Income security paralegal
Neighbourhood Legal Services
Neighbourhood Legal Services (NLS) is a community legal clinic, funded by Legal Aid Ontario. We provide poverty law services in the areas of housing, immigration, income security and employment to low-income residents of the east downtown neighbourhoods of Toronto.
NLS has an opening for a Paralegal to work principally on income security files (including Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) eligibility appeals, medical reviews and Ontario Works/ODSP overpayment appeals) while also advancing systemic law reform issues. This position also includes sharing duties related to onsite legal consults for patients of the St. Michael’s Hospital Academic Family Health Team through our Health Justice Program. In addition to having sufficient relevant experience in social assistance/administrative law, the successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to social justice, community engagement, and systemic advocacy.
Qualifications include:
- Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario
-
Relevant experience and advocacy skills such as:
- Experience advocating before administrative tribunals such as the Social Benefits Tribunal or experience specifically working on income security matters
- Experience working within marginalized communities
- Ability to identify systemic issues affecting community members
- Experience building alliances with community members and other community stakeholders
- Knowledge of legal frameworks that affect people living in poverty
- Demonstrated experience in community empowerment, law or policy reform
The starting salary for this position is $58,000, plus a monthly 5.5% employer RRSP contribution and health benefits. It is a permanent unionized (OPSEU) position.
NLS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from those with lived experience of oppression. We encourage applications from members of Black, Indigenous, People of Colour communities, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ people.
In addition to their resumé, applicants should detail their relevant experience in a covering letter and must include at least three references as well as a short sample of legal writing. Applications must be received by the legal clinic by Friday April 21st and should be addressed to the attention of:
The Hiring Committee, Neighbourhood Legal Services
163 Queen Street East #101, Toronto, ON M5A 1S1
Fax: (416) 861-1777
Email: general@nls.clcj.ca
Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.