Job Description

Union: Non Union

Job Number: J1223-0401

Job Title: Bilingual Eligibility Review Officer

Job Type: Permanent Full Time

Contract Duration: Perm

City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Location: Toronto PO

Job Category: Customer Service / Customer Associates

Job Classification: S4

Role Designation: Flexible Hybrid - In person days can be flexible from week to week subject to manager approval and operational requirements.

Open Positions: 1

Posting Date: December 18, 2023

Closing Date: January 4, 2024

Salary: $58,567.00 - $76,137.00/Year

Legal Aid Ontario employees are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients.

As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid Ontario is more than just a job. It\'s an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law.

If you are looking for a new challenge in your already meaningful career with a team dedicated to justice, and innovation in a flexible and supportive work environment consider this opportunity below.

Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and embraces differences as a priority is a core value at LAO. LAO encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or M\xc3\xa9tis, Black and racialized, as well as persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

We recognize the value of equity, diversity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and prioritizing, attracting and retaining diverse staff. All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at LAO. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.

Primary function

The Bilingual Eligibility Review Office is an integral part of LAO\'s General Counsel Office. The ERO officer will report to Senior Counsel/ Lawyer Manager and will be responsible for considering requests for review of eligibility decisions and making final decisions based on financial and policy guidelines. They will provide assistance to Senior Counsel and legal counsel, including preparation of written reasons. The ERO officer will liaise with applicants and/or counsel if necessary to obtain additional information, and also be responsible for responding to inquiries from applicants, lawyers and district offices, as well as external stakeholders. They will also be expected to provide assistance and support to GCO as needed.

This position is designated Hybrid

Key accountabilities

• Consider review requests from Legal Aid applicants and clients to determine whether LAO\'s financial and legal eligibility policies and guidelines have been correctly applied.
• Make recommendations on entitlement (including ongoing eligibility) in complex client and legal/financial matters.
• Preparation of clear and accurate reasons for decision.
• Communicate with and respond to clients, lawyers, and other LAO departments as required.
• Participate in and/or lead corporate-wide special projects/project implementation involving General Counsel Office matters.
• Provide general administrative support when necessary
• Perform other duties as required including tasks involving General Counsel Office matters.

• Knowledge and understanding of LASA 2020
• Corresponding rules and policies applicable to eligibility criteria under LASA 2020
• Knowledge regarding all areas of law for which LAO provides coverage (criminal, family, child protection, refugee, mental health)
• Ability to determine legal and financial eligibility based on LAO eligibility criteria
• Ability to maintain confidentiality as a member of LAO\'s General Counsel Office
• Excellent analytical and reasoning skills and sound judgement
• Statistical analysis skills
• Ability to write clearly and concisely
• Significant knowledge of LAO priorities, policies and procedures
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with clients, lawyers, LAO staff and other agencies
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Comfort working in a highly collaborative team environment while still being able to work independently when needed
• Completion of up to a two-year program in community college or three years related work experience is an asset
• Excellent organizational skills/experience with managing projects
• French language ability, both written and verbal, is required
• Advanced knowledge of PeopleSoft, Excel, Word and Adobe is required

Legal Aid Ontario