143-25-2 Ontario Works (OW) Case Manager

The Ontario Works (OW) Case Manager will assist in and carry out the duties within the Ontario Works Act & Regulations. Provide emotional and financial supports ranging from identification of individuals developmental needs and barriers, using standard assessment tools. The development of a comprehensive and phased in plan of action to address identified needs and barriers. Will provide supportive counseling and other need-specific services (including the calculating of financial support for participation) over variable timeframes. Will refer individuals to other programs or agencies as deemed necessary, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating progress toward independence. The scope of the work also includes careful and regular recording in the information system of all assessments, planning, referrals, placements, service provision and monitoring activity with detailed progress notes and the development of client-specific and caseload reports.

*A competitive compensation package will be offered commensurate with qualifications. *

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• University or College Diploma in Social Work/Human Services with 1 year of experience in Social Assistance or related Human Service setting; OR Ontario Secondary School Diploma or Equivalent with at least 3 years of experience in a Social Assistance or related Human Service setting

Specific Requirements

• Knowledge of the Ontario Works Act, Regulations and Policy Directives.
• Knowledge of the Six Nations Social Assistance Policy, Standards and Procedures Manual.
• Knowledge of the community-based programs and external agencies that provide services relevant to the developmental needs and barriers to employment experienced by persons reliant on financial assistance.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work in stressful situations,
• Ability to work independently,
• Willingness to abide by strict confidentiality requirements.
• Has a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Ability to pass a reliability/security check.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE: (Choose one method ONLY):

Method #1: Online

• Please visit: https://www.sixnations.ca/careers/ to access our job board and follow the directions to apply.
• Please ensure all required documents are provided/uploaded with your application package, which include:

Method #2: In-Person application submissions go through GREAT (Grand River Employment and Training); these applications must include all the following:

• A Six Nations of the Grand River Application for Employment Form with the following attachments:

• Place all documents listed above in a sealed envelope and mail to or drop off at:

OW Case Manager – Full-Time – 143-25-2

c/o Reception Desk

Grand River Employment & Training (GREAT)

P.O. Box 69, 16 Sunrise Court

Ohsweken, Ontario N0A 1M0

If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to Alkiie Froman, HR Business Partner at 519-445-2223 ext. 5727 or via email at HRBP2@sixnations.ca.

Position Description

CASE MANAGER

Ontario works Department

REPORTING REATIONSHIP:

The Ontario Works (OW) Case Manager reports to and works under the direction and supervision of the Ontario Works Case Manager Team Lead.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF POSITION:

The Ontario Works (OW) Case Manager will assist in and carry out the duties within the Ontario Works Act & Regulations. Provide emotional and financial supports ranging from identification of individuals developmental needs and barriers, using standard assessment tools. The development of a comprehensive and phased in plan of action to address identified needs and barriers. Will provide supportive counseling and other need-specific services (including the calculating of financial support for participation) over variable timeframes. Will refer individuals to other programs or agencies as deemed necessary, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating progress toward independence. The scope of the work also includes careful and regular recording in the information system of all assessments, planning, referrals, placements, service provision and monitoring activity with detailed progress notes and the development of client-specific and caseload reports.

TECHNICAL FUNCTIONS:

• Completes application forms for assistance.
• Conducts detailed employability needs/barriers assessments in consultation with recipients, spouses and adult dependents as assigned by Director,
• Prepares and makes referrals to other community-based programs and external agencies to access other clinical assessments as appropriate (based on the results of the internal needs/barriers assessment),
• Facilitates, in consultation with assigned clients, the development of a detailed, phased participation plan that identifies internal and externally provided services (including SATF project participation where appropriate) to address identified needs and barriers to employment,
• Prepares referral documentation to other programs/agencies and SATF projects as appropriate and identifies the participation reporting required by clients and referral programs/agencies,
• Prepares monthly budget worksheets based on income statement,
• Monitors continued eligibility for financial assistance and client participation,
• Receives telephone inquiries from clients and/or other agencies,
• Schedules regular meetings with all assigned clients to provide supportive counseling, skills training, etc. and to receive required participation reports and review progress against plan,
• Monitors client participation in referral programs/agencies through regular contact with the programs/agencies to which clients are referred,
• Schedules periodic formal review meetings (minimum every 3 months) with clients to assess progress toward plan goals and re-assesses needs/barriers and update the participation plan as appropriate,
• Participates in orientation and group work with clients as requested by the Director,

