LEGAL COUNSEL, CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY OF HAMILTON
Location: Hamilton, ON
Deadline: February 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Salary Range: $102,930 to $122,959
Position: Permanent Full-Time
Application Procedure: Please apply through our Career portal section of our website: https://hccas.ca
Guided by Catholic values and teachings, we serve and offer bilingual (English/French) service to children, youth and families within the Hamilton community to protect their safety and well-being, strengthen families and nurture lifelong relationships.
The Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton is committed to having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of the city of Hamilton and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals, especially those who can provide different perspectives and contribute to a further diversification of ideas.
Qualified candidates must have the skills and knowledge needed to work with an increasingly diverse population as well as knowledge of inequities, how they are perpetuated, and the skills to address them, specific to the requirements of the job.
We are currently seeking a Legal Counsel to join our team on a full-time permanent basis. This position involves stepping into an active caseload of litigation files.
Legal counsel is integral to supporting our mandate of child protection. As the successful candidate you will be responsible for all activities related to protection applications involving pleadings and court attendance, including trials and motions. Reporting to senior legal counsel, you will work in partnership with child protection and managerial staff to advocate for effective permanency planning for children.
Job Duties:
Under the direction of a senior legal counsel provides advice and assumes all court and legal duties as assigned, including applications initiated by the Society pursuant to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act; appeals to the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal; and proceedings before administrative tribunals such as the Child and Family Services Review Board. Court activity also includes any other matters where the Society is named as a party, or is required to provide a legal response and evidence.
Provision of advice includes assisting case managers in all legal aspects of their cases, whether they involve court activity or not. Advice is providing in all phases of litigation, as well as on more general, agency-wide issues.
Provides consultation/advice regarding initiation of Protection and Status Review applications and Openness proceedings.
Reviews and revises applications and accompanying affidavit material.
Drafts court documents, including notices of motion, minutes of settlement, settlement conference briefs, and factums.
Manages assigned files with a view toward resolution in the best interests of children including the following activities:
Correspondence and telephone contact with counsel;
Provision of ongoing advice and consultation to case managers and other agency staff;
Negotiations toward settlement;
Prepares for court attendances including preparation of witnesses and legal argument, coordination of documentation etc.;
Facilitates, as required, expert assistance and assessments.
Represents the Society at various court attendances, in person or virtually, including:
First appearances (including place of safety hearings);
Settlement conferences and trial management conferences;
Motions, including motions regarding disclosure and access to records;
Temporary care hearings;
Administrative list;
Assignment court;
Trials;
Appeals.
Provides general advice regarding legal issues, and attendance at internal committees/meetings involving legal issues.
Provides emergency consultations as needed.
Meets regularly with the Legal Unit to discuss unit issues and problem-solve on specific cases.
Participates in training of staff on legal matters.
Seeks advice and consults with the senior legal counsel as required.
Involved, as assigned, in court-related community activities, including court-related liaison committees and the OACAS.
Coordinates work with supervisor, and follows the direction of the supervisor after consultation when required.
Completes mandatory training and participates in ongoing agency training.
Demonstrates leadership and a commitment to the principles of anti-oppressive practices and anti-racism based on justice, fairness, equity, respect of the beliefs and traditions of others.
Complies with agency Health and Safety policies and the Ontario Health and Safety Act, and regulations.
Committed to the Society’s mission and vision.
Performs other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Skills:
Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
Minimum 2 years’ experience in family law practice; applicants with a demonstrated knowledge of Child Welfare in Ontario preferred.
Preference will be given to applicants with lived experience from the following communities: Indigenous/FNMI, African descent, and other racialized groups to support the Agency’s vision, mission and values.
Demonstrated experience and skills working with diverse ethno-racial communities.
Knowledge and commitment to anti-oppressive/anti-racist philosophy.
Proven family litigation, mediation and negotiation skills.
Familiarity with the legal framework governing child protection in Ontario.
Substantial litigation experience, including motions, conferences, trials and appeals.
Excellent analytical, advocacy and writing skills.
Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, integrity and building partnerships.
Ability to work in a publicly accountable organization.
Excellent leadership, organizational, and proven problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a team.
Comply with health and safety policies and the Ontario Health & Safety Act.
Additional Requirements for this Position:
Computer literate with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft office and proprietary child welfare systems and programs.
Demonstrates a commitment to, and work ethic in leadership and role models behaviours that demonstrates the Mission and Vision of the Catholic Children’s Aid Societ.
Able to affirm and integrate in the delivery of services the Society values which reflect the Agency’s Catholic faith, heritage, culture and traditions.
Bilingual French/English is an asset
Respectful and compassionate demeanor.
At the time of hire, documents required will include:
Vulnerable Sector Police clearance
Provincial Child Protection Record Check
Valid Ontario Driver’s license and acceptable drivers abstract.
The Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton is committed to having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of the city of Hamilton and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals, especially those who have a diverse lived experience and can provide different perspectives and contribute to a further diversification of ideas.
Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton is committed to ensuring a unbiased selection process that values equity, diversity and inclusion and reflects the Hamilton Catholic community that we serve.
In order to minimize interviewer bias we have incorporated the following into our selection process:
We will have our interview panel score written assignments blind to eliminate bias
We will seek out recent examples on behavior-based questions during the interview process
We will review a candidate’s lived experience during the interview and when assessing staffing needs
We provide accommodations in accordance with AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code
We will hold your application in strict and professional confidence
We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please inform Human Resources.
