In-house Legal Counsel

**Our Mission**

We protect and support children and youth in partnership with families and communities.

**Our Commitment to Diversity**

**IN-HOUSE LEGAL COUNSEL**

**SCOPE OF JOB**:
To provide appropriate legal advice and representation to Child Protection Workers and Managers in child protection cases requiring intervention through the Ontario Court of Justice - Family Division under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA 2017). This position is outside the Bargaining Unit.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor degree;
- Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada;
- Organizational and excellent time management skills;
- Ability to handle consent and litigation matters;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Ability to perform effectively in a stressful work environment;
- Ability to work well with agency employees;
- Familiarity with Ontario Family Law Rules and the Child, Youth and Family Services Act;
- Previous experience in providing the required services;
- Demonstrated proficiency in computer skills (including Microsoft Windows and Office Suite) in a digitized environment;
- Sensitivity to and awareness of issues facing First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) people;
- Demonstrated knowledge of Anti-Oppressive Practice; and
- A valid G driver’s license and use of a personal vehicle.

**DUTIES**:

- Represent the agency in all child protection matters before the Court;
- Provide advice to employees in matters that may require court intervention and may require legal documents to be completed;
- Prepare and/or oversee case conference briefs, settlement conference briefs and trial management conference briefs when required;
- Prepare and/or oversee summary judgment motions and factums;
- Prepare employees for their attendance at court and giving oral testimony as necessary;
- Conduct trials and prepare witnesses as necessary;
- Conduct appeals;
- Attend Child, Youth and Family Services Review Board Hearings and Expunction Hearings as required;
- Attend Signs of Safety conferences and other forms of Alternate Dispute Resolution as requested;
- Attend Continuing Education Conferences to maintain standing with the Law Society;
- Maintain appropriate communications with legal counsel in matters before the court;
- Review and draft correspondence for employees as required;
- Ensure that all endorsements and orders are drafted and entered as required;
- Ensure that child protection employees are apprised of return dates;
- Assist in training agency employees in court-related procedures;
- Periodically provide Managers with input regarding the performance of employees in court related activities;
- Participate in agency staff meetings, team meetings, regular supervision, and agency and professional training; and
- Other duties as assigned.

**REPORTS TO**: Manager, Legal Department

**SALARY**:$94,406 - $115,783

**DEADLINE TO SUBMIT RESUME** September 19, 2024

**Qualified applicants should submit their resumes to**:
**Family & Children’s Services St. Thomas and Elgin**
- **Attention: Shelley Wright**_
- **“Family and Children’s Services of St. Thomas and Elgin is committed to a barrier-free, respectful, accessible and inclusive work environment. We will endeavor to remove any barrier to the hiring process to accommodate those applicants with disabilities.**_**Please inform Human Resources in advance should accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment and selection process.”**_
- **Thank you for your interest in our organization.**_

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $94,406.00-$115,783.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Wellness program

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

- Do you possess a membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario?

**Education**:

- Doctoral Degree (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-09-19