Clinical Legal Supervisor (Area: Criminal Matters)

About BCFNJC:

Empowered by the First Nations Leadership Council and in partnership with the provincial and federal governments, the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) is responsible to 204 First Nations in BC. Our mandate is to reduce the overrepresentation of First Nations Métis and Inuit people in the criminal justice system and the child protection system, and to support Nations as they move to sovereignty over justice.

The BCFNJC is growing rapidly. Indigenous people in BC deserve world-class legal services and programs. To this end, we are seeking team members who share our vision, understand the gravity of the work, are excited by the opportunity and will not stop until we reach our goal. We take our mandate seriously but also strive for a balanced, caring work environment that is respectful and supportive.

Indigenous Justice Centres

The Indigenous Justice Centers (IJCs) are spaces where those facing involvement in the colonial justice systems can come for legal support. BCFNJC recognizes that Indigenous people are significantly overrepresented in both the correctional and child welfare systems and often face intersecting systemic and social barriers to navigating the colonial systems. Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples are among the most impacted as victims, survivors and families of gender-based violence and of MMIWG2S+.

The IJCs houses Legal and Outreach teams that bring together a range of community, cultural and professional expertise that are available to people navigating criminal and child protection cases. The interdisciplinary team works together with a client-centered approach to access the legal and social supports that effect their housing, employment, physical and mental health and wellness, necessary to address the challenges facing them in the child protection and criminal justice systems.

IJCs integrates staff wellness into daily operations, recognizing that IJC teams may carry the weight of IJC clients’ experiences of injustice and trauma. All staff are part of a proactive approach to wellness that includes access to cultural supports, attention to physical and mental health and reasonable workloads. Staff are expected to take vacation and personal leaves and work collaboratively to cover absences, ensuring that the team remains healthy and able to provide high quality services.

Position Summary:

Clinical Legal Supervisors (CLS) through a combination of mentoring, clinic-style supervision, files review, spot auditing and collaborative file work will ensure that the lawyers in the IJC cluster are providing world-class legal services, as promised by the Justice Council to BC First Nations.

The Clinical Legal Supervisor under the direction of the Provincial IJC Director, is responsible for the substantive oversight of lawyer productivity and quality of work. The CLS is expected to ensure that all clients are well cared for and that all required policies and procedures are being followed in accordance with applicable legislation and the Rules of the Law Society of British Columbia.

Clinical Legal Supervisors will bring expertise in criminal and MCFD matters and will work with IJC lawyers and legal support teams based on substantive expertise.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the quality of the legal work done by BCFNJC lawyers and legal support teams through a combination of mentorship, file-review, spot-audits and clinic-style supervision as appropriate.
• Work with the Provincial IJC Director and the Legal Supports Supervisor to ensure standardized and Law Society compliant processes for practice management.
• Ensure that BCFNJC’s lawyers are promoting the presumption of diversion, requesting Gladue reports and otherwise forwarding the implementation of the Justice Strategy where possible.
• Supervise client care and promote inter-disciplinary client care planning and education.
• Take on client files, appeals, interventions, etc. from time to time, as required.
• Stay current on legal issues/challenges/litigation that BCFNJC may want to get involved in.
• Maintain documentation, comprehensive and up to date client files, in accordance with BCFNJC’s policies.
• Monitor client file distribution and time frames in order to prevent backlogs and develop strategies.
• Maintain a positive and productive work environment, providing mentorship and training across teams, and participating in any performance or disciplinary issues that may arise, as required.
• Participate in the development of strategic and service delivery plans in consultation with staff and BCFNJC leadership.
• Maintain current awareness of developments in all matters impacting the delivery of BCFNJC programs and services and apprises the Provincial Director of IJCs of issues and developments that could impact BCFNJC or its programs and services.
• Develop a working understanding of the organization's clients through telephone calls, meetings and events.
• Ensure that all reasonable client requests are met diligently.
• Collaborate with various BCFNJC departments and programs.
• Be available to help resolve conflicting objectives.
• Work alongside Human Resources to ensure that staffing needs are met and the regional IJC teams are equipped with trained professionals to meet client needs in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Collaborate with all levels and programs to facilitate change and create cost efficiency and reinforce continuously respectful communication between all departments.
• Demonstrate leadership and serve as a staff resource.
• Work collaboratively in good relations with the IJC Leadership Circle, Gladue Services, and other IJC Supervisors to make sure all IJC staff are supported and productive.
• Participate in IJCs proactive approach to staff wellness.
• Compile information for annual and other reports and ensure comprehensive statistics are maintained as required.
• Contribute to the collaborative approach to wrap-around services in the Indigenous Justice Centres.
• Work together with the IJC team to maintain a welcoming, high-function centre by supporting colleagues and community partners, as assigned.
• Comply with BCFNJC policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• Passion for transforming a legal system into a justice system for Indigenous people in BC.
• Belief that law should be client/person-centred, not lawyer centred.
• Membership or eligibility for membership of the Law Society of British Columbia.
• At least ten (10) years call to the Bar in British Columbia or equivalent experience in another Canadian jurisdiction.
• Minimum 5 years supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in the respective area of law, including practice of (criminal, family, child protection, poverty law).
• Knowledge of the structure and procedures of Canada’s Criminal Justice System, including knowledge of the criminal law, Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Crown Counsel Policy Manual (in particular charge assessment guidelines), Gladue principles and case law.
• Knowledge of the structure and procedures of British Columbia’s child protection system, including the Child Family and Community Services Act, and Bill C-92 – An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families.
• Knowledge of the following documents is an asset: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.
• Knowledge of local agencies that offer indigenous/restorative justice services, and support services to offenders, and to children, youth and families.
• Strong supervisory and management skills in leading, coaching and directing of staff, staff lawyer caseload management, maintaining time keeping systems. Supervisory/management experience, preferably in a complex organizational environment.
• Ability to synthesize complex legal problems and propose creative solutions.
• Ability to provide a culturally safe environment for clients.
• An understanding of Indigenous issues, cultures as well as Indigenous community groups and agencies and current issues affecting indigenous communities.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills combined with excellent interpersonal skills and ability to foster a strong multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to defuse stressful situations, and use tact in dealing with clients and the general public.
• Solid computer skills coupled with a good understanding of the use of new technologies within a dynamic work environment.
• Excellent project management skills and the demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet heavy case/work load deadlines.
• Self-motivated individual with the ability to work with minimal supervision in a team-oriented setting.
• Strong organizational, case and file management skills, stress management and time management skills.
• Ability to engage people to build trust and rapport; have effective verbal and listening communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, problem solve and take initiative.
• Understanding of interdisciplinary approach and respect for non-legal supports.
• Commitment to collaborative team environment.
• Valid Driver’s License, the use of a vehicle and ability to travel.
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check (to be completed after receiving offer of employment).

Reporting: Reports to the IJC Clinical legal Director.

Location: Remote in BC, preferably on the Mainland or Interior.

Office type: Remote in BC.

Pay Range: $160,000 – $190,000 annually.

Benefits: Extended benefits package that includes extended health and dental, personal days, paid vacation, and RRSP/TFSA savings plans.

Hours: Full-time (35 hours/week); Mondays to Fridays.

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided to Indigenous applicants in accordance with section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code. Candidates of Indigenous background are encouraged to self-identify on their application.