Legal Counsel

• Post-graduate degree in Law {LLB} or Juris Doctor (JD) and a member in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ practice experience in child welfare and family law, including trial experience. Supervisory experience is an asset.

• Proven knowledge of First Nation communities’ standards legislation, regulations, and Ministry standards (e.g., the CYFSA, the Family Law Rules, Ontario Courts of Justice Act) and other relevant federal and provincial legislation.
• Good understanding of the agency's values, service philosophy, and objectives.
• Knowledge of social work theories, principles, and practices.
• Clinical knowledge of child maltreatment, child development, attachment and separation, and family dynamics.
• Solid leadership skills and highly developed organizational, research, negotiation, critical thinking, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to mediate and negotiate effectively from an interest-based principled perspective.
• Outstanding litigation skills and experience handling consent and litigation matters.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, planning, priority-setting, and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated presentation skills to represent the organization in community and legal proceedings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of adult learning principles and skill in providing training.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced work environment and to deal with stressful situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a vulnerable population, which includes working with clients who are dealing with mental health, addiction, and poverty issues.
• Knowledge and proficient competence of computer software (e.g,. Microsoft Office -Excel, Word, Frontline, and Penlieu).

On April 1, 2012 Kina Gbezhgomi Child And Family Services transferred the direct service delivery and management of the prevention services inclusive of family and community support services to the First Nations. Each of the First Nations and Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services has a Contribution Agreement outlining the roles and responsibilities of the agency and First Nation in this collaborative partnership inclusive of agency support and training, funding arrangements, service and financial reporting. Kina Gbezhgomi Child And Family Services completed this process as a transition phase to a fully integrated child welfare model in preparation for designation as a child welfare agency, and also to reflect the membership requests in relation to First Nation community based delivery of prevention services. VISION: Kina Gbezhgomi Child And Family Services will honour and support our family’s and community’s inherent authority to care for their children based on unity, traditions, values, beliefs and customs. MISSION: Our services ensure children are protected and stay connected with their culture, language and community while strengthening family and community relationships.