Eligibility Review Officer

Company Bio

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.

Primary function

The Eligibility Review Office (ERO) is an integral part of LAO’s General Counsel Office, and ensures that LAO applicants are able to exercise their statutory right of review regarding refusals of legal aid assistance. The ERO Officer reports to the ERO Lawyer Manager and is responsible for conducting reviews of eligibility decisions and makes final decisions based on financial and policy criteria. They provide assistance to Senior Counsel and to legal counsel on the ERO team, triaging financial review files and preparing draft written reasons for decision and other documentation. The ERO Officer may correspond with applicants and/or counsel, if necessary, to obtain additional information, and to respond to inquiries from applicants, lawyers, and other departments, as well as external stakeholders. They are also expected to provide assistance and support to GCO if necessary.

Primary Location: Provincial Office - Toronto

Secondary/Other Locations: Not applicable

Reports to: Senior Counsel/Lawyer Manager, Eligibility Review Office

Key accountabilities

• Consider review requests from LAO applicants and clients to determine whether LAO’s financial and legal eligibility policies and guidelines have been correctly applied.
• Make recommendations on entitlement (including ongoing eligibility) in complex client and legal/financial matters.
• Draft clear and accurate reasons for decision.
• Communicate with and respond to clients, lawyers, and other LAO departments as required.
• Participate in and/or lead corporate-wide special projects/project implementation involving ERO and General Counsel Office matters.
• Provide general administrative support when necessary, including opening and closing files in PS and corresponding with clients.
• Perform other duties as required, including tasks involving General Counsel Office matters.

Required Skills & Experience

• Knowledge and thorough understanding of LASA 2020, LAO’s Legal Aid Services Rules, and LAO eligibility policies, as well as internal processes and procedures
• Knowledge regarding all areas of law for which LAO provides coverage (criminal, family, child protection, refugee, CCB, ORB, mental health and civil)
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely
• Excellent analytical and reasoning skills and sound judgement
• Ability to confidently make informed decisions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Capacity to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Aptitude for working both independently and collaboratively as a team member
• Completion of up to a two-year program in community college or three years related work experience is an asset
• Excellent organizational skills/experience with managing projects
• Ability to maintain confidentiality as a member of General Counsel Office
• Advanced knowledge of PeopleSoft, Excel, Word and Adobe
• French language ability, both written and verbal, is an asset

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email.

Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. 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.

First time applying to LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position.

Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select "my jobs" to apply.

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: ***email_hidden***

Equity Statement

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.