Job order – J0525-0234 – Contract

Published May 28, 2025

Title

Legal Aid Worker

City

Oshawa, 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
This in-person position is responsible for providing direct client service and assisting the duty counsel at the Oshawa family duty counsel office.

The responsibilities of this position will be to support the Oshawa expanded family duty counsel office. The legal aid worker will be responsible for the initial assessment and intake of family law clients at the duty counsel office, including checking conflicts; assigning files to duty counsel; scheduling appointments; creating and managing files; liaising with court stakeholders and community agencies; responding to client enquiries; referring clients to appropriate services and resources; providing general legal information; completing LAO status checks; and providing general administrative support at the office.

The legal aid worker will also closely assist duty counsel with various tasks and administrative duties required to advance client matters through the family court process. It includes file management; communication with clients, court staff and stakeholders; the preparation of correspondence and drafting of family court documents; and providing information on court processes and procedural matters, under the direct supervision of a duty counsel.

Reports to: Manager, Legal Services

Key accountabilities
• Complete initial intake of clients, including administering the financial and legal eligibility tests.
• Responsible for assessing or triaging of client needs, and referring clients to the appropriate resources or services;
• Check for conflicts, assign clients to duty counsel.
• Assist in scheduling duty counsel shifts.
• Assist clients and lawyers on the phone, by e-mail and/or in-person by providing general information regarding the court process and the status of certificate applications, appeals or referrals.
• Provide public legal information and information on community resources, including community outreach.
• Ensure printed materials, documents and office supplies are updated, replenished and maintained at the office.
• Liaise with internal and external justice stakeholders, including shelters, community agencies, court staff and private bar members, to ensure seamless client service.
• Responsible for management of client files, including opening and closing files, maintaining a tickler system, preparing and reviewing correspondence, organizing materials in files, and recording of time.
• Schedule and/or attend client appointments and interviews for document preparation.
• Assist in gathering information; reviewing of and responding to correspondence, including client inquiries and requests for information.
• Drafting and preparation of court documents under duty counsel supervision.
• Enter data and update files in Legal Files, in PeopleSoft and other record-keeping programs, as required.
• Implement established systems to manage the volume of work, and the ability to compile information for statistical purposes, reporting and analysis.
• Provide mentorship and/or training to other staff.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required skills & experience
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and interview skills.
• Ability to effectively identify the needs of the clients, in order to refer them to the appropriate services.
• Ability to determine legal and financial eligibility based on LAO eligibility criteria.
• Sound knowledge of the availability and scope of LAO services, including the guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in interacting with clients, lawyers and other agencies, especially in stressful situations.
• Ability and willingness to learn and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures.
• Resiliency, solution-oriented, possessing a calm temperament, and adaptability to a constantly changing work environment.
• An understanding and adherence to discretion and client confidentiality.
• Ability to manage client expectations.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work collaboratively and effectively in a team environment.
• Ability and willingness to work effectively with and be sensitive to the needs of vulnerable clients, particularly clients with mental health issues, survivors of domestic abuse, and clients from marginalized communities.
• Ability to work well under time constraints.
• Experience in drafting family law court documents.
• Good understanding of court processes, rules and practice directions.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation would be an asset, including the Family Law Act and Child Support Guidelines; Children’s’ Law Reform Act; Child, Youth and Family Services Act; An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families; the Divorce Act; and the Family Law Rules.
• Competent computer skills and knowledge of the Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and DivorceMate.
• Experience in the use of Legal Files and PeopleSoft programs would be an asset.
• Diploma or certificate in law practice or court-related areas would be an asset.

• Organizational Competencies Expected:
• Client Focus
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Personal Motivation and Accountability
• Focus on Quality and Best Practice
• Problem Solving and Judgment
• Organizational Awareness
• Teamwork and Collaboration

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

Accountability
Agile/Adaptable
Building Trust
Communication
Results Orientation
Service Orientation
Teamwork & Partnering

Reference

412195