Ontario Works Casemanager

SAEO

Approximate Duration: 10 months

Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high-quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

At Niagara Region, we value diversity - in background and experience. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aspire to hire and grow a workforce reflective of the diverse community we serve. By doing so, we can deliver better programs and services across Niagara.

We welcome all applicants! For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Niagara Region, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Niagara Region, Ontario or email related questions to [email protected]. To send input on reducing barriers in the current hiring process, please email [email protected]

For the Region's full employee equity statement, Working at Niagara Region - Niagara Region, Ontario.

Don’t have every qualification?

You may be hesitant to apply if you do not have every qualification listed in the posting. While specific qualifications are important for certain roles, we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience and education to apply. Our recruiters will evaluate your suitability for the role.

Please note that for unionized roles, we must follow collective agreement requirements. However, we encourage all interested candidates to submit their applications. We believe success in a role can extend beyond meeting every single requirement.

JOB SUMMARY

Working as part of a client-centered team, the Ontario Works Casemanager assists individuals and families in the Niagara Region access the supports and services they need to achieve life stabilization goals, including financial independence and employability. This involves a person-centred approach to develop and implement individualized case plans, coordinating services, making referrals to supporting agencies, and advocacy. This position applies critical decision making principles within a complex legislative and policy environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Completion of a university degree program, preferably with a Social Science or Social Work-related discipline, or, an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Additional training such as de-escalation, effective communication, crisis intervention, naloxone, poverty reduction, sensitivity training and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (or related) is preferred

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

• Over 2 years of experience in casemanagement and assessment in a human/social service environment
• Knowledge of applicable legislation, employment assistance programs, policies, guidelines and frameworks (i.e. Ontario Works Act, regulations and directives, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, etc)
• Experience working with provincial databases and related systems (i.e. SAMS, HIFIS) is strongly preferred
• Knowledge and understanding of local community resources and their programs
• Experience providing person-centered, DEI informed services and supports to individuals with varying experiences and identities
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse communities, groups and organizations with knowledge, experience and commitment to equal access, equity and diversity
• Knowledge and experience in addictions, mental health, concurrent disorders, trauma, poverty, and gender-based violence is preferred
• Experience dealing with highly sensitive and confidential information

SKILLS

• Excellent interpersonal, communication (oral and written) and teamwork skills to relate to individuals, families, peers, and other community partners in a calm and professional manner
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, organizational, critical thinking, and time management skills
• Ability to analyze and assess individuals employability and financial resources for the purpose of financial eligibility and appropriate referrals
• Effective notation and computer skills (Microsoft office, databases) to complete documentation and related administrative duties
• Strong advocacy, coaching, collaboration, de-escalation, mediation, and negotiation skills
• Ability to handle sensitive and/or confidential information with diplomacy, tact, and discretion
• Demonstrated ability to form relationships and build rapport with individuals and families based on trust and empowerment
• Fluency in other languages is an asset
• Ability to adapt to a fast changing environment
• Demonstrates culturally sensitive approaches and strategies with diverse populations

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Eligibility:

• Process applications for initial and ongoing financial assistance to address needs of a diverse population of individuals/families, determine eligibility for supports which may include Ontario Works (OW) assistance, homelessness prevention, temporary care assistance, mandatory benefits and discretionary benefits while ensuring compliance with relevant programs and legislation.
• Ensure decisions for initial or ongoing eligibility are made in accordance with the Ontario Works Act, Regulations, and Directives, and local policies and procedures.
• Ensure all required documentation has been viewed, uploaded, and/or documented to support decisions, and financial assistance issued is accurate to ensure fairness and consistency in the delivery of Ontario Works.

Casemanagement, Coaching and Life Stabilization:

• Assess individuals/family circumstances and general life stabilization in terms of personal skills and abilities, employment history, needs and barriers in order to develop comprehensive action plans
• Conduct a preliminary and ongoing evaluation of an individuals abilities and/or limitations related to income/earnings and where appropriate, refer to alternative forms of financial supports including and not limited to Ontario Disability Support Program, Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and other private resources.
• Respond to emergency/crisis situations such as homelessness, family violence, abuse, financial crisis by providing responsive and timely actions and referrals to internal and external supportive agencies. Provide ongoing supportive options, which may include but not limited to crisis intervention to a vulnerable population.
• Ensure holistic case coordination and effective individual interventions through case conferencing with departmental staff or professionals from other agencies.
• Maintain regular contact with caseload to individuals are making progress, reaching their goals, and meeting program requirements. Develop innovative methods and approaches to appropriately respond to complex factors found with individual cases.
• Responsible for ensuring accountability, accessibility, and responsiveness in an effective and efficient manner.
• Resolve conflict situations including individual disputes and complaints. Listen, mediate, negotiate, and provide support and guidance to reach mutually agreed upon action plan.
• Interview relevant individuals and organizations related to alleged cases of fraud.
• Prepare documentation and present the Department’s case at the Social Benefits Tribunal or in other courts/tribunals. Appear as a witness, where required, to outline the actions taken within a specific case inquiry. Timely, accurate documentation is essential duty of the job.

Administration/Documentation:

• Maintain program integrity by preparing concise case notes, updating appropriate computer applications (i.e SAMS, HIFIS) with changes in individual circumstances.
• Regularly prepare, analyze, and interpret case management reports that assist in the effective management of a caseload in relation to divisional and office plans and objectives.
• Report and document suspected child abuse cases as required by the Child and Family Services Act.
• Compile, interpret, and analyze statistical information as required.
• Daily correspondence with individuals, agencies, vendors, community organizations, utilities, landlords and Employment Ontario services as required.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Currently scheduled 8:30a.m. - 4:30p.m. Monday to Friday

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!

Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.

We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the alternate formats for contacting us are as follows:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 905-980-6000 or 1-800-263-7215
• Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511
• In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 – Human Resources Department