Download Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia
POSITION TITLE:
Paralegal
DIVISION:
(e.g., Division, Region, Department)
Child & Youth Services
UNIT:
(e.g., Branch, Area, District)
Legal Services
APPROVED CLASSIFICATION
SUPERVISOR’S TITLE:
SUPERVISOR’S CLASSIFICATION:
AO18
Legal Research Supervisor
AON21
POSITION
NUMBER(S):
00089830
00093875
LOCATION:
Vancouver
CLASS CODE
POSITION
NUMBER
PHONE NUMBER:
00097381
604-775-2480
PROGRAM
The Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia is a corporation sole, created under the Public Guardian and
Trustee Act which operates independently under provincial legislation to protect the legal and financial interests of minors;
manage the legal, financial, health and personal care interests of adults under mental disability; and administer the
estates of deceased and missing persons. As a result of obligations created by statute, the Public Guardian and Trustee
exercises quasi-judicial authority in specified situations. In addition, the Public Guardian and Trustee is called upon to
provide independent comments to the Court when the legal or financial interests of minors, adults under mental disability
or estates are at risk. The Public Guardian and Trustee is independent of government in its case-related decision making
responsibilities.
The Public Guardian and Trustee strives to promote family involvement in securing appropriate protection for individuals
or their estates. The Public Guardian and Trustee must observe prudent business practices, is bound by fiduciary
principles and is ultimately accountable to the Court. The Services of the Public Guardian and Trustee extend to clients
resident throughout the province and, less frequently, in other provinces and countries throughout the world.
The Child and Youth Services Division provides direct service to vulnerable children and youth under such authorities as
Guardian of Estate, Trustee, Legal Administrative, Litigation Representative, and Monitor. In all of these capacities, Child
and Youth Services discharges the Public Guardian and Trustee’s duties as a substitute decision maker in the context of
a philosophy of service which envisions that a decision made on behalf of vulnerable children or youth is in their best
interest.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Paralegal plans and conducts research using research methodologies and investigative techniques in order to
support the Child & Youth legal team. The paralegal supervises administrative support staff. The paralegal can carry a
caseload, manage projects and maintain legal precedents.
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NATURE OF WORK AND POSITION LINKS
CYS Staff – working closely with in house counsel, liaises with and gathers information from Guardianship and Trust
Officers in order to provide seamless service to clients.
Outside Counsel and Government Agencies – liaises with and gathers information from outside counsel, social
workers, accountants and other professionals in order to provide a high quality service to clients.
Parents and Guardians – describes the PGT’s roles and responsibilities, provides guidance in relation to a variety of
legal matters , and provides advice on accessing other services such as: lawyers, Courts, etc.
Public Guardian and Trustee – links in with other colleagues through client specific work and on corporate committees,
works with the Deputy’s office to ensure budgets are accurately tracked and monitored.
External agencies – provides education regarding the Public Guardian and Trustee’s role to external agencies and
service providers.
Courts/Registry – ensure cases of interest are monitored, analyzed, researches and shared; actions are commenced on
time on behalf of clients.
Land Titles Office – confirms valuation and outstanding court restrictions on registered properties.
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES / DELIVERABLES
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Provides legal research, statistical and analytical services by selecting research methodology, determining resource
requirements, and providing advice, preparing reports and forwarding results to in house counsel for review.
Researches and evaluates specific cases in relation to relevant case law to determine comparability and to develop
recommendations for best options to in house counsel
Identifies and collects qualitative and quantitative data from established information sources such as BC Courts
Registry or pursues new information sources relating to relevant issues.
Reviews and verifies the value and accuracy of information, and defines relationships, differences and anomalies in
information sources.
Reviews and interprets legal case studies in order to produce summary reports and conclusions.
Coordinates, collects, stores and maintains electronic data using statistical and database software packages.
Assists legal counsel in managing tort claims brought forward for Guardian of Estate clients
Manages notices given to the Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia pursuant to section 7 of the Limitation
Act to ensure the minor’s claim is resolved or a writ filed prior to the expiration of the limitation period
Develops descriptive reports and presents diverse issues using statistical summaries, fact sheets, discussion papers
and briefing notes that are subject to review by the Director and Deputy Public Guardian and Trustee
Participates in projects by leading and attending planning meetings, documenting project plans, gathering information
and preparing summary reports.
Researches proposed legislation and policy related to child and youth services, identifies potential impacts regarding
service delivery
Prepares follow up information in response to inquiries and requests for information requiring detailed research,
analysis and interpretation of program/ministry issues.
Drafts correspondence and court documents
Monitors legal bills from outside counsel and ensures completion of work in compliance with established budget
amounts and Public Guardian and Trustee policy and payment schedules.
