candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com
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.
Skills
- French
- Legal
Reference
411648