Job Advertisement - Legal Advocate

Established in 1994, Seniors First BC is a charitable, non-profit society that provides information, advocacy, and support to seniors across BC who are dealing with issues affecting their well-being. We provide free help to older adults through 5 programs: the Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL), Elder Law Clinic, Legal Advocacy Program, Victim Services program and Education and Outreach program. We are seeking an energetic full time Legal Advocate located in the Lower Mainland to join our team.

The Legal Advocacy Program facilitates access to justice for older adults through the provision of legal information, summary advice and representation in areas including benefits and pensions, residential tenancy issues and debt. Our Legal Advocate also assists seniors to assert their rights and find their way through government institutions. Due to an increase in our workload, we are recruiting a second legal advocate who would work along with our experienced legal advocate, under the supervision of the Executive Director.

Start Date:

April 2023

Hours:

Full-time (35 hours/week).

Rate of Pay

Approximately $59,000-$64,000 per year, depending on skills and experience.

Competitive extended health benefits after probation.

Reports to:

Executive Director

Job Summary:

The Legal Advocate will provide legal information, summary advice and representation to older adults who have limited financial resources. Client files are mainly issues about public sector pensions and benefits, residential tenancy issues and consumer debt. The Legal Advocate will also occasionally participate in community outreach and legal education activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct client interviews on the telephone and/or in person, and assess and analyze legal problems
• Provide legal advice in pensions, housing and debt and other poverty law issues under the supervision of SFBC’s staff lawyer
• Draft legal submissions and correspondence on behalf of clients
• Represent clients in hearings before different federal and provincial tribunals
• Works collaboratively with all our other programs.
• Develop and conduct Public Legal Education workshops and presentations in the Lower Mainland (some travel may be required)

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in law or social sciences, or other related field;
• Excellent advocacy and problem solving skills;
• Excellent English communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Understanding of trauma-informed approach and working with marginalized communities;
• Cultural competency and ability to work with older adults from various cultural communities;
• Prior experience working as a legal advocate in the non-profit sector is an asset;
• The ability speak languages other than English is an asset.

Work Location:

The successful applicant will be expected to work out of our downtown office, with the option to work remotely a few days per week.

To Apply:

Please reply by including a resume and cover letter to: humanresources@seniorsfirstbc.ca.

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