Legal Counsel

OVERVIEW:
Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the incumbent is responsible for providing legal services and consultation to Society staff on the application and interpretation of the CYFSA and all other relevant legislation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-graduate degree in Law {LLB} or Juris Doctor (JD) and a member in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ practice experience in child welfare and family law, including trial experience. Supervisory experience is an asset.

SKILLS KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

• Proven knowledge of First Nation communities’ standards legislation, regulations, and Ministry standards (e.g., the CYFSA, the Family Law Rules, Ontario Courts of Justice Act) and other relevant federal and provincial legislation.
• Good understanding of the agency's values, service philosophy, and objectives.
• Knowledge of social work theories, principles, and practices.
• Clinical knowledge of child maltreatment, child development, attachment and separation, and family dynamics.
• Solid leadership skills and highly developed organizational, research, negotiation, critical thinking, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to mediate and negotiate effectively from an interest-based principled perspective.
• Outstanding litigation skills and experience handling consent and litigation matters.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, planning, priority-setting, and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated presentation skills to represent the organization in community and legal proceedings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of adult learning principles and skill in providing training.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced work environment and to deal with stressful situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a vulnerable population, which includes working with clients who are dealing with mental health, addiction, and poverty issues.
• Knowledge and proficient competence of computer software (e.g,. Microsoft Office
  -Excel, Word, Frontline, and Penlieu).

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Given the traditional practices of the Anishinabek, from time to time, exposure to wood smoke and the burning of sacred medicines, including tobacco, sweet grass, sage, or cedar, may occur within the work setting.
Candidates must live within the service area or be willing to relocate.

Applicants are encouraged to visit our website fs.org/employment to review the full job description.

Please submit your application marked “Confidential –Legal Counsel. Include in your application a cover letter, resume, and (3) three reference letters - two (2) employment-related from recent employers. Please also detail in your application: education, employment experience, and cultural participation. Applications are accepted and in the following order of preference: by website, email, or in-person at

Human Resources – Confidential Legal Counsel
Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services
Main Office - 98 Pottawatomi Avenue,
Wikwemikong, Ontario P0P 2J0
Fax:
Email: applications

KGCFS We are committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Accommodations are available upon request. Miigwetch for your application; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to submit the following: a satisfactory Police Record Check, an acceptable Driver’s Abstract and proof of $1M Liability Insurance.

On April 1, 2012 Kina Gbezhgomi Child And Family Services transferred the direct service delivery and management of the prevention services inclusive of family and community support services to the First Nations. Each of the First Nations and Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services has a Contribution Agreement outlining the roles and responsibilities of the agency and First Nation in this collaborative partnership inclusive of agency support and training, funding arrangements, service and financial reporting.

Kina Gbezhgomi Child And Family Services completed this process as a transition phase to a fully integrated child welfare model in preparation for designation as a child welfare agency, and also to reflect the membership requests in relation to First Nation community based delivery of prevention services. VISION:
Kina Gbezhgomi Child And Family Services will honour and support our family’s and community’s inherent authority to care for their children based on unity, traditions, values, beliefs and customs. MISSION:
Our services ensure children are protected and stay connected with their culture, language and community while strengthening family and community relationships.