Provides supervision to the paralegal administrative assistants, including monitoring and assigning work, conducting
performance evaluations and discussing or resolving work related issues.
Monitors and manages general workload of the unit, ensuring resources are allocated appropriately and service
expectations are met.
Provides coverage during the absence of other paralegals in the Division.
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FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Monitors legal bills received from outside counsel
Acts as qualified receiver for legal related invoices
DIRECT SUPERVISION (i.e., responsibility for signing the employee appraisal form)
# of Regular FTE’s
Role
Directly supervises staff
# of Auxiliary FTE’s
1
Supervises staff through subordinate supervisors
PROJECT /TEAM LEADERSHIP OR TRAINING (Check the appropriate boxes)
Role
# of FTE’s
Supervises students or volunteers
Lead project teams
Provides formal training to other staff
1+
# of FTE’s
Role

1+
Assigns, monitors and examines the work of staff
1
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Security clearance checks are a condition of employment in this position. Please refer to PGT documents, policy #404
and procedure #404, for a complete list of the mandatory security checks required.
TOOLS / EQUIPMENT
Computerized client trust accounting system (COMET), computerized client case management system (CASE), Microsoft
Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access and Internet Explorer), fax and photocopier
WORKING CONDITIONS
Fast paced, high profile office environment.
Work to meet deadlines.
Demanding workload with shifting priorities.
Work in open space environment with consistent background noise
WORK EXAMPLES
See Addendum #1 – Listing of relevant Acts and legislation
Researches proposed legislation including other jurisdictions monitors proposed Bills and watches their progression.
Develops recommendations including the impact such legislation may have on the Public Guardian and Trustee of British
Columbia.
Conducts research on assigned files by, but not limited to, accessing documents such as company and land titles, driver’s
licenses, liens, probate and will searches, medical records, police records, incident reports, invoices, photographs, school
records, other government file information; contacting and personally interviewing children in care, social workers, foster
parents, witnesses, police, crown counsel, insurance adjusters, teachers, medical practitioners, employers, etc.
Conducts research of legal issues and conducing quantum assessments using legal databases such as Westlaw,
eCarswell, CLE Case Digests, CanLII, Courts of BC Reasons for Judgement Website, etc.
COMMENTS
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PREPARED BY
NAME:
DATE:
Sara Campbell
January 4, 2010
EXCLUDED MANAGER AUTHORIZATION
I confirm that:
1. the accountabilities / deliverables were assigned to this position effective:
2. the information in this position description reflects the actual work performed.
3. a copy has / will be provided to the incumbent(s).
NAME:
SIGNATURE:
DATE:
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ORGANIZATION CHART
Director
SL
Administrative Coordinator
Clk 11
Manager, CYS
BL
8 x Legal Counsel
Administrative Team Leader
CS14
Financial Officer
EO21
Manager, CYS
BL
Guardianship & Trust Officer
AO21
Team Administrative Aide
CS9
Financial Assistant
Clk14
Guardianship & Trust Officer
AO21
Guardianship & Trust Officer
AO21
Team Administrative Aide
CS9
Financial Assistant
Clk 14
Guardianship & Trust Officer
AO21
Guardianship & Trust Officer
AO21
Team Administrative Aide
CS9
Guardianship & Trust Officer
AO21
Guardianship & Trust Officer
AO21
Team Administrative Aide
CS9
Guardianship & Trust Officer
AO21
Guardianship & Trust Officer
AO21
Paralegal
AO18
Paralegal Admin Asst
Clk 9
Paralegal
AO18
000
00000
145
Team
Administrative Aide
000May
CS9
Guardianship & Trust Officer
AO21
Legal Secretary
CS11
Legal Researcher
AO21
Legal Secretary
CS11
Paralegal
AO18
Legal Secretary
CS11
Paralegal Admin Asst
Clk 9
Legal Intake Liaison
Clk 9
Legal Secretary
CS11
Paralegal
AO18
GTO (.5)
AO21
Paralegal Admin Asst
Clk 9
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STAFFING CRITERIA
Education and/or Occupational Certification
 University Degree in behavioural sciences, law, political science or a related field or
 Recognized Paralegal Certificate with a minimum of 3 years experience in a legal environment
Experience and/or Achievements
 Minimum of three years of satisfactory work experience in a related field (e.g. legal environment or justice system).
 Minimum of 2 years experience supervising staff
 Experience using word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
Knowledge
 Excellent knowledge of Child and Youth Services, including relevant statutes covering the services provided by the
Division
 Excellent working knowledge of legal procedures, including how to draft court documents and legal research
methods.
