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 **

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