Job Description

General Information on the Position
THE CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY OF OTTAWA LA SOCIÉTÉ DE L'AIDE À L'ENFANCE D'OTTAWA
LEGAL SERVICES EHI OPPORTUNITY This position has been identified as an opportunity under CASO’s Equity Hiring Initiative (EHI) in accordance with S.14 of the Ontario Human Rights Code. As such, we are inviting qualified candidates who self-identify from one or more of the following under-represented groups to apply:

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• Indigenous Persons
• Visible Minority Persons
• 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons
• Persons living with Disabilities

As such, only applicants who self-identify with one of the above under-represented groups will be considered. Click here for full details on CASO’s Equity Hiring Initiative. The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa is committed to removing systemic barriers in support of moving towards more equitable hiring practices. CASO takes pride in the fact that our workforce is comprised of a diverse group of employees and serve a diverse population of clients. We are committed to anti-racism and anti-oppression. Increasing representation is vital in order to provide the best possible service to the children, youth and families in our community. It is therefore important that we commit to providing a healthy work environment free of oppression for all staff. The Society recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of every employee and is committed to providing equal rights and opportunities without discrimination. Bilingual Law Clerk/Legal Assistant (1) Regular Full Time Opportunity The Position: The Law Clerk/Legal Assistant is responsible to the Supervisor of Legal Services and works within the guidelines and procedures established by the department contributing to the overall work of the Legal Services Department. The Law Clerk/Legal Assistant’s responsibilities include:

• Provide Society staff with information regarding legal documentation requirements in preparation for court hearings;

• Prepares complete and competent Conference Briefs, Statement of Agreed Facts and Trial Records for legal proceedings;

• Present uncontested matters before the Registrar’s Court as required under the direction of counsel and liaise with clients' counsel to confirm clients' position and negotiate details as instructed by Child Protection Workers;

• Prepares drafts of Status Review Applications on behalf of the Child Protection Worker

• Check all Notices, Applications and Affidavits for completion and accuracy;

• Liaise with the Children’s Aid Society professionals and external professionals requesting access to, or information from, files generated during CAS involvement;

• Conduct legal research as required and will also assist Counsel in the preparation of contested applications before the Court.

Qualifications:

• Law Clerk Diploma, or B.A. Degree in Law;

• 2 years of experience working in a related field;

• Thorough knowledge of CYFSA, Family Court Rules and procedures;

• Demonstrated knowledge of society’s policies and procedures as they relate to court practices;

• Proven ability in using computer software (i.e. Microsoft 360, CPIN and Westlaw);

• Ability to work in a fast paced environment with daily deadlines;

• Good judgment, excellent organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently, with the possibility of doing some overtime.

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the culture, history and current oppressions experienced by people related to gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation faced within the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the culture, history and current oppressions experienced by Indigenous peoples and racialized communities.

• Applies anti-racist, anti-ableist, anti-colonialism, anti-heterosexism and anti-cissexism lenses to social problems.

• Superior verbal and written communication skills in English and French are required.

Salary: Commensurate with training and/or experience:

If you are interested in the above opportunity, please apply by clicking the 'apply' button below. We thank all applicants for their interests in the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa. However only qualified candidates who self-identify with one or more of the Under-Represented groups will be considered for this opportunity. In order to ensure candidates are assessed in a fair and equitable manner, accommodations will be provided to prospective employees in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.