Aboriginal Community Legal Worker-advocate/paralegal

**Who We Are**

Legal Aid BC (LABC) is a non-profit organization, created by the Legal Services Society Act in 1979, to provide legal information, advice, and representation services to some of BC’s most vulnerable and marginalized citizens; those who do not have the financial, educational, social or health resources to effectively access the justice system when their families, freedom, or safety are at risk. Our vision is client-focused legal aid that ensures access to justice for all, with a mission to provide legal aid services that people need, and to promote better access to justice.

At LABC, we know that our continued ability to help the people who need us is due to the hardworking individuals who make up our team, dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people in need. We foster a positive culture of open communication for our team to thrive within, underpinned by our values of service, diversity, integrity, accountability, and leadership.
- Legal Aid BC is committed to making equity, diversity, and inclusion part of everything we do. We need people from all backgrounds and experiences to help build the future of legal aid. We care deeply about the culture we are creating and are seeking staff that are not only strong in their own aptitudes but care deeply about supporting the people we serve and each other. If this sounds like you, please apply_

**The Opportunity**

As **Aboriginal Community Legal Worker-Advocate/Paralegal **your primary function is To liaise with Indigenous communities and agencies and provide advocacy and administrative support, legal information and advice, early intervention, education and community outreach, and referrals to address the key civil and poverty law issues that affect Indigenous people.

Key accountabilities include, but aren't limited to:

- Establish and maintain client files;
- Assess issues/needs/urgency and status of matter(s), including any legal proceedings;
- Meet and interview clients, provide brief legal advice, consider next steps;
- Ensure client has legal representation prior to court appearances as appropriate;
- Conduct any summary research;
- Consult with Managing Lawyer and provide summary advice;
- Assist with basic case preparation, including documents;
- Assist with drafting correspondence as required;
- Provide referrals to and liaison with external advocates, private bar/pro bono counsel;
**More About You**
- Grade 12 education supplemented by post-secondary education in Law, Criminology, Library Science, and/or Social Work, or Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate from a recognized educational institute
- Minimum 5 years relevant experience in a legal environment and/or as outlined in rated requirements
- Ability to communicate effectively in English
- OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
- All LABC employees are required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of hire and ongoing employment._

**We Offer**

A competitive annual salary, as well as a comprehensive benefits package (based on your employment status and affiliation) including:

- Four weeks paid vacation to start that grows the longer you are with LABC
- An excellent employee benefits package, where premiums are 100% paid by LABC
- A generous pension plan
- Support for training and development
- An Employee and Family Assistance program
- The opportunity to participate in various Employee programs (Employee Wellness, etc.)
- A healthy work/life balance
- Generous leave provisions (sick time, special leaves)
- 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)
- We would like to thank all external applicants for their interest but regret that only those shortlisted will be contacted. Legal Aid BC is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian Society. Members of equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply._

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