Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

Status: Permanent Full-Time
Hours: 35 hrs/week
Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, 30 minutes unpaid lunch
Posting #2023-09

We are recruiting a Legal Assistant to join our growing non-profit organization, driven by feminist values.

The Legal Clinic provides free legal advice and representation to clients in the Kamloops, Kelowna and surrounding areas. As a Legal Assistant, you will have a chance to become a part of this dedicated team of professionals and work directly with the Legal Clinic Lawyer. The Legal Assistant will support the Legal Clinic Lawyer in delivering legal services to vulnerable populations and people in need, reporting program outcomes, and performing administrative duties to ensure the smooth operation of the ELC.

Key Responsibilities:
• Assisting the Lawyer in their day-to-day duties and administrative tasks
• Acting as the first point of contact for clients by greeting and directing them as they arrive at the Clinic,
• Carrying out client intake interviews, and obtaining all required information
• Answering the telephone; taking and relaying messages; providing information to callers
• Screening new clients and related parties to determine potential conflicts of interest
• Drafting legal documents, pleadings, letters, and correspondence
• File management including filing physical and electronic documents, coding and filing email correspondence
• Tracking client files, forwarding those requiring attention, and following up with the Lawyer
• Diarizing dates independently with respect to client files; tracking and informing Lawyer on any upcoming deadlines.
• Compiling trial books, binders, and other materials for court appearances and hearings
• Reporting program outcomes and challenges to the Lawyer
• Maintaining telecommunications and technology systems
• Keeping office secure by following procedures, maintaining logbooks and tracking visitors
• Receiving and sorting mail and packages
• Coordinating meetings and room bookings
• Ordering office supplies
• Other relevant duties as required

Qualifications / Required Skills

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Requirements:
• Post-secondary certificate in Legal Assistant training
• Knowledge of BC Law Society rules and procedures
• Knowledge of the rules and procedures of the BC Provincial, BC Supreme Court, and the Civil Resolution Tribunal
• Minimum 1-year experience in a similar role
• Or a combination of equivalent education and experience
• Ability to work with information requiring a high level of confidentiality
• High degree of awareness of ethical and professional conduct from a legal perspective
• High degree of comfort with technology, including legal file management software, Windows OS and Microsoft suite, Adobe Acrobat
• Knowledge about Clio client tracking system is a plus
• Strong understanding of legal procedures and documentation
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, able to multi-task, and meet deadlines
• Ability to be flexible as situations arise
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including verbal and written skills, and ability to communicate effectively with clients who may be experiencing a range of sensitive issues
• Team orientation and good judgment skills
• Ability to take initiative
• Accept and utilize supervision
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Prioritize tasks in response to changing and emerging client needs

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.
• Any criminal record check expense will be reimbursed upon starting employment.
• 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

Contact Information

Interested candidates must submit cover letter and resume to hr@kamloopsefry.com. Only applications received via email will be considered.

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.