Legal Research Officer

• Employment Type: Permanent Full-time
• Salary Range: 30.329 - 38.009
• Hours of Work: A - SGEU Office 36 – one date off every two weeks
• Workplace Diversity: We are committed to workplace diversity.
• Occupation Code: RIN
• Grade: SGEU.08.
• Organization: 003 Justice and Attorney General
• Number of Openings: 1

The Opportunity:

The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) and the Provincial Mediation Board (PMB) are combined for operational efficiencies. The ORT/PMB of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General is seeking an experienced, highly motivated individual with excellent interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills for the position of Legal Research Officer.

Responsibilities

In this position, you will:

·         Understand the role of Tribunal Court within the Ministry of Justice. That includes full facility claims and case management systems and communication protocols for dealing with Justice partners.

·         Be well-organized, self-motivated and efficient. The successful candidate will work well independently but first and foremost as part of the ORT/PMB team.

·         Work well under pressure, as many of the tasks assigned will be highly time sensitive. Equally, the role requires self-setting of deadlines, monitoring of those deadlines, and self-initiated follow-up.

·         Be keen to follow and maintain standard practices, including file organization, while able to draw on personal initiative and flexibility when change is required.

·         Work under the supervision of the Director/Deputy Directors of the ORT and Chair/Board Members of the PMB and will be expected to communicate in a concise, professional manner with Hearing Officers, King’s Bench and the Court of Appeals, and other partners in the justice system. This communication may include identifying the need for and making requests for additional evidence following initial assessment of case files, preparing any correspondence required to ensure that matters are properly and quickly readied for decision, organizing disclosure within files if necessary, providing information about upcoming hearings, and other tasks as identified by supervisors.

·         Be able to work independently to compile complete and accurate histories for those appearing before the court, draft other required legal documents, and/or correspondence.

·         Have the ability to conduct legal research using databases such as CanLii and Westlaw. The candidate will be able to conduct low-level research independently and provide the results to assist Hearing Officers.

·         Have excellent written and oral communication skills for issuing decisions and corresponding with the public.

·         Be familiar with and understand ORT and PMB’s obligations pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights Act, The Victims of Crime Act and other legislation and case law that is applicable.

·         Be familiar with and understand Residential Tenancies regulations pursuant to the Residential Tenancies Act, Tax Enforcement Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights Act, The Victims of Crime Act and other legislation and case law that is applicable.

·         Be comfortable communicating with complainants, witnesses, landlords, tenants and obtain appropriate information.

The successful candidate must be a team player, able to both lead and collaborate, with a reputation for integrity and a focus on service excellence and innovation in their work.

The knowledge for this position is typically gained through a post-secondary degree in law, public administration, economics, communications, public policy, social sciences, or humanities. Equivalent experience may be considered.

Applicants must be a resident of Saskatchewan and eligible to work in Canada.

Qualifications

Job Capabilities:  

As a public servant, we are seeking someone who:

• Is accountable, takes ownership of their work by contributing to organizational outcomes and demonstrates the corporate values in our Commitment to Excellence.
• Is innovative and seeks out ways for improvement by thinking creatively, identifying new ideas and taking responsible risks.
• Works collaboratively with others to understand, engage and have meaningful dialogue to achieve work outcomes.
• Is inclusive, identifies and is aware of personal bias, and readily seeks out and appreciates diverse perspectives.
• Is adaptable, continuously learns from experience and applies those learnings to new situations.
• Focuses on achieving public service excellence.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:  

·         Residential tenancy regulations and policies;

·         Legal procedures and documentation;

·         Conflict resolution theories and principles;

·         Computer and software applications including word processing, databases, spreadsheets, presentations, and internet; and

·         General office and administrative procedures, protocols, and equipment including client service delivery and etiquette.

You will have the ability to:

·         Independently organize, prioritize, and manage large volumes of work to respond to numerous demands, changing priorities, and continuous interruptions;

·         Thoroughly reference and accurately interpret relevant legislation, policies, and procedures when reviewing applications for the tribunal;

·         Solve problems, provide direction, and persuade others by applying conflict resolution techniques, explaining risks and implications of actions or solutions;

Job Skills:

• Communication (Level B)
• Critical Thinking (Level B)
• Digital Skills (Level B)
• Interacting with Others (Level C)
• Navigating Ambiguity (Level B)
• Managing Self (Level B)
• Health, Safety and Wellness (Level A)
• Data Literacy (Level B)
• Influence (Level B)
• Political and Organizational Awareness (Level A)

Learn more about the Government of Saskatchewan’s Capabilities and Skills Framework here.

What We Offer:

• Dynamic and challenging work
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension
• Vacation, scheduled days off, and other types of leave
• Inclusive work environments
• Career growth, development, and advancement opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements

Our Commitment to Excellence:

The Government of Saskatchewan upholds deep-rooted values of Respect and Integrity, Serving Citizens, Excellence and Innovation, and Acting as One Team.