Join us at Ottawa Community Housing, where we are more than a home to about 33,000 tenants across approximately 15,000 homes. As Ottawa's largest social and affordable housing provider, ranking second largest in Ontario and fourth largest in Canada, we're committed to enhancing tenant well-being through partnerships with local service providers and support agencies.
At OCH, diversity and equal opportunities are at the core of our workplace culture. We strive to mirror the vibrant communities of our city and have been honoured as the National Capital Region's Top Employer every year since 2018.
What we offer
Joining OCH means making a meaningful difference every day. We provide opportunities to positively impact your community in multiple ways. Recognizing that our employees are the cornerstone of our organization, we offer a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package, flexible work options, professional development opportunities, health and wellness programs, and more.
WE ARE PROUD BECAUSE EVERY DAY WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Together, we're transforming tenants' lives by “providing more than a home, because we care”.
What we seek:
OCH is currently seeking a dedicated bilingual Paralegal (Temporary), to provide legal advice and legal services to operations staff related to the Residential Tenancies Act and other matters within the parameters authorized by the Law Society of Ontario. Under the guidance of the Senior Legal Counsel, Corporate, the Paralegal will represent OCH at the Landlord and Tenant Board with respect tenant applications and landlord “for-cause” eviction cases. The Paralegal will function within the Legal Services team, to aid in the efficient and effective delivery of legal services to the corporation.
Paralegal with OCH:
At OCH, we strive to deliver quality services and promote safe and healthy communities. As a Paralegal, you will be at the forefront of this objective by using your expertise to support our Legal Services team.
As a Paralegal, some of the things you will do include:
Case Management and Management
In accordance with Law Society of Ontario rules, provides legal advice and legal services to operations staff on Residential Tenancies Act requirements for prosecution of “for cause” eviction applications at the Landlord and Tenant Board.
In accordance with Law Society of Ontario rules, provides legal advice and legal services to operations staff on Residential Tenancies Act requirements for defence of tenant applications (maintenance, harassment, interference or provincial offences) at the LTB, including any referred by OCH Collections
Meets with staff regularly to provides proactive legal information and advice to aid in preservation of safe and healthy communities for our tenants and for staff who work within our communities.
Leads proactive tenant eviction prevention through collaboration and problem solving with tenants, external stakeholders, and team members within OCH.
Leads LTB Litigation process for complex Landlord Tenant Board matters including:
Landlord applications based on substantial interference, wilful or negligent damage, illegal activity, fraudulent receipt of RGI, serious impairment of safety, illegal assignment or sublet of units
Tenant applications for breach of maintenance obligations, harassment or interference, or applications alleging RTA provincial offences (illegal lock-outs, harassment, illegal entry) under the Act.
Leads above litigation process, including:
Approves and signs off on draft legal documents submitted by Administrative Assistant for Paralegal’s signature
Drafting pleadings, notices, motions and applications
Monitoring deadlines and limitation periods applicable to RTA matters
Leads hearing preparation to ensure witnesses are supported, prepared for hearing process, review direct and cross examination questions.
Reviewing or preparing as required documentary disclosure for litigation, assessing in the context of privacy legislation and Statutory Powers and Procedures Act, and LTB Rules of Procedure.
Responding to calls and queries, as well as engaging in negotiations with tenants and tenant legal representatives on litigation files
Meets with and prepares witnesses for hearings including tenants and staff;
Meets with and prepares professionals required to testify, including police officers, property standards officers, by-law officers, contractors and expert witnesses.
Conducts advanced legal research on legislation, rules of procedure and case law and prepares and submits written and oral legal argument as required to support cases
Represents OCH at LTB hearings: examines witnesses, submits evidence and exhibits, makes legal arguments in support of requested outcome.
Prepares and commissions affidavits
Prepares written submissions and argument
Conducts direct examination of OCHC witnesses and cross-examinations of opposing witnesses in accordance with the rules of evidence
Submits documentary and digital exhibits in accordance with the rules evidence
Negotiates agreements and settlements of cases
Addresses interim matters at the LTB such as case conferences, motions, adjournments and scheduling before the Board
Prepares motions to request reviews of orders based on errors of law as required
Handles Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act cases: Upon receipt of declaration or consumer proposal, prepares forms for Trustee, instructs finance and Collections on how to handle debt. Instructs TDRC on amounts (if any) to write off, instructs collection team on impact of claim on LTB proceedings, monitors proposal or claim until discharge.
