We welcome diversity, value differences, and foster inclusion in our employment practices. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion by reading our Foundational Principles on our website. We invite applications from all qualified individuals who are philosophically aligned with our mission, vision and values.
The BC SPCA is a dynamic organization with facilities and services across the province of BC. Join an expanding team in an exciting time of change in an organization that makes a difference! Please read below for additional details and let us know if you have the skills and experience we are looking for by submitting your application.
If you are up for the challenge and would like to be considered for this position, we would like to hear from you. The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) is looking to fill the following career opportunity:
POSITION: Paralegal, Animal Protection
STATUS: Permanent; Full-Time with benefits
SHIFT: 35 hours per week
LOCATION: Provincial Office- Vancouver, BC – Hybrid or fully remote if the individual lives outside of the Lower Mainland.
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
WAGE: Salaried
CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled
About the Position:
Reporting to Legal Counsel, Animal Protection this position is responsible for all aspects of animal dispute file management, including initial file disclosure, organization of evidence, case summary, Farm Industry Review Board file preparation and cost recovery. The Paralegal, Animal Protection will work collaboratively with all relevant interested parties to consult on the management of animals during the dispute period, including ensuring timelines are adhered to and relevant departments are kept up to date on status of disputed animals. In addition, the Paralegal will work closely with Legal Counsel and manage all delegated tasks.
Some specific duties:
- Dispute file management – manage the disclosure process once a dispute is received and assist the Chief, Protection & Community Services (CPCS) and Legal Counsel in ensuring that disputes are dealt with in a timely fashion adhering to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act timelines.
- Supports dispute case preparation by preparing case summaries and materials for CPCS and Legal Counsel’s consideration; assisting with the preparation of agreements; organizing materials for review; redacting documents; and assisting with preparing information for decisions issued by the CPCS
- Assisting Legal Counsel to prepare for and manage Farm Industry Review Board (FIRB) files including managing timelines for the appeal process, preparing document disclosure, tracking costs and organizing invoices, preparing and organizing materials for the hearing before FIRB, assisting with drafting affidavits, and managing correspondence with FIRB, the appellant, and witnesses throughout the appeal.
- Manage the timelines on animal protection files to ensure that animal care facilities staff are immediately made aware of when animals disposition time is up and the animals become the property of the BC SPCA.
- Manage expenses associated with animal protection files and pursue collections where appropriate.
- File management associated with any civil or small claims matters that involve animal protection investigations and/or seized animals.
- Manage case law database for FIRB decisions and criminal proceedings as requested.
- Track the progression of criminal proceedings submitted by Animal Protection Officers to Crown Counsel.
- Assist with the development, implementation and maintenance of an Animal Protection File Policy and Protocol Manual and a training program that compliments the manual.
- Conduct internal reviews of animal intake files and flag issues / corrective actions required for Legal Counsel’s review and handling.
- Track and report on critical data with respect to animal intakes and outcomes.
- Provide administrative assistance to Legal Counsel and manage all delegated tasks.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications you need to have:
- Successful completion of a Legal Administrative Assistant or Paralegal certification or equivalent plus a minimum of 5 years working in a legal office with at least 2 years as a Paralegal, or a combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; ability to relate respectfully to a diverse audience
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams, as well as Adobe Professional and ability and willingness to learn how to use internal databases
- Exceptional organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Proven ability to maintain confidentiality
- Creative problem solver and skills with conflict resolution
- Ability to multi-task and appropriately prioritize work
- Comfortable with working independently and synthesizing large amounts of information
- Motivated to take initiative, anticipate next steps, and follow instructions
- Demonstrated commitment to skill and knowledge development
- Working knowledge of the concepts of equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation
- Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission, values and strategic directions of the BC SPCA
How to apply:
If you are interested in joining our team and are legally entitled to work in Canada, we would like to hear from you. Click on apply now or use the link to apply https://spca.bc.ca/about-us/careers/
We are committed to a transparent, human-led hiring process. While we use technology to support application management, applications are not screened, scored, or ranked by AI systems. All hiring decisions are made by human hiring managers based on skills, experience, and alignment with the organizational values.
We thank you for your interest in the BC SPCA, however; only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No emails or telephone calls, please.
The BC SPCA is a Registered Charity BN 11881 9036 RR0001
