Job Board > Kelowna Family Law Advocate - Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society
Position: Kelowna Family Law Advocate
Deadline: August 18, 2023
Posted: August 8, 2023
Job Description / Duties
Title: Family Law Advocate
Status: Permanent Full-Time
Location: Kelowna, BC
Hours: 35 hrs/week
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, 30 minutes unpaid lunch.
Posting Closing Date: August 18, 2023 or until hire
Compensation: $28.32 - $32.51
Posting #2023-14
We are recruiting a Family Law Advocate to join our growing non-profit organization, driven by feminist values.
Reporting to the Senior Staff Lawyer, the Family Law Advocate will provide legal information, advice and support to individuals with low income; as well as liaise with community groups, prepare and present public legal education sessions.
Key Responsibilities
• Interview clients and identify legal issues.
• Provide legal information, referrals and advice on issues of guardianship and parenting time, child support, spousal support, divorce, separation agreement, family court, Supreme Court, property and debts, and child protection.
• Assess client information and determine eligibility for referral to Legal Aid.
• Where appropriate, support clients through the civil court system, including, if necessary, court preparation and accompaniment, but not representation.
• Follow-up with lawyers/clients re: progress/outcome of cases.
• Prepare and present public legal education workshops in areas of law affecting families.
• Maintain contact with lawyers, Law Foundation of BC, Legal Services Society to build and maintain rapport and keep up to date with client issues.
• Research current policies and procedures, laws, new bills and case law, etc. to keep current with various client issues.
• Ensure legal resources are kept current, requesting/ordering the various library materials, brochures etc.
• Maintain program records and statistics regarding services and activities.
• Attend external meetings as needed, travel in and surrounding areas of Kelowna.
• Provide services in surrounding communities; travel required.
• Provide public legal education on topics by videoconferencing and in person.
• Other duties as required.
Qualifications / Required Skills
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Requirements
• Post-secondary degree or equivalent training and education in Paralegal services, Criminology, Psychology, Social Work, Family Law or related social service program.
• One-year related experience.
• High degree of awareness of ethical and professional conduct from a legal perspective.
• Advocacy skills.
• Legal research capabilities.
• Able to work under pressure.
• Able to accept and utilize supervision.
• Able to work independently.
• Able to prioritize tasks in response to changing and emerging client needs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• MS Office skills; Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to work effectively with clients who are experiencing a range of sensitive issues.
• Ability to take initiative, identify urgent work items and set priorities.
• Must be able to manage confidential information.
Additional Information
Additional Information and Our Commitment
• KDEFS offers a competitive salary and flexible work hours.
• This position is open to all genders, races, ethnic backgrounds, and religious beliefs.
• We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer with an employee group that reflects the cultural diversity of the community.
• A criminal record check and search under the Criminal Record Review Act is required.
• A vulnerable sector check is required and conditional for employment.
• Any criminal record check expense will be reimbursed upon starting employment.
• Travel between worksites is required.
• Access to a vehicle is required.
• This job is a union position and union fees will be deducted from salary accordingly.
• Only qualified applicants will be invited to an interview.
Salary: $28.32 - $32.51 per hour
Contact Information
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume to hr@kamloopsefry.com.
If you need any assistance or accommodations throughout the application process, contact the HR Department at hr@kamloopsefry.com so we can better support you.
Employer Profile
At the Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society (KDEFS), we are passionate about the cause we serve – building a just and equitable community where women, gender-diverse people, and families are supported and empowered to thrive.