COMMUNICATION FUNCTIONS:

• Detailed knowledge of Ontario Works Act & Regulations,
• Makes referrals to and advocates on behalf of clients with relevant other programs/agencies and SATF and other developmental placements as required,
• Provides written notification to clients as required in relation to changes in participation support and lack of compliance,
• Reports any failure of a client (recipient, spouse or adult dependent) to comply with participation plan requirements to the Director.
• Facilitates workshops and information sessions as required.

ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS:

• Records the results of assessments conducted and plans developed on the basis of these assessments (goals, progress indicators, service assignments, referrals, placements),
• Records all contacts with and about clients with notes arising from these contacts in the information system,
• Updates existing client information as appropriate (e.g. education history, financial resource history, external service providers, documents received, phone numbers, addresses),
• Prepares or participates in the development of statistical/financial reports as directed by the Director,
• Determines, in consultation with the client, the responsible Case Manager and Director, when a temporary and/or permanent deferral from participation is warranted in an ongoing case,
• Attends and participates in administrative reviews of client complaints and any subsequent provincial tribunal or court appeals as directed by the Director,
• Prepares and responds to electronic, faxed and written correspondence as appropriate and in a timely manner,
• Attends staff meetings as directed by the Director,
• Attends workshops/training as required.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Attends personal development workshops/training sessions as directed by the Director.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Director.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work can involve considerable stress, as it requires understanding of and the provision of consistent and supportive assistance to clients who may be at very different stages of development and resistant to developmental efforts (despite the fact that participation is a requirement in the absence of a deferral) and hostile/irate in respect to specified participation and reporting requirements. The work involves meeting deadlines within time restraints (e.g. completion of required recording, regular case reviews, and preparation of reports) despite interruptions and unscheduled work requirements. The incumbent must be able to work independently with clients, yet take direction under pressure.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

With the Ontario Works Senior Manager

• Receives direction, instruction, guidance, support and supervision.
• Discusses individuals’ assessments, plans, progress and issues as they arise.
• Discusses and provides input to program planning and issue resolution.
• Provides input to program reports as required.
• Provides information/assistance as requested in a polite professional manner.

With Co-Workers

• Works as a team player, supporting team members physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually in our day to day operations, in a professional manner.

With the Community

• Is consistently understanding and supportive of assigned individuals
• Represents and promotes Council and the Social Assistance Program in a courteous, cooperative and professional manner.
• Recognizes responsibility and acts as a positive role model in day-to-day interactions with community members.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Minimum Qualifications

• University or College Diploma in Social Work/Human Services with 1 year of experience in Social Assistance or related Human Service setting; OR Ontario Secondary School Diploma or Equivalent with at least 3 years of experience in a Social Assistance or related Human Service setting

Specific Requirements

• Knowledge of the Ontario Works Act, Regulations and Policy Directives.
• Knowledge of the Six Nations Social Assistance Policy, Standards and Procedures Manual.
• Knowledge of the community-based programs and external agencies that provide services relevant to the developmental needs and barriers to employment experienced by persons reliant on financial assistance.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work in stressful situations,
• Ability to work independently,
• Willingness to abide by strict confidentiality requirements.
• Has a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• Ability to pass a reliability/security check.

IMPACT OF ERROR:

Errors in carrying out duties can undermine the credibility of the Program and/or Six Nations Council and result in poor public relations, lack of trust and/or embarrassment for the Program, Council and Community; can result in client complaints that require time/resource consuming administrative reviews and appeals and further erode public confidence or result in harm to fellow employees and the public; and can result in a loss of program funding for failure to comply with the terms and conditions of funding arrangements with the provincial and federal governments.

CONTROL:

Must work within the guiding principles, policy, standards and procedures set by Six Nations Council and the Social Assistance Program within the framework of provincial legislation and federal funding policies.