Court Support Worker Position – Truro & Sipekne’katik

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NOVA SCOTIA LEGAL AID COMMISSION

COURT SUPPORT WORKER

 

Type of Employment: 12-month Contract with a Potential for Permanency
Location: Truro (204-14 Court Street) & Sipekne’katik (529 Unit 1 Church Street) Offices
Salary: TE 23-1 to TE 23-5 ($59,115.94 to $69,758.52)
Closing Date:  September 18, 2025 at 12:00 pm

Who we are:
The Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission (NSLAC) delivers quality legal aid services throughout the Province, providing some level of help to all Nova Scotians with a focus on assisting those who are systematically disadvantaged. NSLAC’s focus is in the practice areas of criminal, family, and social justice law.

NSLAC employs staff in 25 offices and 3 sub-offices throughout the Province. Our staff are comprised of Staff Lawyers, Legal Assistants, Paralegals, Court Support Workers, Social Workers, Social Justice Support Workers, and Prison Law Support Worker. Our staff help thousands of clients every year. We are committed to helping overcome historical and ongoing barriers to access to justice and our Staff Lawyers have litigated many important cases to protect the rights of individuals.

We value a workplace where diversity, in all its forms, is encouraged and recognized for its contribution to a more creative, rewarding workplace that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens and communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented and equity-deserving groups such as Indigenous Peoples, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community, and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application, cover letter or resume.

Primary Functions:
Reporting to the Managing Lawyers (Truro and Sipekne’katik Offices) and under the direction of the Staff Lawyer(s), the Court Support Worker provides comprehensive administrative support and assists in the delivery of Legal Aid services of the day-to-day legal representation of clients who come before the Court and are unrepresented.  The Court Support Worker provides assistance to the Duty Counsel / Staff Lawyer(s) and has direct contact with the clients and their supports, with the primary goal of formulating plans to best ensure an individual’s release and success in the community. Working with other community support and justice groups will be essential.

This hybrid position includes regular on-site work within Sipekne’katik First Nation, offering a meaningful opportunity to build relationships and contribute to community-focused initiatives. We encourage applications from individuals with lived experience and/or strong connections to Mi’kmaq communities.

Ideal Attributes and Skills:

  • Knowledge of criminal law and community programs focusing on assisting disadvantaged or challenged individuals or groups would be an asset.
  • Ability to work with the public and interact with judges, senior government officials, lawyers and agencies in a tactful, professional and courteous manner.
  • Compliance with NSLAC’s policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, including comfort speaking with diverse people.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to draft correspondence, legal documents, reports, and transcribe dictation with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Capacity to work under pressure of deadlines and multiple competing priorities which may require flexibility.
  • Ability to work independently, to take initiative, and to use judgment in matters of extreme confidentiality and sensitivity.
  • Experience and proficiency with computer software packages including Word and Outlook.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle.

Qualifications:

  • Post-secondary diploma in Legal Administration or Paralegal or equivalent training and related relevant experience.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience with criminal court practices, procedures, and systems.

If you are talented, hardworking and want to be a member of a team that is highly experienced, very caring, dedicated and committed to their clients, we would like to hear from you.

Please indicate Position Title and Location and whether you are an internal or external applicant in the email subject line. Please send your resume and cover letter to NSLA-Careers@nslegalaid.ca.

While we appreciate receiving all applications, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  All applications will be held in strict confidence.