Ontario Works Caseworker (District of Timiskaming)

The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board supports individuals in need throughout our communities by delivering Children’s Services, Emergency Medical Services, Ontario Works, and Housing Services through the effective use of available resources and in the best interest of the individuals we support. We are committed to serving and treating others through actions and values based on integrity and respect.

Reporting to the Ontario Works Supervisor the incumbent will deliver a complex social assistance program for Ontario Works clients designed to assist and support individuals by involving them in making the transition from financial dependence to achieving self-reliance and independence from the social assistance system, in line with current and upcoming modernization/delivery changes.

Responsibilities (*duties are subject to change, based on Provincial social assistance reform mandates):

• Assess client eligibility for social assistance payments, interview clients, collect necessary information and documentation, verify and evaluate qualifying factors affecting Program and financial eligibility
• Make complex decisions regarding financial eligibility determinations, incorporating Provincial legislation, Regulations, Program policies and procedures, community standards, legal precedents, and clients’ unique circumstances
• Determine financial entitlements, calculate allowances, and authorize social assistance payments, as delegated
• Conduct client assessments, provide guidance, and direct clients’ progress through referrals to employment and support services, agencies/professionals, as required and based on needs
• Monitor clients for continuing eligibility and entitlements
• Manage and plan caseloads, as well as maintain records, including preparing clear, concise case notes
• Motivate clients to optimize their ability to achieve self‐reliance
• Develop employability plans with clients that are consistent with their abilities to increase self‐reliance
• Liaise with community partners to help develop optimum client potential, with a focus on increasing employability by utilizing government and community resources and programs to enhance client opportunities
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Experience:

• Graduate of post‐secondary education in Social Services or its equivalent
• A minimum of one (1) year of recent related experience and/or training working in a computerized work setting within a social/human services environment, performing case management duties, working directly with members of the public and serving clients (over the phone and in person). An equivalent combination of education/experience may also be considered
• Previous experience delivering a similar financial assistance and/or employment supports program is considered an asset
• Proven ability to work independently and with decision‐making authority
• Effective communication, including verbal and listening skills, plus proficient writing abilities and effective case note techniques
• Excellent interpersonal/relationship building skills to work effectively as a team member and to interact with members of the public, as well as a strong person‐centered service orientation which includes positivity, assertiveness, empathy, other
• Proven conflict resolution abilities and independent problem‐solving skills to assess, analyze, and effectively resolve situations, as well as the ability to employ sound judgment and decision‐making
• Demonstrated coping skills to effectively respond to emotionally charged individuals and/or stressful situations
• Proven attention to detail and the ability to follow legislation, directions, policies, procedures, and well‐defined steps
• Excellent organizational skills and time‐management abilities to effectively prioritize, plan and manage the workload
• Experience in roles which require motivating others, by using demonstrated facilitating skills
• Applied knowledge of mathematical techniques and basic financial concepts for eligibility calculations and problem‐solving
• Computer proficiency and keying skills, as well as the ability to develop proficiency with the database used by Ontario Works
• Bilingualism (fluency and proficiency in verbal and written French and English communication) is an asset

We thank all applicants for their interest.

Professional references will be requested for those invited to an interview.

Upon receipt of an offer of employment, a Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector Search will be requested.

Applicants will submit a cover letter, resume, and will complete a Plum psychometric assessment.
Apply to https://bit.ly/3HgNA2J by 4:00 pm January 31, 2023.

Contact hr@dtssab.com for details or regarding a disability‐related accommodation required to participate in the hiring process.

The DTSSAB is an equal opportunity employer. Information is collected under the authority of the
Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for employment assessment purposes.