Legal Counsel

EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union, Permanent, Full-time. # OF POSITIONS: 2 Positions. DEPARTMENT: Legal Services. REPORTS TO: Sr. Legal Counsel. LOCATION: Owen Sound/Walkerton. SALARY: Classification 9 ($96,223-$118,137). HOURS PER WEEK: 35 hours/week. DATE POSTED: September 4, 2026. CLOSING DATE: September 24, 2026.

This posting is for a new and pre-existing vacancy.

Benefits of Working at BGCFS

• Eligible for dental insurance, life insurance, extended medical insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance.
• Eligible for OMERS pension plan.
• Eligible for salary increases in accordance with company policy.
• Eligible for a health spending and wellness account.
• Eligible for meal allowances, personal vehicle insurance reimbursement of $250; CAA "Plus" membership reimbursement.
• Eligible for Management Compensatory Days.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Court Related Activities

• Prepares cases for presentation in court by coordinating the gathering of all information and evidence, drafting and/or reviewing pleadings, affidavits, briefs, and other documents for filing with the court and preparing witnesses.
• Represents the BGCFS in all levels of the courts and tribunals in relation to CYFSA, Children’s Law Reform Act, Family Law Act, and other statutes in both contested and uncontested matters including adjournments, contested motions, motions for summary judgment, hearings, conferences, motions for disclosure and trials, appeals.
• Prepares and documents all legal issues, processes, and case activities/dispositions.
• Negotiate settlements where possible.
• Represents the agency with respect to any litigation involving disclosure of agency records.
• Represents the BGCFS in Child Abuse Register expunction hearings.
• Ensures documentation of all legal issues, processes, and case activities in accordance with established procedures.
• Provides assistance, where required, in the preparation of legal notice and documentation of court related matters.
• Assists the Child Protection Workers as required in their preparation to appear on criminal matters and on family law related matters.
• Liaises with other outside agency lawyers with respect to court applications.
• Liaises with parents and/or counsel representing the parents and children’s counsel or the Crown as the case may be.

Legal Consultation

• Provides legal advice and services to BGCFS staff on the interpretation and application of the CYFSA and other legislation pertaining to child welfare or family law.
• Provides legal consultation with staff regarding case planning, abuse registration, adoption issues, etc.
• Participates in case conferencing, decision making forums and advises where appropriate on case management issues.

Relationship Management

• Demonstrates behaviours, actions and attitudes that are consistent with BGCFS’s vision, mission, and values.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships at all levels of the agency in order to build trust and confidence in the services provided.
• Establishes positive relationships with key stakeholders, internal and external to the BGCFS such as agency staff, judges and employees of the Ontario Courts, Public Health, medical professionals, the OACAS and OCCAS and other collateral, community resources and organizations in the community.
• Provides liaison with community counsel contracted to offer assistance with trials and back up agency counsel.
• Share’s information according to privacy and/or confidentiality guidelines.
• Ensures appropriate communication with appropriate manager at appropriate time.
• Respects ethnic, spiritual, linguistic, familial, and cultural differences.

Team Building

• Develops professional working relationships with team members.
• Works respectfully, positively, and collaboratively within a team environment sharing experiences and lessons learned.
• Actively participants and engages in team and staff meetings training sessions and other meetings/sessions as required.
• Supports the team and works with team members to ensure department needs are met including absence coverage.

Other Related Activities

• Prepares and presents training programs for BGCFS staff, foster parents, and others as applicable regarding pertinent aspects of the CYFSA or other legislation related to BGCFS business.
• Knows and adheres to all applicable BGCFS policies, procedures, and relevant administrative practices.
• Strives to meet or exceed all accountabilities and achieve continuous quality improvement and excellence in all activities and outcomes.
• Participates in mandatory learning/education to maintain and u