Paralegal (18 months)

The Paralegal position is primarily responsible for providing representation at detention reviews before the Immigration Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). This position is also responsible for conducting intakes with persons in immigration detention, and assisting said individuals as required with their other immigration matters. Depending on client service demands at the Refugee Law Office (RLO) , this position may be be called on to assist lawyers and other staff at the RLO with client work associated with other IRB Divisions, the Federal Court, applications to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and general intakes.

Home Position: Hamilton
Secondary/Tertiary Locations: Toronto

Reporting to: Manager, Legal Service, Refugee Law Office (Hamilton)

• Under lawyer supervision where necessary:
• Representing clients before the Immigration Division
• Interviewing clients in person, via video and at detention centres
• Finding alternatives to detention
• Drafting legal submissions, correspondence and affidavits
• Explaining refugee determination processes and immigration
• processes and procedures to clients and community groups
• Contacting and liaising with other service providers (physicians, interpreters, professionals, mental health workers, etc) to arrange appointments and supportive documentation for clients.
• Drafting Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) and Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications as required
• Preparing IRCC forms and BOC narratives for refugee claimants as required
• Providing representation before other IRB divisions as required
• Assisting lawyers and other RLO staff on client files as required
• Ensuring all case information is recorded in the case management/ docketing system
• Participating in professional developmental opportunities for the purposes of enhancing knowledge and skills
• Additional, specific duties as outlined by manager

• Must possess a paralegal license (Member in good standing, Law Society of Ontario)
• Must have experience representing individuals before the Immigration Division at Detention Review hearings
• Must have experience finding and proposing alternatives to detention
• Practice experience in refugee and Immigration law
• Current knowledge of immigration and refugee processes
• Well-developed interview skills in a social service environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with vulnerable clients, lawyers and external stakeholders with the proven ability to exercise sound judgment when encountering stressful situations
• Ability to work cooperatively with other staff in a high pressure environment
• Intermediate skill level in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook and Excel) and the ability to enter and retrieve information in a client service and case management system (PeopleSoft, Legal Files)
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, to multi-task and to work well under pressure
• Must possess a valid driver's license, have access to a car, and be willing to travel, as required, to immigration detention centres in the GTA region;
• Police clearance for access to the CBSA detention facility will be a necessary requirement
• Ability to communicate in a second language is an asset

This position is collectively represented by OPSEU and the successful candidate will be governed by the provisions of a collective agreement and subject to union dues.

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé.

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

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