Job Description

Poverty Law Advocate - 16hrs/week

Do you have a strong sense of social justice and a desire to assist and improve the lives of marginalized individuals? If so, you may be a good fit as poverty law advocate.

The Access Centre is looking for a committed individual to join our small but mighty team. This role needs a person who is has strong boundaries, good communication skills, and emotional resilience.

Please include a cover letter in your application.

JOB SUMMARY:

Assist and advocate for low-income community members in areas such as Residential Tenancy, Income Security Appeals, Employment Standards, Human Rights, and Debt related issues.

This position reports to the Executive Director.

TASKS:

Interview clients to help identify legal issues, prioritize their legal needs, and help them choose realistic and fair legal solutions by providing legal information, advocacy, and appropriate referrals to other specialized advocacy programs, legal programs, and other resources. Provide clients with options and assist them with decision-making - keeping in mind their specific needs due to disability, cultural or language barriers, literacy issues, transportation, and childcare issues. Meet regularly with a supervising lawyer for advice and file review. Research current policies and procedures, laws, case law etc. to keep current with various client issues. Maintain complete and accurate statistics and records for all program activities. Perform administrative duties including file management and reporting to organizational standards.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

Requirements:

Ability to read, understand and interpret applicable legislation. Ability to negotiate and mediate on behalf of clients with landlords and government agencies. Empathy for vulnerable populations. Function well in crisis and emergency situations. Strong interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication skills. Team oriented and collaborative. Able to work independently and engage in program development in collaboration with management. Must be discreet and able to manage confidential information. Must be willing to submit a Criminal Record Check
Assets:

Post-Secondary education or equivalent training and education in Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Community Support, or a related justice or social services program or equivalent experience. Previous training with The Law Foundation of BC. Experience with tenancy, disability, and income support issues. Knowledge of community and other social service agencies. Valid driver's license and reliable transport
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

Casual dress Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Flexible schedule Paid time off Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:

Penticton, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2025-08-04