Community Legal Worker (Paralegal)

Scarborough Community Legal Services is looking for an enthusiastic Community Legal Worker to join their housing law team.

Duties and Responsibilities

Casework

• Provide summary advice, brief services, and casework in all aspects of residential tenancy matters, particularly those related to tenant applications at the LTB
• Collaborate with the L & T team on the management and conduct of cases through informal discussions and/or formal case conferences
  Provide summary advice, brief services, and casework in other areas of law as might be required

Law Reform & Community Organizing

• Support law reform and community organizing initiatives on housing issues in collaboration with the Executive Director and the housing team
  Represent the clinic to community groups by providing resources and expertise in housing issues

Public Legal Education (“PLE”)

• Speak to community agencies and community members on housing issues, clinic services, and other topics within expertise
• Write, edit, and review clinic produced PLE materials on housing issues

Research

• Conduct legal research on case files and for the purpose of collaborating with the L & T team
• Monitor policy changes, government initiatives, research studies, reports etc. on housing related matters that have an impact on, and implications for, our client community

Qualifications and Experience

• You must be a paralegal with 2 to 5 years’ experience in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.
• You have a sound knowledge of the legislative scheme governing housing in Ontario, including the Residential Tenancies Act, Housing Services Act and the Human Rights Code.
• You have experience appearing before administrative tribunals or Small Claims Court. Experience at the Landlord and Tenant Board is a strong asset.
• You have strong advocacy skills, the ability to evaluate legal issues and exercise sound judgment.
• You have a demonstrated commitment to social justice and working for positive social change on issues that affect low-income individuals and groups, particularly in the area of housing.
• You have the strong communication and interpersonal skills that are needed to address the needs of people from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds.
• You have a collaborative work approach and the ability to work well in a team-based environment.
• Knowledge in other areas of clinic law and the ability to speak a second language are assets.

Terms of Employment

This is a permanent full-time position and is part of OPSEU’s bargaining unit. The salary range is $65,000 – $70,000. The compensation package includes a comprehensive health and dental benefits package and membership in DBPlus CAAT pension plan.

We have a Remote Work Policy that permits a hybrid work arrangement for this position after completion of a probationary period.

How to Apply

All applicants are asked to submit the following documents in PDF format:

• a cover letter
• resume,
• contact information for two references

Interested candidates can apply on our hiring site: https://scls.factorialhr.com/job_posting/community-legal-worker-paralegal-37675