August 6, 2026

Job Posting #1231

#hp

Legal Counsel

16-Month Contract

To support us on our journey, YRCAS is looking for a Legal Counsel to support our Legal Department.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of our legal team, you will be responsible for delivering legal services as a trusted legal advisor, integrated in the fabric of the organization. You will be responsible for ensuring that services are delivered in keeping with our mandate under the Child Youth and Family Services Act as well as our responsibilities under An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families. This includes but is not limited to responsibility for all court-related activities regarding child protection matters by preparing pleadings, court attendance including interim hearings, trials and appeals. You will be responsible for assisting our child protection workers in all legal aspects of their cases, whether they involve court activity or not. As a trusted legal advisor, you will be expected to provide legal support to staff on all agency-wide issues.

NATURE OF POSITION:

• Prepares for and represents the Society on child protection cases in the Superior Court of Justice whether the applications are commenced by the Society or other parties.
• Prepares for and actively conducts trials, motions for summary judgement and various other motions.
• Prepares for and represents the Society before administrative tribunals, including expungement hearings at the Child Abuse Register, and complaints and reviews before the Child and Family Services Review Board.
• Prepares for and represents the Society at appropriate hearings under the Children's Law Reform Act.
• Prepares for and represents the Society on appeals and judicial review applications in higher courts.
• Acts as legal resource person for consultation with protection workers and administration with respect to the Child Youth and Family Services Act and child protection matters (including adoption) and with respect to the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other legislation affecting children. On occasion, represents the Society as statutory parent or as third-party record holder in Criminal cases.
• Sits as a member of in-house and local committees.
• Assists with training sessions for agency staff.
• Prepares legal bulletins and supports internal legal clinics.
• Assists in the resolution of jurisdictional conflicts between societies.
• Assists adoption workers in the finalization of adoption applications and presents said applications in the Superior Court of Justice where required.
• Notarizes and commissions documents.
• Acts as guest speaker or panellist as requested by various groups and as time permits.
• Other related duties as may be assigned by the Director of Legal Services.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Law Degree and membership in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.
• A minimum of 3 years' experience representing children and parents in child welfare and family law matters.
• Excellent knowledge of case preparation, presentation and litigation techniques and alternative dispute resolution strategies.
• Bilingualism in French would be an asset.
• Advanced knowledge of legislation governing and impacting child welfare in Ontario.
• Basic knowledge of relevant York Region Children's Aid Society industry computer applications such as CPIN, adobe pro, word, excel etc.
• Knowledge and experience in the application of related legal theory and practice.
• A satisfactory Police Records Check is required.
• Valid Driver's License and access to a reliable motor vehicle with appropriate business class liability insurance is preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• A demonstrated understanding of the impact of colonialism on child welfare in Ontario and a demonstrated understanding and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonizing child welfare practices.
• A passionate lifelong learner.
• Flexible, adaptable, and responsive to change.
• Computer competence and literacy.
• Excellent written, oral communication and interpersonal skills providing constructive, meaningful, and timely interaction with all levels of staff.
• Ability to think analytically with attention to detail in the presence of frequent interruptions.
• Ability to make sound judgment and provide legal advice, often in crisis or emergency situations.
• Solid understanding and commitment to the agency's core values, quality service and best practice.
• Accountable for own actions and decisions, making decisions within the scope of the position and referring issues/problems/events to Senior Counsel as required.
• Ability to deal with highly sensitive and personal information in a confidential manner.
• Advanced ability to analyse information, problem-solve and make solid recommendations.
• Self-directed with an excellent ability to organize, plan, prioritize and multi-task.
• Acts with integrity, trustworthiness, humility, transparency, and compassion.
• Demonstrates critical thinking.
• Excellent ability to work with and meet tight, critical timelines.

PAY GRADE: Non-Union - Pay Grade 8 ($105,586.48 - $133,935.25)

This role is for an existing position within the organization.

HOURS OF WORK 33.75 hours per week

Candidates who meet the qualifications are welcome to apply by no later than August 17, 2026, at 11:59PM.

Internal Applicants: Please apply for this opportunity using your Agency ADP account.

External Applicants: Apply here: yorkcas.org/careers

We appreciate all applications received. All communications will be held in strict and professional confidence. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their submissions.

Employment at York Region Children's Aid Society is conditional upon the verification of credentials, a satisfactory vulnerable sector check, and a class "G" driver's license with daily access to an insured vehicle. York Region Children's Aid Society works in a hybrid virtual and on-site working environment.

Children at the heart of all that we do!