System Navigator (18 months) (4 positions)

System Navigator (18 months) (4 positions)

Union: OPSEU

Job Number: J0125-0577

Job Title: System Navigator (18 months) (4 positions)

Job Type: Contract

Contract Duration (months): 18 months

Job Location: Toronto

Job Category: Customer Service / Customer Associates

Job Classification: S3U*

Role Designation: LAO Workplace Based - Role is physically based in an in-person LAO workplace.

Open Positions: 4

Posting Date: January 24, 2025

Closing Date: January 31, 2025

Legal Aid Ontario employees are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients.

As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid Ontario is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law.

Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and embraces differences as a priority is a core value at LAO. LAO encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis, Black and racialized, as well as persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

We recognize the value of equity, diversity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and prioritizing, attracting and retaining diverse staff. All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at LAO. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.

Primary function

The System Navigator will be responsible for assisting unrepresented accused individuals appearing in person at the Ontario Court of Justice located at 10 Armoury Street in Toronto by providing information about court processes, assisting with identifying and actioning next steps (e.g. obtaining disclosure), and providing referrals to other service providers and resources.

The System Navigator role is a non-legal position focused on public education. System Navigators will need to be well-versed in the criminal court process and understand the needs of self-represented individuals. System Navigators will also need to be familiar with other justice system participants at the courthouse and with LAO’s eligibility criteria and application process. Additionally, the System Navigator will be required to liaise with all courthouse stakeholders to ensure the functioning of the self-represented Case Management Court.

S3U* pending job evaluation by the OPSEU district joint job evaluation committee

3 positions are unilingual
1 position is French Bilingual designated

Home Location: Toronto
Secondary Location(s): Not Applicable

Reporting to: Manager of Legal Services

Key accountabilities

• Conduct Group information sessions for self-represented accused
• Provide self-represented accused with guidance through the court process including related to approaching trial-scheduling benchmarks set by current practice directions
• Conduct needs assessments to determine the appropriate services for the unrepresented accused, including for early identification of vulnerable individuals in order to provide applicable information and make referrals
• Help self-represented accused to connect with Duty Counsel
• Assist self-represented clients with navigating the LAO application process and assist in connecting them with duty counsel
• Connect self-represented accused with service providers/community resources when appropriate such as: John Howard, Elizabeth Fry, Springboard, Fred Victor/CMHA/COTA/SoundTimes/ReConnect, ACW, other community resources [e.g.: gambling addictions], housing support
• Assist in the creation of a guide to the court system to be provided to self-represented individuals
• Refer self-represented individuals continuing to trial to other sources of legal representation (JusticeNet, Student Clinics, etc)
• Assist with obtaining disclosure and with determining next court dates
• Liaise with probation and Court Services Division to ensure the signing of orders
• Gather data on types and numbers of services provided

Required skills & experience

• Demonstrated commitment to access to justice
• Post secondary studies in a related discipline (criminology, justice studies, psychology, or social work) or relevant lived experience with the judicial or mental health systems
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and interview skills,
• Problem-solving skills and sound judgment for dealing with clients, lawyers, and other agencies;
• Good understanding of criminal court processes and current practice directions for Ontario Court of Justice;
• Strong knowledge and understanding of criminal justice stakeholders and service providers at the Ontario Court of Justice
• Strong knowledge of the LAO application process, including eligibility criteria, and the review process
• Possess a knowledge of specialty courts and their eligibility criteria (Gladue, Drug Treatment Court, Mental Health Court, Community Justice Centres)
• Promote and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, accessibility, equity and inclusion
• Demonstrated ability to work with other stakeholders within justice sector
• Demonstrated commitment to client service
• Must have intermediate knowledge of the following Microsoft programs; Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including familiarity and competence with proper maintenance of client database, computer information databases such as PeopleSoft
• Awareness of the rules of confidentiality and privilege as well as the distinction between legal advice and legal information
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment (both independently and collaboratively)

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