Caseworker – Income and Employment Support (Durham Region)


INDUSTRY: Government Administration
JOB TITLE: Caseworker – Income and Employment Support
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Regular, Full-time
JOB ID: 14608
Social Services Department
Work Location: Whitby, Ontario
Salary: Start: $41.75 - Six Month: $44.07 - Job: $46.39
Close date: August 8, 2021
 

Description:

 *Temporary Full-Time vacancies are also available and are expected to last up to 12 months
 
Reporting to the Supervisor, the successful candidate will be responsible for interpreting and implementing the Ontario Works legislation and Durham Region policies in order to provide financial and employment supports to assist clients in reaching self-sufficiency in accordance with Ontario Works legislation and Regional policy.
 

The incumbent will: 

  • Interview clients to gather information, complete applications for financial assistance, assess eligibility and administer funding
  • Investigate, identify and verify all relevant documents required to make decisions concerning clients initial and continuance eligibility for assistance
  • Certify legal documents for the purpose of administering the Ontario Works Act; apply other protocols and/or issue emergency assistance in special circumstances as required
  • Manage/monitor an assigned caseload to ensure Ontario Works requirements are fulfilled
  • Reassess/document clients financial eligibility and Participation Agreement requirements, instruct support staff in the issuance of additional assistance (e.g. dental cards or other vouchers); prepare witness statements and appear in court as required
  • Develop/negotiate individual employment plans for client's to work towards financial independence; identify client's goals, strengths, areas for growth/support required; formulate a plan of action based on the client's needs or circumstances, monitor participation and modify action plans as required; provide support and enforce compliance in accordance with Ontario Works legislation and Durham Region policy
  • Counsel and motivate clients towards reaching their fullest potential and economic self-sufficiency
  • Analyze, evaluate, develop plans to address the client's specific underlying issues, barriers or challenges which may require liaison with internal and external professionals; advocate for the client in order to facilitate/promote their access to additional resources
  • Assess crisis level of clients, apply Crisis Prevention and Intervention techniques as required to defuse potentially volatile situations; implement protocols and make appropriate referrals to other resources as appropriate for the health and safety of colleagues and clients
  • Identify and investigate all potential fraudulent cases; contact the necessary agencies, companies or individuals to resolve or determine if the case should be referred to the Eligibility Review Officer for further investigation
  • Maintain up to date knowledge of on-going developments in legislation and policy, community resources and other relevant information to provide accurate information and excellent service to clients
  • Maintain accurate/concise records of all relevant activity in each client case, adhere to and apply standards relating to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
  • Respond to inquiries from clients and the general public

 The successful applicant will possess: 

  • A Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences (or equivalent) is preferred; however, a combination of education and experience may be considered
  • Previous work experience managing caseloads and assessing client eligibility for Ontario Works
  • A comprehensive knowledge of Ontario Works legislation and policy directives
  • A working knowledge of social assistance software programs as well as keyboarding and micro-computer experience
  • Knowledge of resources available in the areas of child care and family support programs, housing, employment programs and initiatives, adult protective services, Domestic Violence protocols, services for the elderly, Ontario Disability Program, etc.
  • The ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Superior oral and written communication skills, organizational and time-management skills
  • Valid Ontario Class G2 Driver's Licence and use of a vehicle
 
To learn more about this opportunity, please visit our website at: https://bit.ly/3iqbI5q and apply online directly to Job ID#14608 no later than August 8, 2021. 

We thank all applicants; however, only those to be considered for an interview will be contacted.