CharityVillage

Prisoners’ Legal Services is looking for passionate, problem solving, empathetic and dedicated advocate for the rights of people in prison.

We are a small non-profit society providing legal services to people in federal and provincial prison in the province of British Columbia.

The legal advocate position involves providing advocacy regarding prison legal issues involving liberty rights, health care and human rights. This work is primarily done by telephone, fax and email.  Advocacy on behalf of people in prison may involve summary advice, informal advocacy, providing written submissions and personal representation at tribunals.

This position will involve working closely with our Human Rights and Health Care staff lawyer and policy director, assisting with human rights litigation and settlement implementation, drafting grievances and complaints to professional medical regulatory bodies on behalf of people in prison and working on access to information.

The ideal candidate will be able to identify systemic issues and investigate human rights abuses. They will have excellent attention to detail.

Legal advocates have conduct of client files and are responsible for ensuring day-to-day tasks are scheduled and performed within relevant timeframes. The job involves reviewing and determining the legal merit of cases and determining the level of service to be provided. Legal advocates work under the supervision of a lawyer.

Legal advocates have a great deal of contact with people in prison, prison administrators and parole authorities.

This position may require frequent travel to prisons in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Access to a vehicle is essential. A CPIC clearance is required to visit prisons.

Basic Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in Law, Criminology, Social Work, Paralegal training or equivalent;
• Strong verbal, written and interviewing skills; and
• Experience in a legal environment or advocacy an asset.

• ability to be a strong advocate for disadvantaged clients, including those with low income, those with mental health disabilities, and those whose first language is not English;
• ability to work well with others in a team setting;
• ability to negotiate and find creative solutions to prisoners’ legal problems;
• ability to exercise excellent judgment in matters of ethics and confidentiality;
• ability to identify systemic issues and think strategically;
• must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, in particular in dealing with people in prison, lawyers, and prison and parole officials;
• must be familiar with general software applications (e.g. MS Word, Outlook);
• must be willing and prepared to assist those convicted of various crimes in a non-judgmental way; and
• second language or demonstrated awareness of cultural diversity an asset.