Internal Review & Appeals Specialist (Region of Waterloo)




Date of Posting:  January 4, 2022
Title:  Internal Review & Appeals Specialist (Community Services)
Posting #:  2021-2694
Position #: R00784
Length:  Full-Time
Department/Division:  Community Services/Departmental Services
Hours of Work:  35 hours per week
Union:  C.U.P.E. Local 1883
Grade:  15
Salary:  $76,622.00 - $87,068.80 per annum
Location:  99 Regina St., Waterloo/235 King St. E., Kitchener/150 Main St., Cambridge
Closing Date:  February 4, 2022
 
In accordance with the Region of Waterloo’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine policy, new Region of Waterloo employees are required to be fully vaccinated, (valid medical or Ontario Human Rights Code exemptions permitted), against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. 

Description of Duties:  

Coordinates internal review processes and committees for appeals related to income support and childcare subsidy. Prepares and presents cases at appeal tribunals. Facilitates, mediates, and negotiates appeals processes with appellants and/or their legal counsel. Works with Section staff and corporate partners on service delivery continuous improvements. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:  

  • Knowledge of social assistance programs, including eligibility criteria and audit/assessment techniques; case management; and interviewing, mediation, and negotiating skills acquired through a 2-year college diploma or university degree in a related field (e.g., Social Sciences), plus 3 years of related experience (or equivalent combination of higher education and lower experience).
  • Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, legislation, and guidelines (e.g., Ontario Works, Family Support Act, Ontario Disability Support Program, immigration, employment insurance, child care and early years, privacy). Knowledge of internal and external appeals processes (e.g., social benefits tribunal, human rights tribunal) and related agencies.
  • Research, analytical, organizational, problem solving, and decision-making skills to interpret legislation and legal statutes, proceedings, and decisions; keep knowledge of legislation and court decisions current; and work independently.
  • Human relations, communication, facilitation, leadership, and mediation skills to provide advice and information to staff, appellants, and the public regarding the appeals process and eligibility issues; present and defend submissions at tribunal; respond to inquiries regarding appeals; negotiate and mediate resolutions prior to hearings; coordinate internal review processes and committee member training; participate on provincial and local committees; and participate as an effective team member. 
  • Ability to read and understand journals, articles, newspapers, cases, decisions, legislation, and procedures. Ability to write letters, memos, and reports; update and maintain files; document contact with clients/others; and prepare appeal submissions.
  • Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, and internal and provincial software/systems.
  • Must provide an acceptable Police Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3).
  • Ability to travel within and occasionally outside Waterloo Region.
  • Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values. 
Regular and reliable attendance required for consideration.
 
The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and supporting the well-being of our employees. We encourage qualified applicants to apply and will accommodate the needs of qualified applicants under the Human Rights Code in all parts of the hiring process.
 
Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number 519-575-4400, or TTY number 519-575-4608 to request an alternate format.