Unit Assistant-legal

**Reporting to**: Senior Legal Counsel

**Classification**:Full-Time Temporary 4-6 week contract with possibility of extension; 35 hours week per week, union

**Type of Posting**:To Fill a Temporary Vacancy

**Compensation**: $57,211-63,275 per annum

**Starting Date: As soon as possible**

**Application Deadline: 11:59 PM Sunday November 16, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.**

Guided by Catholic values and teachings, we serve and offer bilingual (English/French) service to children, youth and families within the Hamilton community to protect their safety and well-being, strengthen families and nurture lifelong relationships.

We are currently seeking a **Unit Assistant**to join our Legal team on a full-time temporary basis for a 4-6 weeks contract, with a possibility of extension.

JOB DUTIES
- Responsible to provide legal, administrative, and clerical support to the Legal Unit.
- To receive draft affidavits from social workers and format them for review by lawyer. Once reviewed, to take appropriate number of copies and arrange for issuance.
- To prepare all necessary documentation for the Legal Unit and distribute, and make arrangements to serve and file any necessary documentation.
- To prepare Court Appearance forms prior to each court appearance.
- To assist Society workers by providing information on their files as needed.
- To occasionally request a guard or an interpreter for the List. To advise the court regarding any apprehensions. To arrange for transfer of files to other jurisdictions, if required. To assist workers in proper completion of Affidavits of Service.
- To prepare a list for the Constable, Reporter, and Registrar at Family Court stating each case and its respective social worker, for the Wednesday List.
- To ensure that all endorsements are properly taken, arrange to have any necessary outstanding material filed, and to get photocopies of any Minutes of Settlement of endorsements, if needed.
- To prepare orders from judge’s endorsement; arrange to be issued by court; when issued, distribute to workers and forward copies to lawyers as required; provide Adoption Unit/Ministry with required material for Extended Society Care orders.
- To arrange for service of documents by the Process Servers. Where possible, to serve lawyers, etc. by fax and mail.
- To arrange to obtain pre-issued Summons to Witness forms and keep the Legal Float for payment of witness fees.
- To perform general administrative duties, including word processing, faxing, photocopying, answering the phone, binding documents, etc. in the Legal Unit.
- To provide support for all trials including preparation of Trial Record, Affidavit Briefs, Summons to witness and exhibits.
- Completes mandatory training and participates in ongoing agency training.
- Demonstrates leadership and a commitment to the principles of anti-oppressive practices and anti-racism based on justice, fairness, equity, respect of the beliefs and traditions of others.
- Complies with agency Health and Safety policies and the Ontario Health and Safety Act, and regulations.
- Committed to the Society’s mission and vision.
- Performs other duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
- Paralegal Diploma, or Diploma in a legal secretarial program or certificate in law from a recognized community college or successful completion of the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario courses.
- At least 3-5 years of experience in an administrative legal support position in a family law practice.
- Familiarity with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.
- Experience in court proceedings, service of court documents and drafting court documents.
- Respectful and compassionate demeanor.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated sound interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Effective time management skills, conducting investigations in a timely manner and completing administrative tasks within specified deadlines.
- Demonstrated experience in duties requiring concentration and high attention to detail.
- Demonstrates a commitment to, and work ethic in, leadership and role models behaviours that demonstrates the Mission and Vision of the Catholic Children’s Aid Society.
- Knowledge and commitment to anti-oppressive/anti-racist philosophy.
- Bilingual French/English is an asset.

**Additional Requirements for this Position**:

- Computer literate with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft office and proprietary child welfare systems and programs.
- Able to affirm and integrate in the delivery of services the Society values which reflect the Agency’s Catholic faith, heritage, culture and traditions.
- At the time of hire, documents required will include:

- Vulnerable Sector Police clearance
- Provincial Child Protection Record Check
- Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton is committed to ensuring a unbiased selection process that values equity, diversity and inclusion and reflects the Hamilton Catholic community that