Legal Services Manager

**_Position: Legal Services Manager_**
**_Location: Location is flexible to any of our office locations in our East, Central, and West Regions_**

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Reporting to the Executive Director, the Legal Services Manager provides leadership in overseeing the legal counsel and legal disclosure teams. The incumbent maintains a caseload, representing the Agency in all matters prescribed with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), the Federal Legislation, the Children’s Law Reform Act, the Family Law Rules and any other relevant legislation.

The incumbent understands the importance of seeking alternative approaches outside of the legal system that will result in preserving relationships, protecting cultural identity and promoting healing. The Legal Services Manager provides advice and guidance that respects the rights and well-being of Indigenous children, youth, and families, and supports solutions that reduce reliance on formal court processes and contributes to positive and sustainable outcomes.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**Legal Consultation**:

- Provide legal consultation and training to Agency staff in execution of its mandate under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and the Federal Legislation.
- Support the provision of services and case management practices that incorporate the enhancement and development of a positive cultural identity of the children, youth, families, and communities served.
- Participate in case conferencing and decision making where appropriate on case management issues.
- Advocate and support the use of alternative approaches to the legal system.
- Review and assign all requests for disclosure of Agency records and files.

**Court Related Activities**:

- Provide advice and representation for Agency staff at all levels of courts and tribunals, including the Child and Family Services Review Board.
- Prepare cases for presentation in court by coordinating the gathering of all information and evidence.
- Draft and/or review pleadings, affidavits, briefs, and all court related documents.
- Represent the Agency in all levels of the courts and tribunals in relation to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, Children’s Law Reform Act, Family Law Act and other statues in both contested and uncontested matters including adjournments, contested motions, motions for summary judgment, hearings, conferences, motions for disclosure, trials and appeals.
- Prepare all documents, processes, case activities, dispositions and court dictation forms.
- Represent the Agency in appeals brought by others and by the Society for orders under the CYFSA, at all levels of court, as required and with respect to any litigation involving disclosure of Agency records and files.

**Legal Disclosure**:

- Responsible for Legal Disclosure, inclusive of records checks, file summaries, requests from other CAS agencies, requests from clients, former clients, legal representatives, court ordered file disclosures, requests from office of the Children’s Lawyers, community partners, etc.
- Ensure requests are prioritized and deadlines met.
- Provide guidance and legal consultation to the team as needed.

**Leadership and Team Management**:

- Provide strong leadership and guidance, fostering a values driven, supportive and collaborative team environment and culture of engagement and well-being.
- Ensure all activities align with the agency's strategic plan, focusing on the importance of keeping children and youth connected to their families and communities.
- Promote learning and development, utilizing agency tools and resources, including leadership competencies, wholistic reviews, coaching for improvement, internal and external training, etc.
- Uphold a safe, healthy, respectful workplace in accordance with policies and procedures and all legislative requirements including the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), the Ontario Health & Safety Act (OHSA) and Workplace Safety Insurance Act (WSIA).
- Communicate clear and measurable performance expectations and accountabilities.
- Monitor and ensure appropriate distribution of tasks and workload.
- Work closely and meet regularly with the Cultural Services Supervisor with a view to tracking and monitoring Circles that are conducted for legal files.
- Provide quarterly legal statistics to the Quality Assurance Department and provide regular statistical updates to Senior Management.

**Relationship and Team Building**:

- Foster a collaborative and cooperative relationship between Agency staff and community members potentially involved within the court system.
- Establish positive relationships with community, internal and external to the Agency, including Agency staff, medical professionals, police, Chief and Councils as well as collateral and community organizations involved in child welfare service delivery.
- Participate in the presentation of training programs on legal matters and procedures.
- Support and problem solve high-profile and crisis situations in