Community Legal Worker

The Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) is a not-for-profit corporation incorporated under the laws of Ontario to combat individual and systemic anti-Black racism, providing legal services to members of Ontario’s Black communities, including engaging in advocacy, community development, law reform, test case litigation, and public legal education. BLAC is an independent community legal clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Community Legal Worker is responsible for community outreach, public education and advocating for law reform. The Community Legal Worker is also responsible for preparing BLAC’s communications materials and delivering BLAC’s public education materials.

Client intake, providing summary advice, client representation, supervision of volunteers and providing other assistance to members of the community to ensure awareness, understanding and achievement of their legal rights are also key components of the position.

The Community Legal Worker reports to the Legal Director. This is a one-year, full-time contract position, with a possibility of renewal based on funding.

MINIMUM HIRING REQUIREMENTS

Demonstrated commitment to community and/or legal work related to anti-Black racism, human rights and/or anti-discrimination. Experience dealing with the public is essential. Computer literacy is essential. The ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing is essential. Must be able to work evenings and some weekends.

Desirable: Relevant experience in law specifically related to clinic services. A second language is an asset. Being a paralegal in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario is also an asset. Experience managing social media accounts is an asset.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Development, Outreach and Education

Identify issues for public legal education based on knowledge of legislative or policy developments
Develop and distribute educational materials and self-help packages to inform the public of their rights, obligations and benefits, and to increase client awareness and understanding of legal issues
Arrange necessary logistical details associated with clinic events, community development and public legal education programs and seminars
Participate in and present community development activities and law reform activities designed to further the legal interests and improve the lives of Black Ontarians
Participate in and report on all inter-clinic working group meetings
Participate in and/or present, to inter-clinic working groups, committees and
organizations representing client concerns
Conduct research to identify the need for new or changes to existing services
and programs
Advocate clinic services to increase community awareness
Act as a resource person for community groups based on knowledge of the community, client issues and concerns and clinic operations
Participate in public legal education activities within the clinic’s areas of expertise
Research, prepare and produce oral and written public legal education sessions and in-house training sessions on legal issues, and participate in events as public speaker/conference presenter
Prepare and distribute quarterly Newsletter and maintain the clinic’s social media accounts

Intake

Carry out intake function in compliance with the office practice and procedures
Ensure privacy and maintain confidentiality of clients at all times
Assess client needs to ensure that the clinic can serve them and/or determine other appropriate services/ legal services
Transfer incoming calls to appropriate staff based on knowledge of functional responsibilities and clinic operations
Respond to inquiries from the public to provide information regarding clinic services, processes and procedures
Assess the urgency of the client’s needs; where necessary, engage with caseworker staff to assist the client based on urgency
Refer potential clients and the public to other legal services, social agencies, or government services based on knowledge of community services; assist
with the services and follow up as needed and as appropriate
Conduct initial conflict of interest checks and update the conflict list by adding names when directed
Obtain necessary intake information from clients to complete necessary intake documentation and forms
Provide basic information using the intake manual, without giving legal advice, and document details for review by legal staff

Law Reform/Research

Prepare materials and presentations on law reform issues and attend before bodies to provide submissions
Conduct research for law reform and litigation and participate in other law reform activities including on public/government/consultation committees

Administration/Clinic Operations

Assist in preparation of legal services reports for the clinic’s Board of Directors Preparation of operational statistics to inform Board of clinic services and activities; attend Board meetings, if requested
Assist in preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual statistical reports for LAO
Assist in preparation of annual funding application to LAO
Management and training of clinic volunteers and students
Attend regular in-person meetings with staff and the legal team
May be assigned other duties by the Legal Director

WORKING CONDITIONS

The successful applicant must be able to travel (by airplane, train, or car) throughout Ontario; occasional overnight travel may be required
Work may involve frequent exposure to difficult situations
High volume of contacts and requirement to multi-task
Use of electronic equipment and information technology
May be assigned other duties by the Legal Director

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Commitment to social justice, particularly combatting anti-Black racism, and delivering high quality legal services to low income individuals and groups
Possess strong advocacy skills including research, analysis and negotiation
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to work effectively in an organization under the direction of a volunteer Board of Directors
Ability to negotiate and manage third party relationships, including with community organizations and government agencies
Ability to organize, plan, and implement activities appropriate to advance organizational objectives
Demonstrated ability to advocate for clients with the public at large and similar organizations
Excellent computer and technological skills
Willing and able to work independently, and to make independent decisions
High ethical standards
Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize work
Strong interpersonal skills focused on building and maintaining positive relationships with all levels of staff, clients, volunteers and external stakeholders
Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Ability to utilize analytical, interpretive, evaluative and constructive thinking
Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with virtual meeting scheduling tools

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Range: $72,900 to $75,920, commensurate with qualifications and experience
Benefits: Work from Home (subject to operational requirements)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please apply via e-mail to Danette Edwards, Legal Director, at danette.edwards@blac.clcj.ca, with a cover letter and resume and one writing sample by August 25, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

If you require any accommodation during the interview process please contact danette.edwards@blac.clcj.ca to make appropriate arrangements.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We welcome applications from people who are reflective of the diversity of the communities we serve.