Family Law Advocate. Job Description and Responsibilities (2019) Executive Director or Manager, Community Legal Services

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1 NSCR Family Law Advocate Job Description and Responsibilities (2019) Position Title: NSCR Program: Summary: Reports To: Team: Family Law Advocate NSCR Community Legal Services Program The Family Law Advocate is responsible for all aspects and deliverables for providing family law information, advice and representation to NSCR clients within the parameters of the program funded by the Law Foundation of BC Executive Director or Manager, Community Legal Services The Family Law Advocate is a separate position within the larger program of NSCR s Community Legal Services which also includes the Legal Advocates and the Coordinator of Legal Information and Assistance. The Family Law Advocate may supervise Law Students or other volunteers with the program. Status: 1 FTE (35 hours), funded for three years ( to ) with extension subject to further funding from the Law Foundation of BC Screening: Criminal Records Check & Vulnerable Sector Search required prior to start date and repeated as required from time to time The Family Law Advocate is a front-line, client service position responsible for providing family law information, advice, representation and general support to NSCR clients within the parameters of the Scope of Service of the Family Law Advocacy Program funded by the Law Foundation of BC. This includes a broad mandate to provide legal services to those clients having relationship difficulties. These services will include providing legal information and summary advice, triage and referral, support for consensual dispute resolution, legal representation and other functions in the areas of family law and child protection. In addition, the Family Law Advocate will provide public legal education and administrative support to the program.

2 2 In providing services, the Family Law Advocate will be sensitive to a client s specific needs due to disability, cultural or language barriers, literacy issues, transportation and child care issues affecting the client. Responsibilities of the Family Law Advocate includes: 1. Primary Responsibilities (a) Information, Triage and Referral Interviews clients to help identify legal issues, prioritize their legal needs, and help them choose realistic and fair legal solutions by providing legal information, advocacy, referrals and access to volunteer lawyers Makes appropriate referrals to other legal resources and non-legal resources (e.g. ****) (b) Legal Information, Support and Summary Advice Provides legal information and summary advice to clients to promote early resolution of legal problems As appropriate, prepares a written summary of the client s legal needs and a list of questions for them to discuss with duty counsel or when appropriate, a pro bono lawyer Attends court on list days to assist unrepresented litigants by providing information about the court process, connecting them with duty counsel, identifying clients who require additional assistance from the advocate or others, and assisting in dealing with conflicts when possible In cases of violence, the advocate will provide safety-planning, risk-assessment and crisis intervention, where needed, and refer client to appropriate resources (transition houses, trauma counselling, victim services, police etc.) (c) Supports Consensual Dispute Resolution As appropriate, supports dispute resolution from the outset by educating clients about the nature of collaborative values and the availability of consensual dispute resolution ( CDR ) in the family justice system Assists clients prepare for CDR Screens for cases when CDR is not an appropriate option (e.g. where there is an acute power imbalance, violence, or high-conflict). (d) Legal Representation The advocate will not represent clients in court hearings but will assist unrepresented litigants by educating them on the court structure and process and assist the client in court when appropriate.

3 3 When appropriate and subject to legal supervision, the Advocate will also assist the client in the following ways: Prepare summaries of facts and memoranda outlining the client s legal issues to make best use of appointments with duty counsel, pro bono or low bono lawyers Identify documentation and evidence the client needs to support positions, provide coaching and interpreting substantial and procedural law Provide tips for legal research and self-advocacy by assisting the client to draft documents Help with form completion (initiating proceedings, varying orders, enforcing orders) and document preparation, including financial statements, fee waiver applications, writing letters on behalf of the client Communicate with the other party, as appropriate Communicate with the other party s representative (lawyer or advocate) Accompany the client to court to orient, assist and organize the client; for example, directing clients to duty counsel or other court staff and facilities (Judicial Case Manager, Court Registry), informing them about court room etiquette, providing some level of emotional support, taking notes With permission of the court (judge) and when it is in the interests of the client, speak to the judge regarding the matter as appropriate Explain orders or agreements, including how they impact the client s rights and obligations. 2. Secondary Responsibilities including Public Legal Education In addition, to the primary responsibilities above, the Family Law Advocate will: Identify gaps in services and systemic issues and collaborate with others to identify solutions where appropriate Assist clients in accessing legal aid (including appeals), finding a lawyer, connecting clients with appropriate services and supports Provide skill-based training to intermediaries and act as a resource for other staff at NSCR and in the community

4 4 Provide public legal education including developing and distributing legal resources for the public as well as preparing and facilitating public legal education workshops for individuals and organizations on the North Shore Organize pro bono legal clinics Act as a liaison to the justice system, including court, duty counsel, LSS, family justice counsellors, police/crown and lawyers Develop networks of colleagues, agencies and experts to support the Advocate s work and the program Undertake outreach, develop and maintain relationships with other agencies and officials to promote and support our program as well as encourage appropriate client referrals 3. Program Administration, Professional and Other Responsibilities (5-7.5%) Undertake continuing legal education as necessary and required to maintain knowledge of subject area and new legal developments and resources Provide documentation and reporting regarding work related activities as required by the program Manager and funders Assist with the development of and maintenance of high professional standards with respect to policy, file management, client communication and professional ethics Assist with the development of appropriate client and file management systems Train and supervise law students and other volunteers as required Undertake any other responsibilities related to the position as required Qualifications, Skills and Experience A law degree or paralegal training Knowledge and experience in the areas of family law and child protection Continuing legal education relevant to the position including Consensual Dispute Resolution Maturity and capacity to manage a demanding case load while maintaining work/life balance when working with clients who often face difficult life circumstances

5 5 Aptitude for working effectively with clients with diverse backgrounds including those with mental, cognitive or physical disabilities, those with low income, individuals with limited capacity in English or literacy generally, newcomers and those who have experienced violence in relationships Excellent communication (written and oral) and analytical skills Established relationships/networks in family law community of practitioners Experience with public legal education and community engagement Ability to work independently as well as seek assistance/advice/direction as appropriate Superior file management Understanding of and experience with client relationships and professional ethics Appropriate computer and other technological literacy Good knowledge of legal community and social services available to clients on the North Shore. Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills One or more additional languages will be an asset Note: a satisfactory criminal record check will be a pre-requisite for employment Updated as of February, 2019