Learning and Development Specialist - French Language Services

The Institute for Performance and Learning; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent organization in Toronto is seeking a Learning and Development Specialist to enhance training for legal aid services. This role involves planning and implementing sustainable French language training initiatives while working closely with various departments. The ideal candidate will be organized, a self-starter, and possess strong bilingual skills.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension plan

Comprehensive health benefits

Generous paid time-off

Qualifications

• Strong written and oral proficiency in French and English.
• Experience in managing a full training cycle from needs analysis to program evaluation.
• Knowledge of various training delivery methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement a comprehensive French language training framework.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of FLS training programs and recommend improvements.
• Consult with internal stakeholders to manage project milestones.

Skills

Bilingual communication

Training development

Organizational skills

Facilitation

Presentation skills

Education

Degree or diploma in education, training or a related field

Tools

MS Office

Google Drive

E-learning authoring tools

Job description

Legal Aid Ontario employees are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients.

As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid Ontario is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law.

If you are looking for a new challenge in your already meaningful career with a team dedicated to justice, and innovation in a flexible and supportive work environment consider this opportunity below.

Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and embraces differences as a priority is a core value at LAO. LAO encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis, Black and racialized, as well as persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

We recognize the value of equity, diversity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and prioritizing, attracting and retaining diverse staff. All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at LAO. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.

Primary function

Learning and Development Specialist (FLS)

This position is responsible for the enhancement of training and resources for those directly providing legal aid services in French. The successful candidate will work with the HR learning and development team and the FLS Program Manager, subject matter experts (SMEs), and other internal partners to plan, develop and implement sustainable French language training initiatives for LAO.
This position works closely with the Multi-language Programs (MLP) Department, which provides centralized expertise, oversight and support, planning, compliance and reporting for language access to LAO services and communications, so as to meet LAO’s French language service (FLS) obligations and multi- language commitments.

The ideal candidate for this role is a resourceful self-starter who is highly organized and results-orientated with strong French language skills.

Home Location: Provincial Office – Toronto
Secondary/Other Location(s): Not applicable
Reporting to: Manager, Talent and Organizational Development.

Key accountabilities

• Plan, develop and implement a comprehensive and sustainable training framework to support the provision of high-quality French language legal aid services.
• Research and make recommendations on the best use of various French and bilingual training delivery methodologies to provide options for appropriate integration FLS training into existing and new internal training programs
• Research and make recommendations on the use of existing industry-specific educational materials
• Assess and analyze FLS training needs to develop new training programs or modify and adapt existing internal and external programs
• Plan, develop and deliver targeted awareness training with respect to FLS rights and obligations as well as Active Offer measures for legal aid professionals
• Support the development and implementation of French Language learning and service provision objectives in performance management
• Develop and monitor individualized training plans where needed to address training gaps, performance management objectives and French language competency enhancement requirements.
• Plan, develop and implement targeted professional training and resources in French for bilingual legal aid service providers, including training related to lawyer and paralegal FLS professional obligations, clients’ FLS rights in legal proceedings, and substantive legal training.
• Develop and design content, training manuals, multimedia visual aids, and other educational materials on various platforms for FLS training initiatives
• Support the development and delivery of enhanced FLS supports and tools (i.e. policies, guides, checklists, workflows, etc.).
• Guide in the creation of learning objectives based on needs assessments and clearly define scope and deliverables for training content.
• Liaise with SMEs throughout the design and development process for content development.
• Consult with internal stakeholders to manage project milestones/expectations
• Evaluate the effectiveness of FLS training programs and provide recommendations for improvement
• Promote and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, accessibility, equity and inclusion.

Required skills & experience

• Strong written and oral proficiency in French and English
• A combination of training, education and experience that demonstrates a solid background in training best practices and fundamentals
• Knowledge of various training methods such as classroom training, e-learning, demonstrations, on-the-job training, meetings, conferences and workshops, and their effectiveness
• Experience with developing training in remote learning environments, and with alternative and technology-based training delivery methods such as e-learning and e-learning authoring tools
• Experience in developing and delivering training to adult learners
• Experience in managing a full training cycle from needs analysis to program evaluation
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to write in a clear and concise manner and convey information appropriately for the intended audiences
• Strong presentation, facilitation, consulting and relationship building skills
• Proficiency in MS Office and Google Drive and knowledge of authoring tools like Articulate and Captivate.
• Experience hosting meetings and training with Teams and Zoom
• Excellent organizational skills, flexible with change and able to meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to respect diversity and work collaboratively with individuals of diverse cultural, social, and educational backgrounds

Assets
• Certification in training
• Experience using survey tools such as Microsoft Forms and Survey Monkey
• Understanding of Legal Aid Ontario services and operations or work experience within LAO
If you’re excited about this opportunity but your skills and experience do not 100% align, you may bring something else to the role we hadn’t considered. We encourage you to apply and let us know why you are the right person for the role.

What we offer
At Legal Aid Ontario, we are committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees. A defined benefit pension plan and comprehensive health benefits package reflect this commitment and are designed to enhance both professional and personal well-being.
LAO provides generous paid time-off including 17 vacation days at hire, sick days, discretionary days, leave for religious holiday observance, statutory holidays and more.

How to Apply
To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.
Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume or to the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.

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Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.
Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support: [e-mail].