Full-Time Legal Assistant / Intake Worker 1 Year Contract
The Rexdale Community Legal Clinic is seeking a full-time contract legal assistant / intake worker for a term of 1 year. The preferred start date is January 8, 2024.
The Rexdale Community Legal Clinic provides free legal services to residents of North Etobicoke (Toronto, Ontario) who are living on low incomes. The Clinic is funded by Legal Aid Ontario and governed by an independent, community-based Board of Directors.
We provide legal advice and representation in the areas of housing (particularly eviction prevention), social assistance/income maintenance (provincial, federal and other benefit programs), employment rights, and immigration law. Our services also include public legal education, law reform, and community development.
The Rexdale Community Legal Clinic is dedicated to being physically rooted in the community it serves. As such, the successful applicant must be prepared to work in the office at least 4 days per week as well as being able to work remotely.
Main Duties of the Position
- Assists staff in maintaining client files, including uploading of documents to a case management database, standardizing file names and, in general, organizing both digital and paper client files
- Assists caseworkers to contact agencies or clients to make appointments or to communicate information
- Photocopies, scans, and faxes as required
- Maintains legal files as directed, including docketing
- Assists administrative staff in setting up Tribunals Ontario video hearings at the office, as needed
- Covers reception duties, as necessary
- Triages new enquiries and intakes received by the clinic and books for caseworkers according to need and urgency
- Provides legal information, guidance and referrals mainly in the areas of housing and social assistance/income maintenance (provincial, federal and other benefit programs)
- Participates in public legal education, law reform, community development and outreach initiatives
Qualifications
- Excellent computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), Adobe Pro, internet research, and familiarity with Case Management systems
- Ability to manage a high volume of calls and requests in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work well with the public
- Familiarity with legal clinic areas of law, especially housing and social assistance/income maintenance (provincial, federal and other benefit programs)
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment and excel as a team member
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail, especially with respect to legal deadlines and docketing of client interactions
- Ability to assist and support people in crisis in a calm and helpful manner
- Ability to prepare and present public legal education seminars and workshops to the community
- Ability to participate in the Clinic’s law reform initiatives
Assets
- Legal Assistant or Law Clerk accreditation
- 3-5 years of experience in administrative settings, or comparable experience
- Experience in a community legal clinic setting
- Experience working with a diverse range of clients who live on low incomes
- Familiarity with the Legal Aid Ontario Clinic Information Management System
- Familiarity with resources and agencies in RCLC’s catchment area
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary range of $50,000-$55,000 will be based on relevant experience
- Employer contributions to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
- Health Spending Account
Application
Applications must include a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for two references.
Please note that while we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Rexdale Community Legal Clinic is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all groups and communities to apply.
Deadline
Interested candidates are asked to submit the above by email to Yodit Edemariam, Director of Legal Services at yodit.edemariam@rex.clcj.ca by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Please use the subject line: “Legal Assistant / Intake Worker Application 2023”.