Caseworker (Up to Seven Positions) (Region of Peel)

Caseworker
Regular Full Time, up to seven (7) positions
Human Services – Community Access

CUPE LOCAL 966

Position Summary

This division provides access to subsidy programs and human services for Peel residents through an integrated approach to service access from a client-centred perspective.

Responsibilities

  • Documents and completes the application interview for the purpose of determining eligibility for Ontario Works Assistance. This will include verifying documentation, client contact, and assessment of employability, emergencies and appropriate referrals for applicants who may/may not be in receipt of social assistance
  • Assesses employment, financial, and social needs including health, housing and childcare. For non-English speaking clients, documentation will be completed through the use of a cultural interpreter
  • Responsible for ensuring accountability, accessibility and responsiveness in an effective and efficient manner
  • Provides initial crisis intervention, makes referrals and works in partnership with community resources for long term support and works one on one with clients during stabilization period
  • Works one on one with clients providing ongoing supports to assist in daily living as well as life skills
  • Resolves conflict situations including client disputes and complaints. Listens, mediates, negotiates and provides support and guidance to reach mutually agreed upon service plan
  • Completes an assessment for each applicant, containing a description of the negotiated case plan on the appropriate data bases
  • Provides emergency support response services as required
  • Compiles a comprehensive summary of employment information in order to determine an appropriate action plan
  • Completes various third party reference checks in order to verify assets, income and living arrangements
  • Assesses the employment and financial eligibility in each case and authorizes monthly entitlements as eligibility is established
  • Makes referrals to appropriate employment programs, social service agencies, Family Support Workers, legal services, and other community agencies to assist the clients in meeting their socioeconomic and personal care needs
  • Documents reasons for ineligibility, advises in writing and makes referrals to other resources or services within the community, to help meet the client’s needs.
  • Completes financial reviews and follow-up as prescribed by the Ontario Works Act
  • Maintains a follow-up system for ongoing cases, which will include regular client contact, financial and employment assessment, collateral calls to other agencies and referrals to support services as required
  • Completes in person updates with every active client as prescribed in the legislation
  • Issues benefits for clients as prescribed in the Ontario Works Act
  • Maintains program integrity by updating appropriate computer applications with changes in client’s circumstances
  • Prepares month end reports as required
  • Addresses and acts on all client or community correspondence, and actions computer output on all case files on a daily basis. Returns client calls within 24 hours
  • Attends mandatory staff training for new and updated procedures and policies. Attends staff meetings as required
  • Collaborates with partnering agencies and/or regional departments on case management through case conferencing and joint meetings
  • Provides recommendations to reduce systemic barriers for clients
  • Works on a multi-disciplinary team made up of community partners
  • Responsible for adhering to regional purchasing bylaws for use of Regional P Card
  • Promotes Outreach program in the community including with private sector
  • Provides supports to OW clients in Peel Living with rental arrears in partnership with Peel Living
  • Provides information, advice and expertise to SDMT users
  • Identifies trends and gaps related to SDMT usage to improve operational effectiveness
  • Supports SDMT users to correct payment discrepancies, ensuring Ontario Works financial integrity is maintained
  • Provides support for SDMT users regarding SDMT upgrades, releases, or procedural changes through team meetings or one-on-one sessions
  • Assists SDMT users with the resolution of overpayments for ongoing and/or terminated cases upon request
  • Liaises with various business units in Human Services to support recovery of outstanding monies to the Region of Peel
  • Maintains Housing pay direct to Peel Living report
  • Identifies, tracks, and reports functional issues with SDMT to SAMO
  • Assists with activities associated with SDMT generated reports
  • Completes activities related to SDMT releases pre and post implementation
  • Participates in user testing of SDMT
  • Assists with explanations, verbal or written to participants regarding their overpayments
  • Assists Financial Support Representatives and Finance Coordinator with bank reconciliations and stale dated cheques
  • Works in a team environment where coverage for co-workers, information sharing and support are required
  • Responsible for maintaining a safe environment by adhering to established safety protocols
  • Completes home visits as required
  • Other duties as required which may include but not limited to chairing meetings, making presentations to community agencies, special projects, etc

Qualifications

  • Graduation from a post-secondary school with a degree/diploma in the human services field i.e. psychology, sociology, social services and one year experience as a Caseworker
  • Knowledge of all applicable policies/legislations/procedures/acts as required including but not limited to the Ontario Works Act, the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, MFIPPA and the ability to explain the same
  • Specific knowledge of community resources, social programs, relevant government legislation and services available to assist clients with employment, personal and financial opportunities, supports and emergencies
  • Demonstrated creativity in case management is required to document clients, assess their needs, complete reference checks, assess financial eligibility, make referrals, review documents, use a follow-up system, etc. considering the client’s unique circumstances Employment case management skills are also a requirement
  • Communication skills: verbal, to provide counseling to clients and interact with various agencies, and written, to respond to inquiries, prepare reports and documents, etc. Ability to provide information and direction in a supportive and respectful way
  • Mathematical skills to compute and monitor entitlements according to eligibility criteria and prepare statistical reports
  • A valid class G driver’s license and access to a vehicle. May be required to provide an acceptable driver abstract and successfully pass a Regional safe driving course
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills to prepare case plans, including but not limited to, making arrangements for emergency needs. Ability to prioritize and work within time constraints and deadlines
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, community agencies, politicians and the general public by possessing and maintaining excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to adapt to technology changes (software/computer programs)
  • Working knowledge of the various systems of technology and ability to work on them efficiently and effectively on a daily basis
  • Knowledge and sensitivity towards the cultural diversity and accessibility needs of applicants/clients and co-workers
  • Knowledge and sensitivity of mental health/addiction issues, victims of violence and abuse
  • Ability to work independently

Preference will be given to qualified applicants who are currently in the bargaining unit. This position is a bargaining unit position represented by CUPE Local 966. Continuous employment is not guaranteed and may be subject to layoffs as outlined in the Collective Agreement Article 15.


Compensation: Band D per CUPE Local 966 Collective Agreement
Location: 10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton and/or 7120 Hurontario Street, Mississauga
Hours of work: 8:30am-4:30pm Monday through Friday

Posting closing date: March 19, 2019 @ 11:59 PM

If this opportunity matches your qualifications and experience, please apply online and complete the attached questionnaire.

https://careers-peelregion.icims.com/jobs/8931/caseworker/job