In-House Legal Counsel

North Eastern Ontario Family and Children's Services (NEOFACS); New Liskeard; On-site; CAD 114,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) seeks an In-House Legal Counsel to provide legal advice, opinions, and strategic guidance to child protection staff and to represent the Agency in court. Required: LL.B.

or J.D., Ontario Law Society membership, 1–2 years experience under CYFSA or family law, and PHIPA knowledge. Travel across the NEOFACS area, with Indigenous/community engagement and Cree language as assets.

Qualifications

• Law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) with admission to the Law Society of Ontario.
• 1–2 years’ experience representing children, parents, or CAS under CYFSA or in family law.
• Experience before the Child and Family Services Review Board is a plus.
• Strong litigation, negotiation, and dispute resolution abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice, opinions, and strategic guidance to child protection staff.
• Represent the Agency in court at all levels.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support programs.
• Travel across the NEOFACS catchment, including fly-in communities; respect Indigenous cultural norms.

Skills

Litigation

Negotiation

Dispute resolution

Team collaboration

Education

LL.B. or J.D.

Tools

PHIPA knowledge

CYFSA familiarity

Ontario Bar

Job description

IN-HOUSE LEGAL COUNSEL

Twelve (12) month Full-time Contract Position in any NEOFACS Location

The In-House Legal Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice, opinions, and strategic guidance to child protection staff, as well as representing the Agency before all levels of court. The ideal candidate will be a lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario, with demonstrated knowledge and experience applying the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (including Part X) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Strong litigation and negotiation skills, sound judgment, and the ability to foster effective working relationships within a multidisciplinary team are essential to success in this role.

Moreover, the ideal candidate will exhibit strong leadership skills, have a vested interest in our programs, particularly in child protection services, and excel at recognizing strengths while fostering a culture of trust, respect, fairness, consistency, diversity, and inclusiveness.

This position requires travel throughout the NEOFACS catchment area, including to fly-in communities along the western James Bay coast. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in partnership with these communities, respecting and incorporating their traditional cultural norms and values. Proficiency in Cree is considered an asset, as is previous experience working with Indigenous communities.

Job Requirements (qualifications And Skills)

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, with membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• One to two years of experience representing children, parents, or Children’s Aid Societies in matters under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) or in family law proceedings.
• Experience appearing before the Child and Family Services Review Board is considered an asset.
• Strong litigation, negotiation, and dispute resolution abilities.
• Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively and effectively with multidisciplinary professionals.
• Demonstrated experience applying the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (including Part X) and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Bilingualism in English and French is an asset.
• Candidates must possess a minimum G2 driver’s license at the time of application and be willing to obtain a valid G Class driver’s license as a condition of employment or already possess a valid G Class driver’s license and have access to their own vehicle.

The job description for this position is available upon request.

Quote Competition # 26- 65

Salary: $113,950 to $136,064 annually

Vacancy Status: Vacant Position

For more employment opportunities please visit our website at www.neofacs.org.

NEOFACS does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position. North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services only accepts resumes that are received by the email address above. We thank everyone for their interest in North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

NEOFACS is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process. If contacted regarding this competition, please advise the interview coordinator of accommodation measures you may require during our selection process. Information received relating to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.

Working together for the well-being and safety of children, youth and families.