Paralegal

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Are you committed to ensuring justice for adults with disabilities? Would you like to play a vital role in protecting the interests of incapable adults?

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How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

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About the job

In this role, under the guidance of Counsel, you will:

• review and evaluate applications and offer recommendations on a multitude of legislation and legal procedures
• provide direction and guidance in the completion of applications
• interview witnesses, prepare statements and gather and assess evidence such as legal files and medical records
• act as liaison between the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) and various individuals on a variety of issues

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What you bring to the team

Legal Knowledge

You can:

• prepare legal documents (i.e. affidavits, pleadings, facta, notices of motion, compendia, consents and orders)
• ensure compliance with related legislation and regulations
• review applications and evaluate the suitability of applicants for their appointment as guardians of incapable adults
• review and attempt to mediate disputes between competing applicants for guardianship
• respond to inquiries from members of the legal profession and the public to accurately relay information on behalf of Counsel
• provide paralegal support in real estate, litigation, estates and trust, and legal matters

Research and Analytical Skills

You can:

• analyze and select content portions which are useful to the questions asked
• complete information pertinent to case histories and determine the relevance to legal issues involved
• identify and investigate allegations of financial abuse
• conduct investigations on the compliance of private guardians and conditional certificates, and review complaints
• determine action on complaints with respect to private statutory guardians or court-appointed guardians

Accounting Knowledge

You can:

• analyze complex financial information while reviewing accounts of attorneys, guardians and trustees for court passing
• carry out financial analysis in accordance with legislative requirements

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

You can:

• liaise with all levels of staff, government, the public, legal profession and clients
• prepare documentation and correspondence

Computer Skills

• you are proficient with word processing related software, database applications and specialized software (i.e. TimePro, Conveyancer, DivorceMate and Quicklaw)
• you can manipulate text to produce complex letters, memoranda and legal documents according to established procedures
• you are able to enter, track and update computerized systems, prepare reports/briefings and conduct searches

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Additional information:

Note:

• In accordance with the Ontario Public Service (OPS), Employment Screening Checks Policy (ESCP), the top candidate(s) may be required to undergo a security screening check. Refer to the above to determine the screening checks that are required for this position.
  
  Required security screening checks along with your written consent, will be sent to the Transition and Security Office (TSO), Corporate Talent Programs Branch, Talent and Leadership Division to evaluate the results. If applicable, the TSO, with your written consent, will request and obtain any additional employment screening checks that were not obtained directly by you.
  
  A record under the Criminal Code and/or other federal offence record(s) does not automatically mean you will be ineligible for the position. The employment screening check(s) will only be reviewed and evaluated by the TSO for the purpose of making a security clearance decision. The details of an individual's employment screening check(s) will be considered in specific relation to the duties and responsibilities of the position being filled. Employment screening check records will be maintained by the TSO and kept strictly confidential.
• T-AG-204734/23(2)

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Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.