In-house Legal Counsel

**Position: In-House Legal Counsel**
**Location: Flexible in our West Region Catchment Area**
**Starting Salary: $114,366.93 to $124,608.65**

**PURPOSE OF THE POSITION**
In reporting to the Legal Services Manager, the In-House Legal Counsel represents the Agency in all matters prescribed with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, The Federal Legislation, the Children’s Law Reform Act, the Family Law Rules, and any other relevant legislation.
The In-House Legal Counsel 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 incumbent 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.
- Provide legal consultation with staff regarding case planning, abuse registration and/or adoption related issues.
- Advocate and support the use of alternative approaches to the legal system.
- Assist Agency workers requiring preparation to appear on court matters.

**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 forms.
- Undertake legal research as needed and review current and proposed legislation as required.
- Prepare Agency staff as witnesses.
- Negotiate settlements where possible.
- Represent the Agency in appeals brought by others and by the Society for orders under the CYFSA, at all levels of court, as required.
- Represent the Agency with respect to any litigation involving disclosure of Agency records and files.

**Leadership and Team Management**:

- Supervises a Legal Assistant, providing strong leadership and guidance to fostering a values driven, supportive and collaborative team environment and culture of engagement and well-being.
- Promote learning and development, utilizing agency tools and resources, including leadership competencies, wholistic reviews, coaching for improvement, internal and external training, etc.
- Promote employee recognition through informal and formal feedback and agency tools such as Vibin’ the Values and Solstice Awards.
- 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).
- Participates in professional development to achieve increased competence and skill in areas critical to performance by attending appropriate learning opportunities.
- Communicate clear and measurable performance expectations and accountabilities.
- Monitor and ensure appropriate distribution of tasks and workload.
- Participates in the defined Agency supervisory and evaluative process.

**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 a manner that supports Agency staff and families and constructively resolves the issue.

**Administration and Reporting**:

- Complete administrative and reporting duties as required.
- Develop goals, objectives and measurable indicators of success.
- Document all legal issues, process and ca