Administrative Legal Assistant/ILA, PLC Prince George - Term B112-24

Administrative Legal Assistant/ILA, PLC Prince George - Term B112-24

Prince George, BC, Canada Req #415

LEGAL AID BC

POSITION: ADMINISTRATIVE LEGAL ASSISTANT/INTAKE LEGAL ASSISTANT

ONE REGULAR TERM POSITION – PRINCE GEORGE (until March 31, 2026)

COMPETITION NO: B112-24

DATE POSTED: January 27, 2025

CLOSING DATE: February 3, 2025

SALARY: Job Class 10 ($55,189 - $62,968)

HOURS OF WORK: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (35 hours/week, Monday to Friday)

This position is not on the modified workweek.

PRIMARY FUNCTION: Provide administrative and legal administrative support for the Department, Managing Lawyer, Lead Lawyer, Staff Lawyer, roster lawyers lead and/or Paralegal/Advocate. Provide front line services to the public for in-person, online and telephone legal aid programs including intake services. Provide legal information and assess eligibility and suitability for services.

JOB DUTIES AND TASKS

1. PROGRAM COORDINATION:
   a) Coordination of the day-to-day running of the program operations;
   b) Assist with the implementation and delivery of the program;
   c) Provide input to and maintain program processes, policies and procedures, create and maintain manuals, and records management;
   d) Process and maintain program data, databases, data input and reporting; and
   e) Maintain quality control of operating policies established by the lead lawyer and program team.
2. ADMINISTRATION:
   a) Draft, produce routine correspondence and legal documents, answer telephone inquiries, provide information on services offered or direct to other community resources;
   b) Provide administrative support to the Department, Lead Lawyer, Managing Lawyer, Staff Lawyer, roster lawyers and/or paralegal/advocate(s);
   c) Order pamphlets and office supplies, call for equipment repairs, and maintain library material;
   d) Develop and maintain filing system, including storage and destruction;
   e) Develop and maintain client file lists, and client records in the database and other LABC systems;
   f) Provide required documents to lawyers, clients, and other external contacts as required;
   g) Maintain a “bring forward” system, limitation diary, calendar, and calendar shared with roster, Staff, Managing and/or Lead Lawyers;
   h) Maintain and reconcile petty cash fund; remit for reimbursement; and
   i) Orient, train, schedule, and provide guidance to new and casual staff and roster lawyers as required.
3. CLIENT FILE MANAGEMENT:
   a) Open, process, maintain and close case files;
   b) Contact lawyers to arrange services, make referrals and issue contracts to private bar lawyers, or other agencies;
   c) Book appointments for the lawyer(s) and/or paralegal/advocate(s);
   d) Enter data into LABC client database and process and issue contracts; and
   e) Monitor the message centre and respond to client enquiries and messages.
4. INTAKE SERVICES / PUBLIC LEGAL EDUCATION & INFORMATION:
   a) Provide an empathetic, non-judgmental, open-minded and person-centered approach aimed at building trust with clients;
   b) Practice active listening, non-violent communication, non-violent crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques;
   c) Use trauma informed, anti-oppressive and culturally sensitive approach to complete client intake;
   d) Interview clients in person and by phone to answer enquiries, analyze and clearly identify client’s legal issue(s);
   e) Identify client’s needs and circumstances and decide on course of action;
   f) Determine coverage and assess eligibility for legal aid;
   g) Explain LABC coverage and financial eligibility criteria;
   h) Keep current with changes to policies that affect clients’ eligibility;
   i) Communicate decisions on legal aid application and provide rationale;
   j) Refer complex applications to supervisor.
5. PERFORM OTHER RELATED DUTIES:
   a) Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Basic Requirements:
• Grade 12 education supplemented by completed Legal Administration courses or program
• Completed courses in Law, Sociology or related disciplines
• Minimum of 5 years of Administration experience in a law environment
• Minimum of 1 year of Intake experience

Rated Requirements:
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively; to provide quality customer service; to act as a representative of the organization; to identify and analyze problems; to establish and maintain professional relationships; to plan, coordinate, organize and prioritize workload; to train and orient others; and knowledge of court procedures.

This competition may require skills testing based on the qualifications for this position.

Employment is conditional upon completing and obtaining clearance from the following:
• Criminal Record Check (CRC) in accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act
• Security clearance check by BC Corrections

We offer:
• Four weeks paid vacation to start
• An excellent employee benefits package
• A generous defined benefit pension plan
• Support for training and development
• An Employee and Family Assistance program
• The opportunity to participate in various Employee programs
• Support for a healthy work/life balance
• 13 paid statutory holidays
• An opportunity for a flexible hybrid work arrangement
• Transit friendly employer for eligible staff
• Dog-friendly offices
• Dedicated Cultural Leave provisions for Indigenous employees
• An Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council, and Indigenous employees Council and Accessibility Committee.

We would like to thank all external applicants for their interest but regret that only those shortlisted will be contacted.