 Excellent knowledge of provincial and higher court procedures and legal terminology
 Excellent knowledge of proper form of business letters, business English and contract language
 Good knowledge of ICBC procedures and management of personal injury files
 Good knowledge of will and estate law and probate procedures
 Good knowledge of the Limitation Act
 Good knowledge of office technology (computers, faxes, photocopiers, etc)
 Good knowledge of Microsoft office software
 Good knowledge of Microsoft office software
Skills and Abilities
 Ability to conduct legal research
 Ability to review, analyze and summarize legal issues in order to make sound recommendations
 Ability to interpret and apply Section 7 of the Limitation Act, and other legislation as required.
 Ability to organize large volumes of work
 Ability to demonstrate excellent supervisory skills
 Ability to demonstrate excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills
 Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise initiative
 Ability to organize workloads, set priorities, work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining a high degree
of accuracy
 Ability to use initiative, good judgement and maturity in problem solving and decision-making
 Ability to act in a professional and tactful manner, using discretion with the Judiciary, legal profession, clients, their
parents, collateral agencies and the general Public Guardian and Trustee of B.C.
 Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and impartiality
 Ability to demonstrate excellent conflict resolution skills
 Ability to demonstrate excellent Microsoft Office skills
 Ability to correctly cite case and statute law
 Ability to work as a team member
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COMPETENCIES
Analytical Thinking is the ability to comprehend a situation by breaking it down into its components and identifying key
or underlying complex issues. It implies the ability to systematically organize and compare the various aspects of a
problem or situation, and determine cause-and-effect relationships ("if...then…") to resolve problems in a sound, decisive
manner. Checks to ensure the validity or accuracy of all information.
Information Seeking is driven by a desire to know more about things, people or issues. It implies going beyond the
questions that are routine or required in the job. It may include "digging" or pressing for exact information; resolution of
discrepancies by asking a series of questions; or less-focused environmental "scanning" for potential opportunities or
miscellaneous information that may be of future use.
Initiative involves identifying a problem, obstacle or opportunity and taking appropriate action to address current or future
problems or opportunities. As such, initiative can be seen in the context of proactively doing things and not simply thinking
about future actions. Formal strategic planning is not included in this competency.
Listening, Understanding and Responding is the desire and ability to understand and respond effectively to other
people from diverse backgrounds. It includes the ability to understand accurately and respond effectively to both spoken
and unspoken or partly expressed thoughts, feelings and concerns of others. People who demonstrate high levels of this
competency demonstrate an understanding of others, including cross-cultural sensitivity.
Leadership implies a desire to lead others, including diverse teams. Leadership is generally, but not always,
demonstrated from a position of formal authority. The "team" here should be understood broadly as any group with which
the person interacts regularly.
Results Orientation is a concern for surpassing a standard of excellence. The standard may be one’s own past
performance (striving for improvement); an objective measure (achievement orientation); challenging goals that one has
set; or even improving or surpassing what has already been done (continuous improvement). Thus, a unique
accomplishment also indicates a Results Orientation.
Teamwork and Co-operation is the ability to work co-operatively within diverse teams, work groups and across the
organization to achieve group and organizational goals. It includes the desire and ability to understand and respond
effectively to other people from diverse backgrounds with diverse views.
Service Orientation implies a desire to identify and serve customers/clients, who may include the public, co-workers,
other branches/divisions, other ministries/agencies, other government organizations, and non-government organizations.
It means focusing one’s efforts on discovering and meeting the needs of the customer/client.
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Addendum #1:
The Public Guardian and Trustee operates within the legislative authority and jurisdiction provided for under the following
acts.
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Adult Guardianship Act
Child, Family & Community Service Act
Estate Administration Act
Estates of Missing Persons Act
Family Relations Act
Health Care (Consent) Care Facility (Admission) Act
Infants Act
Insurance Act
Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act
Patients Property Act
Power of Attorney Act
Public Guardian and Trustee Act
Representation Agreement Act
Trust and Settlement Variation Act
Wills Variation Act
Other Acts (also available at the Queens Printers web site) that directly or indirectly affect the operations of the Public
Guardian and Trustee’s office are the:
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Canada Pension Plan Act
Community Care Facility Act
Company Act
Criminal Injury Compensation Act
Escheat Act
Family Compensation Act
Financial Administration Act
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
BC Benefits (Income Assistance) Act
Health Act
Hospital Act
Hospital Insurance Act
Human Rights Code
Income Tax Act
Indian Act
Land Title Act
Limitation Act
Mental Health Act
Old Age Security Act
Probate Fee Act
Residential Tenancy Act
Trustee Act
Unclaimed Money Act
Vital Statistics Act
Wills Act
Workers Compensation Act
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