Provides legal advice to LTB Collections on complex legal and issues that arise within rent arrears cases. Upon request, takes carriage of complex collections LTB legal cases that require legal analysis and argument.
Assists Lawyer with Court hearings as required.
Coordinates enforcement of LTB orders with the Sheriff’s Office and appropriate internal staff
As a Paralegal, you can look forward to:
A fast-paced environment filled with exciting challenges to overcome
Using creative and problem-solving skills to help our Legal Services team and the organisation
A learning environment to help you expand and enhance both your technical and soft skills
What you bring:
Education & Experience:
A typical candidate will have the following qualifications and experience. Exceptional candidates with different qualifications will be considered at the discretion of the employer if demonstrated experience, knowledge, and ability warrant.
College diploma in a Paralegal program
Licensed with the Law Society of Ontario as a Paralegal, in good standing
A minimum of three years experience representing clients at the Landlord and Tenant Board
Experience working for a social housing provider is an asset
Bilingualism is an asset
Knowledge
Advanced knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act, Landlord and Tenant Board rules, Statutory Powers and Procedure Act, practice directions, and guidelines
Knowledge of the Provincial Offences Act, Ontario Evidence Act, Human Rights Code, Housing Services Act, Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, Rules of Civil Procedure, and Small Claims Court
Knowledge of legal databases for case law and legislative research such as Canlii, e-laws
Understanding of the diverse needs, abilities and social, economic, cultural and other factors present in OCH tenant communities, including poverty, disability, mental health, age and cultural diversity
Understanding of the values, vision and mission of Ottawa Community Housing and a commitment to support those objectives
Knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, database applications, and other standard corporate software
Knowledge of OCH policies and procedures is an asset
Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers
Must be familiar with all applicable statutory requirements, policies, procedures and guidelines relevant to area of work
Knowledge of legal research online resources such as Quicklaw, Westlaw, Canlii
Understanding of the diverse needs, abilities and social, economic, cultural and other factors present in OCH tenant communities, including poverty, disability, mental health, age and cultural diversity
Knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, database applications, and other standard corporate software
Skills and abilities:
Excellent organizational skills including but not limited to tracking deadlines, maintaining organized files and records
Ability to work effectively and accurately in a high demand multi-task environment, and to anticipate, plan for and provide services needed to ensure ongoing tasks, projects and operational requirements of the department are effectively and efficiently managed
Effective use of internet resources and program databases effectively to research issues and gather information on a wide range of social housing and legal issues
Effective drafting, presentation preparation, and communication skills
Effective client service and teamwork skills
Clear understanding of, and commitment to, the principle of confidentiality
Effective problem solving and critical thinking skills
Ability to make appropriate judgements and to recognize when issues should be brought to the attention of senior management.
Ability to follow protocols and work without close supervision
Ability to write clearly, concisely and grammatically and to organize written material coherently in a variety of formats (e.g. reports, letters, newsletters, presentations)
Skilled in public speaking and able to deliver effective and persuasive presentations to a wide range of audiences, including administrative tribunals, tenant communities, partner organizations.
Ability to negotiate and be persuasive to effectively solve problems and represent OCH’s interests.
Excellent interpersonal skills that contribute to development of professional business relationships with colleagues at all levels within the organization in a context where responsibilities may include providing service to other departments and Senior Management
Ability to work independently without close supervision on a day-to-day basis, to meet the needs of a high demand and fast paced environment
Ability to effectively manage the position’s workload, to identify issues and problems to the Manager when appropriate, and to contribute positively to the administration of the department and achievement of its goals and work plan
Oral fluency and reading and writing abilities in English is required
Oral fluency and reading and writing abilities in French is required
Other requirements:
Satisfactory Criminal Records Check
Ability to work outside of regular business hours, as required based on operational and emerging issues
Work conditions:
This is a temporary, full-time hybrid position (35 hrs/wk) with on-site attendance as required.
Other details about the role:
Affiliation: CUPE 503
Salary: $38.32 - $44.20 / hour
OCH is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, please notify Human Resources and we will work with you to jointly address your needs.
Apply now!
