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The Legal Advocate – Poverty Law provides direct front-line support to clients experiencing poverty law issues in order to increase access to justice. The Legal Advocate also provides information, education, and advocacy to support increased understanding/realization of legal rights, legal empowerment, and increased awareness of collaborative options. Legal areas covered include but are not limited to, income security, tenancy issues, debt and consumer law, employment law.
Job Responsibility:
Supporting clients to understand their legal rights and responsibilities and resolving their legal issues
Interviewing and assessing client poverty legal issues and determining courses of action
Providing information, insight, and advocacy and if appropriate, representation at a tribunal level
Providing clients with legal information and assistance (e.g., income assistance, housing – residential tenancy and employment standards and disability applications)
Assisting clients with completing applications, forms, tribunal appeal documents and letters as appropriate
Supporting and encouraging clients to engage in self-advocacy (providing self-help material)
Requirements:
A minimum two years’ post-secondary education with preference to those with a diploma/degree in the social service-related field
Experience working alongside individuals who have been traditionally marginalized (e.g., individuals who are underserved and underrepresented)
Demonstrated experience and knowledge of legal/community resources and familiarity with poverty/social justice issues
Experience in tenant, disability, and income support programs advocacy and, an ability to read, interpret and understand legislation
Well-developed written and verbal communication skills including ease in addressing large groups and communicating with diverse workgroups
Knowledge of local community resources and an awareness and understanding of poverty related issues
Strong competency with computers
able to use Microsoft Office365 particularly Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
Strong planning, organizing, and time management skills
able to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
Strong record keeping, communication and administrative skills
Skills in working with sensitive issues and commitment to respecting the confidential nature of the program
A valid BC Driver’s License, with a satisfactory driver’s record
A reliable, personal vehicle is required for program-related driving
The ability to function independently and as part of a team, with the ability to meet deadlines
Ability for long periods of sitting, being on the phone and at a computer
Ability to interact with people in difficult situations
Ability for occasional shifts outside of the advocate’s main location
A satisfactory Criminal Records Check is a condition of employment
What we offer:
Three weeks pro-rated vacation in your first year
four weeks in your second year
A great benefits plan including extended health and dental
you choose your plan
A pension plan: Archway meets your contribution
Opportunity to exchange a statutory holiday for a cultural day celebration
Employee and Family Assistance Program
Access to online wellness resources including newsletters, physical health videos, and wellness events
Free use of Archway’s wellness equipment
Great in-house training opportunities
Business insurance and associated mileage costs for program-related driving is covered by Archway