Advocacy Paralegal

At PEHC, we believe that everyone deserves access to the support they need to live with dignity, independence, and opportunity. Through Employment, Skills Training, and Advocacy, we work every day to remove barriers and create pathways to success. We are currently hiring for the role of Advocacy Paralegal.

Who You Are:
You are a passionate advocate, a skilled legal professional, and a compassionate supporter of people facing systemic barriers. You believe in access to justice and understand the life-changing impact that income supports can have for individuals living with disabilities. You are organized, confident, and able to navigate complex cases while maintaining a client-centered approach. If you're looking for meaningful work that combines legal advocacy with social impact, we want to meet you!

Your Role:
As an Advocacy Paralegal at PEHC, you will provide legal representation and advocacy to individuals who have been denied Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and CPP-D benefits. You will guide clients through the Social Benefits Tribunal and Social Security Tribunal appeal process, helping them understand their rights, gather evidence, prepare for hearings, and advocate for fair outcomes.
You'll work closely with clients, healthcare professionals, community partners, and internal team members to build strong cases and provide exceptional support throughout the appeal journey.

What You Bring to the Table:
• Licensed Paralegal in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Strong knowledge of ODSP legislation, eligibility requirements, and the Social Benefits Tribunal appeal process.
• Experience representing clients before administrative tribunals or providing legal advocacy services.
• Excellent interviewing, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong written advocacy skills, including drafting persuasive submissions and legal documentation.
• The ability to work compassionately with individuals experiencing disability, poverty, mental health challenges, and other systemic barriers.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple active files and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in legal documentation and record keeping.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management or document management systems.
• Knowledge of privacy legislation, confidentiality requirements, and professional obligations under the Law Society of Ontario.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, accessibility, and social justice principles.

What You'll Do:
• Conduct client intake interviews to assess ODSP and CPP-D appeal eligibility and case viability.

• Identify and support clients in pursuing other benefits they may be eligible for, such as the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Canadian Disability Benefit (CDB), and Ontario Works (OW).
• Draft affidavits.
• Possess knowledge of community resources and offer suitable referrals to better support the client.

• Explain appeal rights, processes, timelines, and expectations in a clear and accessible manner.
• Gather, review, and organize medical records, assessments, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Identify evidentiary gaps and work with clients, healthcare providers, and community partners to obtain additional information.
• Prepare appeal forms, written submissions, and supporting materials for the Social Benefits Tribunal.
• Communicate with the Tribunal, ODSP offices, Service Canada, and other stakeholders regarding appeal matters.
• Prepare clients for hearings by reviewing evidence, explaining procedures, and answering questions.
• Represent clients at Social Benefits Tribunal or Social Security Tribunal hearings and provide effective oral advocacy.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records, case notes, and file documentation.
• Track deadlines, case progress, and outcomes to ensure timely and effective file management.
• Participate in team meetings, case consultations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay informed about changes in disability law, ODSP policies, Social Benefits, and advocacy best practices.

• Participate in information sessions provided to community partners.

Why You'll Love Working at PEHC:
We're more than just a workplace, we're a community. At PEHC, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives every day. We foster a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment where innovation, advocacy, and professional growth are encouraged.
This role also offers exciting opportunities for advancement into Senior Paralegal, Advocacy Lead, and Program Management positions as our Advocacy services continue to grow.

Ready to Apply?
If this sounds like the opportunity you've been waiting for, send your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Please include "Advocacy Paralegal" in the subject line of your email.
Salary range: $48,500 - $65,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
The deadline for applications is July 17, 2026, but we reserve the right to begin interviewing and selecting candidates immediately.

Pathways Employment Help Centre is an equal opportunity employer and invites all qualified candidates to apply. PEHC does not discriminate on basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at (519) 667-7795.