Senior Counsel / Manager, Legal Services

Transcription

1 Ontario Human Rights Legal Support Centre Centre d assistance juridique en matière de droits de la personne 180 Dundas St W 8 th Floor Toronto, Ontario M7A 0A1 Telephone (416) Fax (416) TTY (416) Ontario Human Rights Legal Support Centre Senior Counsel / Manager, Legal Services The Human Rights Legal Support Centre provides legal services, including representation, to human rights claimants applying to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. The Centre has a Toronto opening for a Senior Counsel / Manager, Legal Services to lead and direct the work of one of three teams of lawyers, paralegals and administrative staff. This is a one-year contract and may become a permanent position. Preference will be given to candidates with a minimum of 6 years practice experience. The salary range for this position is $104,000 to $117,000. The Human Rights Legal Support Centre is committed to equity and diversity and welcomes applications from people who are reflective of diverse communities. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with Ontario s Human Rights Code. Accessible formats of this posting are available upon request. In keeping with our Aboriginal Service Policy, the HRLSC encourages applications from Aboriginal lawyers. Full Job Description: How to apply: 1. Applications must be submitted as one attachment 2. Addressed to the attention of Human Resources 3. In resume form with a covering letter 4. Submitted by to the following address: jobapplication@hrlsc.on.ca 5. Subject line should read: Manager, Legal Services June 2016 Application Deadline: July 8, 5:00 p.m. We thank you for your interest in this opportunity. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

2 Manager, Legal Services Job Description Page 2 of 5 POSITION TITLE MANAGER, LEGAL SERVICES NUMBER OF INCUMBENTS 3 REPORTS TO Director of Legal Services LAST UPDATED June 20, 2016 PURPOSE OF POSITION To direct and manage the provision of legal support services for one of three defined portfolios in the Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC). To participate as part of a legal management team, in the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies, practices, protocols, and procedures for the effective delivery of HRLSC legal services across the province. As a member of the management, to advise the Executive Director and Chief Administrative Officer on the development, implementation and monitoring of workplace policies and practices to ensure that the HRLSC fulfills its mandate to deliver excellent legal and support services to individuals whose rights under the Human Rights Code have been infringed. To oversee, and/or personally handle complex or precedent setting cases. MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Management of Legal Support Services Leads and directs the work of legal, quasi-legal, and administrative staff in the provision of legal support services to clients in accordance with the mandate of the HRLSC under the Human Rights Code. Reviews incoming cases, determines nature and complexity of the issues, level of legal services to be provided, and priority of the case. Assigns cases to staff based on staff areas of expertise, workload, complexity, and priority. Monitors status and progress of cases and intervenes to correct problem situations, or reassign cases based on workload or changes to case complexity. Meets regularly with staff to review and discuss status and progress of open cases, and to debrief on resolution and/or status of closed cases. Ensures that quality control and performance monitoring systems are implemented and monitored, and that corrective action is initiated as required in response to trends and/or specific situations. Oversees, and/or personally handles complex or precedent setting cases; appears at tribunal hearings and mediations on behalf of client. Identifies cases which represent public interest issues and makes appropriate referrals to the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC); liaises with counsel at at the OHRC to coordinate issues/cases where necessary. Ensures that all assigned staff receive appropriate orientation, training and coaching, and that all staff have current knowledge and information relative to the Human Rights Code, and all relevant regulations and administrative directives.

3 Manager, Legal Services Job Description Page 3 of 5 Monitors decisions and rulings of the (HRTO), and ensures that staff consider relevant precedents in their legal advice and assistance to clients. Ensures that staff adhere to all administrative and case management policies, procedures, and protocols, and that all necessary records and files are maintained. Responsible for full supervisory authority for Legal Counsel positions, including approval of hiring, salary increases, performance management, vacation, overtime, disciplinary action, and termination of employment. In conjunction with Manager, Client Services (Intake and Applications), oversees the work of assigned Human Rights Advisors and Human Rights Representatives, including the monitoring of performance of work of the legal team. In conjunction with Manager, Administrative Services, oversees the team s administrative support requirements and the performance of the Legal Secretary position. Strategic Direction, Policies and Procedures Participates as part of a management team in the development of policies, practices, protocols, and procedures for the effective case management of client files. In conjunction with management team, participates in ongoing assessment of the case management process, caseload volumes and statistical trends to determine the effectiveness of the Centre s processes, the need for changes to the process, and to respond quickly to emerging problems. Works collaboratively with other members of the HRLSC management team to coordinate activities, resolve problems, and provide seamless services to clients. As a member of the management team, contributes to the HRLSC s strategic, operational and business planning; supports the Executive Director, Chair, and Board in meeting the objectives of the HRLSC, and fulfilling its mandate as part of the human rights system in Ontario under the Human Rights Code. Provides advice and expertise to the Legal Directors and the Executive Director on strategic and operational issues, case management and emerging trends and issues which have a critical impact on the policies and operation of the HRLSC. Stakeholder and Partner Relations Participates, as assigned, in initiatives to establish and maintain appropriate linkages with counterparts in the OHRC and the HRTO, to ensure that the activities support the overall human rights system in Ontario. In conjunction with Communications and Outreach Co-ordinator, establishes and maintains linkages with critical stakeholders and advocacy groups, particularly in the regional community served by the team; receives and responds to community input; provides information and guidance on the services of the HRLSC. In conjunction with the Communications and Outreach Co-Ordinator, establishes and maintains linkages with lawyers, community legal clinics, and other legal groups representing clients before the HRTO, particularly within the team s regional area; provides information and guidance on the services of the HRLSC, and the complaints process.

