Community Legal Worker

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary
Dalhousie Legal Aid was the first legal service for low-income communities in Nova Scotia and is the oldest clinical law program in Canada. It is also the only community law clinic in Nova Scotia. The Clinic is a unique partnership of community groups, law students, community legal workers and lawyers working together and is operated by the Schulich School of Law. Dalhousie Legal Aid Service’s community-based office is located in a north-central neighbourhood of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Community Legal Worker will be responsible for case management and advocacy on behalf of individuals, primarily in the areas of administrative law (income assistance, residential tenancies, public housing, Canada Pension Plan Appeals, and Nova Scotia Power disconnects).

Key Responsibilities
– Supervise senior law students in areas such as income assistance and public housing case preparation and presentation to appropriate boards and tribunals, as well as participate in the evaluation of student performance.
– Work extensively with community-based groups in areas related to social and economic rights, including welfare, housing, access to electricity and other poverty issues.
– Communication and public legal education workshops and other forums.
– Seek external funding for projects and research-based opportunities.

Note
Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Required Qualifications
– A law degree is not necessary and any applicant with a law degree would not have active practice status with NSBS in this position. Those without law degrees are encouraged to apply.
– Strong communication skills and knowledge of anti-oppressive practice.

Assets
A solid track record of advocacy and knowledge of the above-noted administrative law areas.

Job Competencies
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:
– Respect & Inclusion
– Adaptability
– Knowledge & Thinking Skills
– Communication
– Service

Additional Information
Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration
Applications from university employees and external candidates are given concurrent consideration. Among short-listed candidates, university employees will be given special consideration.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Diversity Statement
Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

Link to Job Posting: https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/17840

Job Deadline/Expiry Date: 11/25/2024