Social Assistance Caseworker

Don Valley Community Legal Services

Contract position

Don Valley Community Legal Services (“DVCLS”) is a community legal clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario. DVCLS provides free, clinic law services to persons of modest income in the areas of housing, immigration and refugee, employment law and income supports. We are located in Toronto, and our catchment area is bounded by Lake Ontario on the South to York Mills/401 on the North, and from Yonge Street/Don River on the West to Victoria Park Avenue on the East.

DVCLS is seeking an experienced caseworker to join our Income Maintenance Team on a full-time, one-year contract to cover a leave of absence. The successful candidate will inherit and be responsible for managing a full caseload consisting primarily of Ontario Disability Support Program appeals, and advocating before the Social Benefits Tribunal. The candidate will also collaborate with DVCLS’s community partners to provide public legal education seminars and workshops, and participate in law reform initiatives and community development projects for our community.

In accordance with DVCLS’s hybrid workplace model, the expectation is the successful candidate will work both remotely and on-site at the offices of DVCLS.

The anticipated start date is June 2023.

Qualifications:

A lawyer or paralegal in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
3 – 5 years of demonstrated legal experience representing clients at the Social Benefits Tribunal of Ontario
Extensive knowledge of the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997 and the Ontario Works Act, 1997
Strong legal and advocacy skills, written and oral communication skills
Excellent Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook and internet research skills
Ability to collaborate and work as a team with other lawyers, paralegals and support staff
Ability to handle a full caseload, meet tight deadlines, maintain accuracy and attention to detail with minimal supervision
Demonstrated commitment to working from an anti-oppression and social justice framework
Experience working with a diverse range of clients from low-income and marginalized groups, including and in particular clients with mental health challenges
Ability to diffuse tense situations and to assist people in crisis in a calming and helpful manner
Ability to prepare and present public legal education seminars and workshops to the community using plain English
Ability to work both remotely or in the office
Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, subject to medical or Ontario Human Rights Code based exemptions

Assets:

Prior experience working at a community legal clinic and with the Clinic Information Management System
Familiarity with resources and agencies in DVCLS’s community
Fluency in French or a second language pertinent to serving DVCLS’s catchment area
Experience in media relations, outreach, lobbying, networking, event organizing or stakeholder engagement

Remuneration:

Salary Range: $62,000.00 to $90,000.00, based on year of call/license, experience and qualifications
Participation in DVCLS’s group health and dental plan
Payment of the LSO annual dues invoice (as per commencement of employment)

Applications:

Applications must include a resume, cover letter, and the contact information for two references.

Applications may be submitted by email to bhavin.bilimoria@dvcls.clcj.ca, by fax or by mail, and should be addressed to the Hiring Committee.

The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. on May 1, 2023.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but we will only be contacting those selected for an interview.

As an employer, DVCLS is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we serve. This includes diversity in languages spoken, culture, race, sexual orientation and gender identity. We encourage applications from individuals from diverse, marginalized and racialized communities and backgrounds. DVCLS promotes the principles of anti-oppression and adheres to the tenets of Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Please let us know if you have any accommodation needs regarding the submission of your application.