Legal Aid Worker (12 months) Refugee Law Office

This position provides legal administrative support for managers, lawyers and other staff associated with the Immigration Detention Representation Program (IDRP). We are seeking someone with the ability to work co-operatively as part of a team in a fast-paced litigation environment. The successful candidate will be highly organized, have strong attention to detail, and preferably have previous administrative experience in a law office. We are also seeking someone who has a demonstrated empathy towards vulnerable persons, including persons with precarious immigration status.

Home position: Hamilton - Refugee Law Office
Secondary Location: Toronto - Refugee Law Office

Services are currently provided both virtually and on site, with minimal "on-site" supervision. At times, it may be necessary to meet with clients in person in detention centres in the GTA. Flexibility is required based on operational needs.

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Services

• Assists IDRP management with maintaining the daily detention review hearing schedule.
• Prepares client files using applicable client management software, including opening and closing files, distributing disclosures, docket and record keeping and reporting.
• Provides administrative support to managers and IDRP staff as required, such as drafting correspondence, arranging interpreter or doctor appointments, arranging couriers and process servers, etc.
• Prepares litigation materials under the supervision of counsel, including compiling documents using PDF software and drafting affidavits.
• Liaises with clients and other service providers, internal and external, including private bar counsel, court-based services, doctors and psychiatrists, as required.
• Additional, specific duties as outlined by RLO management.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, research skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task, to work collaboratively as part of a team, and to work well under pressure.
• Proven ability to learn, develop and adapt to new or modified policies and procedures in a changing environment.
• Intermediate to advanced skill level in Microsoft Office products such as Word, Outlook, Excel, and PDF software.
• Previous administrative, law clerk experience or experience in a law office an asset
• Experience in a client service role assisting vulnerable client groups an asset
• Lived experience as an immigrant and/or within immigrant and refugee communities is an asset
• Ability to communicate in a second language is an asset

To apply submit a résumé and cover letter. In your cover letter why you are interested in the Legal Aid Worker position, and highlight relevant experience, skills, and training that make you an ideal candidate.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

This position is represented by OPSEU and the employee will be governed by the provisions of the collective agreement and union dues will be deducted bi-weekly from date of hire.

First Preference will be given to current members of the OPSEU District Collective Agreement.

Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their résumé or to the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.

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