The Legal Navigator provides trauma-informed, plain-language legal navigation to women and children fleeing family violence. This role bridges the gap between survivors and the justice system by providing procedural guidance, document organization, and court accompaniment.
Primary Responsibilities
1. Client Navigation & Court Support
- Provide one-on-one support for family law, protection orders, and parenting matters.
- Explain court processes, timelines, and expectations in accessible language.
- Assist clients in organizing court forms and preparing for legal steps.
- Accompany clients to court for procedural guidance and emotional debriefing.
- Integrate legal navigation with individualized safety planning.
2. Referrals & Systems Coordination
- Facilitate warm referrals to Legal Aid Alberta, duty counsel, Indigenous legal services, and private counsel.
- Coordinate with external partners (RCMP, Victim Services, Child Protection).
- Support clients in preparing for appointments with legal professionals.
3. Education & Documentation
- Deliver public legal information via one-on-one sessions and small group workshops.
- Maintain accurate, confidential client records and track program outputs for grant reporting.
- Provide internal training to frontline staff to improve organizational legal literacy.
- Identify systemic barriers and provide feedback on service gaps to leadership.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Education: Diploma or Degree in Paralegal Studies, Justice Studies, Criminology, or Law & Society. (Social Work/Human Services degrees considered with demonstrated legal knowledge).
- Experience: 2–3 years in a justice, legal, or court support role.
- Specialization: Experience supporting individuals impacted by family violence and trauma.
- Knowledge: Deep understanding of the distinction between legal information and legal advice.
Skills & Certifications
- Crisis Intervention: Ability to de-escalate high-stress situations.
- Communication: Expert ability to translate complex legal jargon into plain language.
- Administrative: Proficiency in case management software and professional documentation.
- Travel: Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and willingness to travel within and outside the Lakeland region.
- Security: Clear Criminal Record Check and Child Welfare Check.
Preferred Assets: ASIST, Standard First Aid/CPR, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training.
Recruitment supported by Lakeland HR Solutions
