EXTERNAL POSTING:

STAFF LAWYER POSITION - PERMANENT

Social Assistance Team

Scarborough Community Legal Services (SCLS) is a non-profit community based legal clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario.  We provide clinic law services to low income individuals in a culturally diverse community. Our work includes individual case work, public legal education, law reform, and community development activities mainly in the areas of residential tenancy law, income maintenance law, immigration law, and workers’ rights.

We are looking for an enthusiastic lawyer to provide legal services to low income individuals and groups in all areas of social assistance law.

Duties and Responsibilities

Casework

• Provide summary advice, brief services, and casework in all aspects of social assistance law matters
• Conduct legal research for the purpose of collaborating with our social assistance law team
• Undertake court appeal, judicial review, and other complex legal actions in all aspects of social assistance matters as approved by the Executive Director
• Provide summary advice, brief services, and casework in other areas of law practiced by the Clinic as might be required

Law Reform, Community Organizing

• Identify and carry out law reform and community organizing initiatives in collaboration with the social assistance team
• Represent the Clinic to community groups by providing resources and expertise on social assistance issues
• Monitor policy changes, government initiatives, research studies, reports etc. on housing related matters that have an impact on, and implications for, our client community

Public Legal Education

• Speak to community agencies and community members on social assistance issues, clinic services, and other topics within expertise
• Write, edit, and review clinic produced PLE materials on social assistance law

Qualifications and Experience

• You must be a lawyer in good standing of the Law Society of Upper Canada, w.ith 2 – 5 years of experience
• You must have sound knowledge of relevant legislation including the Ontario Works Act and the Ontario Disability Support Program Act.
• You have strong advocacy skills and the ability to evaluate legal issues and exercise sound judgment.
• You have a demonstrated commitment to social justice and working for positive social change on issues that affect low income individuals and groups, particularly in the area of housing. 
• You have the strong communication and interpersonal skills that are needed to address the needs of clients from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds.
• You have a collaborative work approach and the ability to work well in a team based environment.
• Experience litigating matters before administrative tribunals or courts is an asset.
• Knowledge in other areas of clinic law and the ability to speak a second language are assets.

Terms of Employment

This is a permanent full-time position and is part of OPSEU’s bargaining unit. The salary range is $73,000.00.- $79,000.00. The compensation package includes a comprehensive SunLife health and dental benefits package and membership in our DBPlus/CAAT pension plan.

How to Apply

All applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact info for two professional references by 8 July 2022 at 11:59 PM to Brad Evoy, Administration Manager…

by email:        using the subject line “Staff Lawyer – Social Assistance Position”
OR

by regular mail to:       Attn: Hiring Committee

Scarborough Community Legal Services
695 Markham Road, Suite 9
Scarborough, ON M1H 2A5

SCLS welcomes applications from diverse individuals who self-identify on the basis of any of the protected grounds under the Human Rights Code. Lived experience and intersectional identities are merit factors for hiring for this position.

We are committed to full compliance with the Human Rights Code, the Accessibility For Ontarians With Disabilities Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation. We will provide accommodation during the hiring process upon request. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.