Legal assistant in administrative law

Administrative Legal Assistant/Intake Legal Assistant, PLC Prince George, Term B015-24
LEGAL AID BC
ADMINISTRATIVE LEGAL ASSISTANT/INTAKE LEGAL ASSISTANT,
PARENTS LEGAL CENTRE
STARTING DATE: ASAP
HOURS OF WORK: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Legal Aid BC is in the early stages of, and committed to a transformative journey to embedding Truth and Reconciliation, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in all aspects of our work. We seek talent from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Metis descent, persons with diverse abilities, gender diverse, racialized, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community be a part of this exciting stage of Legal Aid BC’s growth. We care deeply about the culture we are building and are looking for staff members who not only excel in their respective areas but are also passionate about supporting the people we serve and each other. All interested and eligible applicants will be considered with due consideration to all protected grounds under the BC Human Rights Code. Pursuant to approval granted under the Special Programs section of the BC Human Rights Code, preference will be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry. This position works closely with the Parents Legal Centres (PLC) lawyer(s) and paralegal(s)/advocate(s). It is located at the PLC office and has a child protection focus. Attendance at the courthouse on list days, may be required.
Provide administrative and legal administrative support for the Department, Managing Lawyer, Lead Lawyer, Staff Lawyer, roster lawyers lead and/or Paralegal/Advocate. Provide front line services to the public for in-person, online and telephone legal aid programs including intake services. Provide legal information and assess eligibility and suitability for services.
Our commitment to the principles of fundamental justice embedded in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms , and to Truth and Reconciliation, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is ambitious and foundational. These are our values, and they inform our hiring practices too. Our business is aiding people in severe legal distress and necessitates internal and external alignment of practicing these values. Integrating Truth and Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion throughout every aspect of Legal Aid BC is critical to building that culture, and we prioritize ongoing resources to achieve that goal.
Assist with the implementation and delivery of the program;
Provide input to and maintain program processes, policies and procedures, create and maintain manuals, and records management;
Process and maintain program data, databases, data input and reporting; Maintain quality control of operating policies established by the lead lawyer and program team.
ADMINISTRATION:
Draft, produce routine correspondence and legal documents, answer telephone inquiries, provide information on services offered or direct to other community resources;
Provide administrative support to the Department, Lead Lawyer, Managing Lawyer, Staff Lawyer, roster lawyers and/or paralegal/advocate(s) including ensuring time keeping is entered into systems;
Order pamphlets and office supplies, call for equipment repairs, and maintain library material;
Develop and maintain client file lists, and client records in the database and other LABC systems;
Provide required documents to lawyers, clients, and other external contacts as required and respond to follow-up requests and or problems regarding referrals and contracts;
Orient, train, schedule, and provide guidance to new and casual staff and roster lawyers as required.
Contact lawyers to arrange services, make referrals and issue contracts to private bar lawyers, or other agencies;
Enter data into LABC client database and process and issue contracts; INTAKE SERVICES / PUBLIC LEGAL EDUCATION & INFORMATION:
Provide an empathetic, non-judgemental, open-minded and person-centered approach aimed at building trust with clients in order to identify legal issues and urgency, meeting them where they are at;
Practice active listening, non-violent communication, non-violent crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques in order to achieve communication and information sharing with clients facing barriers to service through a lens of Truth & Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion;
Use trauma informed approach to complete client intake by obtaining client information to complete legal aid application;
Interview clients in person and by phone to answer enquiries, analyse and clearly identify client’s legal issue(s), urgency of issue and provide legal information / verified legal advice;
Identify client’s needs and circumstances and decide on course of action, including completion of intake application, provide legal information, redirect to other LABC or community resources;
Determine coverage and assess eligibility for legal aid based on legal aid coverage policies and guidelines;
Keep current and be familiar with changes to policies, processes and procedures that affect clients’ eligibility to Legal Aid;
Communicate decisions on legal aid application and provide rationale for decision of legal aid applications that are not approved; Grade 12 education supplemented by completed Legal Administration courses or program
Completed courses in Law, Sociology or related disciplines
Minimum of 5 years of Administration experience in a law environment
to communicate positive or negative information both verbally and in writing, in a tactful and empathetic manner, to internal and external audiences
Demonstrated ability to provide quality customer service in a timely and professional manner while exhibiting diplomacy in a stressful and deadline driven environment
Demonstrated ability to proactively identify and analyze problems and make decisions within policy, procedures, and guidelines while exhibiting sound judgment and using discretion where required
Demonstrated ability to train, orient, motivate, and provide guidance, and act as a resource to others
Working knowledge of Family and Child Protection Law rules and procedures
General knowledge of methods available to stay current with Family and Child Protection Law and procedure changes
Understanding of Indigenous issues, cultures as well as Indigenous community groups and agencies
Awareness of government laws and policies impacting Indigenous peoples
Ability to communicate and relate to Indigenous people and their communities, with sensitivity to cultural and Tribal/Nation differences
Understanding of the structure and history of Indigenous communities within BC
Working knowledge of English grammar and spelling
Basic Working knowledge of database systems
Intermediate Working Knowledge of MS Office Suites (word, excel, PowerPoint)
This competition may require skills testing based on the qualifications for this position:
Microsoft 365 (Office Suite) – Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access
Typing
Security clearance check by BC Corrections including a Canadian Police Information Computer (CPIC) system check
Support for training and development
~ 13 paid statutory holidays
~ An opportunity for a flexible hybrid work arrangement for some positions (LABC reserves the right to change this policy at any time)
~ An Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council, and Indigenous employees Council and Accessibility Committee of employees from equity-seeking groups that advises on ongoing improvements and investments in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at our workplace