Legal Advocate
Job Title: Legal Advocate
Job Code: HEA160
Department: Health & Social Services
Reports to: Director of Health & Social Services
Date Posted: 12/Apr/23
Date Closed: 26/Apr/23 (5:00 pm)
The Chippewas of Rama First Nation supports the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Specifically, Rama supports the training, education and employment of Indigenous People.
Employment Classification: Full-time with Benefits.
Availability & Term: Approx. Start Date: May 2023
Remuneration: $41.99, move to $44.38 after 3 months.
JOB PURPOSE | SUMMARY
Advocating in the best interests of Rama First Nation, this position will provide legal consultation and direction to the Health & Social Services Division on various community health services and child well-being matters including child protection court support, policy and program review & development and training.
KEY JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
LEGAL ADVOCACY • CHILD WELL-BEING
Provides legal advice on Child Well-Being protection matters.
Consults with management and Child Well-Being team on protection files and facilitate legal conferences prior to next court appearances.
Reviews, prepares, edits, formats and processes all Child Well-Being documents such as Customary Care Declarations and Agreements, Voluntary SeIVice Agreements, Plans of Care and any other court related documentation.
Obtains transcripts from court as required.
Commission documents as required.
Provide written responses for court documents as required.
Attend Child Well-Being court matters with Band Representative on behalf of Rama First Nation.
LEGAL ADVOCACY • COURT REPRESENTATION
Set up a file management system for court related files.
Prepare files for court appearances, including opening files, organizing all material in the appropriate format within the file, and ensuring that file information is current.
Prepare, coordinate and distribute various documents and forms including but not limited to:
All necessary documentation, such as letters, memos, pleadings, applications, motions, plans of care and orders.
Serve and file documentation.
Processing of legal documents as required.
Serving Court Orders on those entitled under the Rules to receive them.
Ensuring delivery of all required documents as per First Nation protocols.
Subsequent to a court appearance, ensuring that copies of all necessary endorsements are obtained, filing any necessary outstanding material, and obtaining photocopies of filed original consents, as required.
Obtaining certified copies of final orders.
LEGAL ADVOCACY • LAW & POLICY
Ensure adjournment dates are diarized and court appearance reports are provided to the appropriate staff and securely filed.
Redact case files to produce non-identifying file disclosures according to policies and procedures.
Develop an understanding of other related community agencies and their mandates related to the work of Child and Family Services.
Review all Health & Social SeIVice policies, forms, applications, agreements and meet with Management to discuss revisions/ changes.
Identify any gaps in policies and processes and develop solution focused recommendations for discussion with the management team.
Draft new policies, best practices, guidelines as required.
Assist with the development of Health & Social Services operations manual.
Annually provide in-service training for staff on policies, operations manual, ethics, case noting, etc.
Assist with on-boarding training for new staff.
Audit of client files and case note documentation.
Review of funding proposals, reports, and agreements as required.
Consulting with health management regarding patient care issues and review health related matters.
Consult andprovideupdatestoGeneralCounsel'sofficeasrequired.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
University Degree; Law degree from an accredited Law School; Licence to practice law in Ontario.
Skills and Abilities:
Called to the Bar in the Province of Ontario.
Excellent oral, written, file maintenance, and computer skills.
Understanding of the colonial history of Indigenous people.
Understanding of Intergenerational trauma and trauma informed approaches to health and social services programs and policies.
Ability to review and write policies and guidelines.
Understanding of the Ontario Child Youth and Family Services Act.
Ability to provide consultation and guidance on complex situations.
Valid Class G driver's licence.
Experience:
Minimum 3-5 years practicing family law.
Experience or understanding of related health laws preferred.
Experience working in a First Nation community preferred.
Other:
Qualified applicants may submit their cover letter and resume to the attention of:
Charlene Benson, Human Resources Manager Chippewas of Rama First Nation
5884 Rama Road, Suite 200, Rama, Ontario L3V 6H6
Fax: (705) 325-4718
Email: charleneb@ramafirstnation.ca
** ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED **