Administrative Assistant

Are you passionate about social justice? Do you want to contribute to improving access to justice in Peterborough City and County? Do you have a diverse set of skills that you want to utilize to improve the lives of others in your community?

Funded by Legal Aid Ontario, PCLC has been serving Peterborough City and County since 1989. As a non‑profit corporation and member of the Association of Community Legal Clinics of Ontario, the body which represents Ontario’s 72 community legal clinics, PCLC is uniquely positioned to provide legal services to low‑income residents in our community. Through legal advice and representation, PCLC provides improved individual access to income security, housing, and related needs.

PCLC advocates for systemic reform to promote social and economic justice and human dignity. Our services are independent, community‑based, confidential, and free.

• Desired
  
  Start Date:
  
  As soon as possible, includes training period
• Term: 6‑month contract, with possibility of renewal, 3‑month probationary period
• Status:
  Part‑time (21 hours/week)
• Wage: $22.50/hour, commensurate with experience
• Working Conditions:
  
  In office, downtown Peterborough/Nogojiwanong

The Administrative Assistant at PCLC is integral to the success of the clinic, including social assistance, housing, and other areas of casework, as well as law reform and public legal education initiatives. A diverse skillset in the Administrative Assistant is extraordinarily valuable and elevates the level of service that the case workers and the entire PCLC client service team are able to provide to clients and community members.

• Administrative and secretarial support in all realms of Legal Centre work including the Executive Director.
• Preparing and filing correspondence using pre‑existing templates.
• Data management in Windows Explorer and in PCLC’s digital database (CIMS).
• Scanning, organization, and filing of documents (both paper and electronic).
• Providing referrals to clients with concerns outside the Legal Centre’s scope of practice.
• Follow up with outside agencies and professional offices.
• Contact with clients to arrange appointments, follow up, etc.
• Support preparation of bi‑annual newsletters, including design and publication.
• Other duties as delegated by the Executive Director, Office Manager, Intake Worker, or other Caseworkers.

• Strong commitment to social justice and commitment to assisting low income, disadvantaged and/or disabled people with kindness and respect.
• Minimum 2‑years of post‑secondary education.
• Familiarity with office setting; general knowledge of office procedures, standard office equipment, administrative procedures.
• Accurate and fast word processing skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills – written and oral.
• Excellent interpersonal skills – must be able to work effectively with vulnerable clients, colleagues across various professional networks.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Outlook, Excel, Publisher).
• Experience using Adobe Acrobat Pro (or general knowledge of the program).
• Experience using a variety of online programs, and a demonstrated ability to quickly learn new online programs, including data management tools and search engines.
• Ability to quickly learn and adopt new or modified policies/procedures.
• Must be vaccinated with COVID‑19 vaccine, unless requesting an exemption and accommodation in accordance with Human Rights Code.

• General understanding of systemic barriers to access to justice and intersectional issues relating to low‑income communities.
• Knowledge of agencies in Peterborough City and County and services provided by each.
• Knowledge of the issues facing low‑income people in Peterborough City and County.
• Experience with designing/compiling newsletters or similar publications using Canva.
• Experience with Non‑Violent Communication, De‑Escalation and other forms of mediation with vulnerable individuals.
• Experience providing general technical support.
• Ability to lift 30‑50lbs (boxes of files).
• Valid G drivers’ license and access to a vehicle.

• Opportunity to be a part of systemic legal reform initiatives.
• Virtual, hybrid and in‑person training on a range of legal and social justice related topics.
• Professional networking within the legal clinic system via regional conferences and other opportunities.
• Access to learning resources available through ACLCO and other specialty clinics.
• We are a Living Wage Certified employer with Ontario Living Wage Network.

PCLC is committed to equity and diversity. We welcome applications from individuals from diverse communities and backgrounds and from people with disabilities. Please advise us if you require any accommodations at any point during the hiring process.