Community Legal Worker

Dalhousie University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Dalhousie University seeks a Community Legal Worker to manage cases and advocate for low-income individuals in administrative law areas. The role involves supervising law students and collaborating with community groups to address social rights issues. The successful candidate will not need a law degree but should possess strong communication skills and knowledge of anti-oppressive practices. The position requires in-person work on campus, supporting a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension plan

Health and dental plans

Health spending account

Employee and family assistance program

Tuition assistance program

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and knowledge of anti-oppressive practice.
• Advocacy and knowledge of administrative law areas.

Responsibilities

• Supervise senior law students in case preparation and presentation.
• Work with community groups on social and economic rights.
• Conduct public legal education workshops.

Skills

Communication

Anti-oppressive practice

Education

Law degree

Job description

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.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core competencies in particular :

• Respect & Inclusion
• 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.