4 Manager, Legal Services Job Description Page 4 of 5 Performs other duties as assigned which may change from time to time depending on a number of factors, including changes in the demand for legal services or in the Centre s service delivery model. Other temporary duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS COMPENSABLE FACTORS Human rights legislation in Ontario, including the Human Rights Code; knowledge and understanding of human rights legislation in other provinces and the federal legislation. Objectives and strategies of the human rights system in Ontario; the independent roles and interrelationship of the three pillars of the system the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, and the Human Rights Legal Support Centre. Principles and issues of human rights and discrimination, the concerns of individuals and groups, and the history of the protection of human rights in Ontario. Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully in a diverse workplace, including awareness of and sensitivity to cultural, racial, ethnic, gender, age and disability-related issues that may arise in the workplace and in serving diverse communities. Commitment to applying the principles of cultural competence in performing the job responsibilities of this position including recognition of the need to deliver services to the public in a manner that recognizes the unique needs of the diverse communities served by the Human Rights Legal Support Centre. Principles of service delivery in a public sector organization to effectively deliver the mandate of the agency to the citizens of the province. Membership in the Law Society of Upper Canada, with significant management experience in a legal environment. Experience in the practice of human rights law; and in appearing before adjudicative boards and tribunals. Experience in alternative dispute resolution techniques, including mediation. Management and leadership skills to lead and direct the activities of staff providing legal support services to the public; with experience in delivery of services to the public, and the provision of customer services that are accessible, and sensitive to the needs and issues of all client groups. Conceptual and analytical skills to participate in the development and implementation of effective policies, processes, practices, and monitoring/reporting frameworks for the Centre. Communications, consultation and relationship building skills to build relationships with counterparts in other agencies which form the human rights system in Ontario, and to develop and foster relationships with key stakeholder and advocacy groups in the community.

5 Manager, Legal Services Job Description Page 5 of 5 COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS Requires the ability to communicate as a spokesperson on behalf of the organization in matters of a sensitive or political nature. ANALYTICAL SKILLS Requires analytical skills to develop and implement innovative solutions to complex multi-faceted legal issues having precedent setting implications. RESPONSIBILITY FOR DECISIONS/ACTIONS Responsible for legal decisions which impact the approach/ strategy of individual cases or the direction of legal services in the organization. RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANAGEMENT/LEADERSHIP Responsible for the management and leadership of a functional unit within the organization; has full supervisory responsibility for hiring, coaching, discipline, termination of staff, assigning and monitoring work. Directly supervises the following positions: Legal Counsel, Staff Lawyer, Legal Services Representative. Functionally supervises the following positions: Legal Secretary, Client Services Representative. RESPONSIBILITY FOR CLIENTS/STAKEHOLDERS Responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of policies and procedures that determine unit and/or HRLSC standards and protocols for client/ stakeholder relations and priorities; AND responsible for acting as lead counsel on precedent setting or highly politicized issues/cases. PHYSICAL EFFORT/DEMANDS Work involves minimal physical effort normally associated with typical office routines. There is flexibility to change work activities or take a break to alter body position. MENTAL/SENSORY DEMANDS Work involves a considerable or constant degree of mental/sensory demands. Typically deadlines and priorities are unpredictable due to dealing with crises situations, work involves multiple role demands, required to travel overnight more than 5 days per month, frequent requirement to deal with upset or agitated clients or situations. WORKING CONDITIONS Work is regularly performed in a normal office environment where unpleasant conditions or hazards are minimal. FRENCH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS N/A