Caseworker (County of Lambton)

The County of Lambton is an urban-rural area in southwestern Ontario that is home to over 126,000 residents. The Corporation's seven divisions operate programs and services for the residents of Lambton County such as land ambulance, provincial offences court, three Long-Term Care Homes, 25 library branches, two museums, an art gallery, archives, local roadways, public health services, housing services, social services, building services and planning and development services. Lambton County is a community dedicated to economic growth, environmental stewardship and an enhanced quality of life through the provision of responsive and efficient services and collaborative efforts with its municipal and community partners.

Position Overview
* Please Note: Preference will be given to candidates with written and oral proficiency in both official languages (English and French).*

Work independently and as a team member providing person centred support that assists clients to achieve self-sufficiency. Facilitates and supports individuals and families to access employment and income supports through the delivery of the Ontario Works program and other related programs and supports.

Assess eligibility for assistance and services in accordance with the mandate of the Ontario Works Acts, 1997, the Ontario Disability Program Act, 1997, the Homemakers and Services Act, Childcare and Early Years Act, 2014, and other relevant legislation as well as Lambton County policy and directives.

Duties & Responsibilities
Knowledge:

• Effectively manage and administer caseloads; provide person centred support, determine new and ongoing eligibility, complete onsite and offsite visits and respond to inquiries.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor individualized action plans that support needs, determination and moving to self-sufficiency and that are consistent with outcomes-based measures related to employability.
• Determine barriers to employment, career interests/goals, training and education needs and make referrals as appropriate.
• Deliver employment program strategies to meet the needs of participants with specific and/or multiple barriers.
• Monitor compliance and ensure decisions are compliant with Ontario Works legislation, local policies and other related regulations and directives.
• Obtain appropriate information/documentation and complete required forms.
• Assess ongoing eligibility by reviewing documentation and changes that can occur daily.
• Maintain a working knowledge of various income security programs such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP); awareness of the referral processes; assist client in pursuing other income sources.

Technology:

• Use the required Provincial data bases Social Assistance Management System (SAMS), Case Administration Management System (CAMS), Ontario Child Care Management System (OCCMS) and any other applicable technology, to calculate eligibility, issue assistance, monitor ongoing case changes and determine an individual’s needs and the appropriate supports/services to meet those needs.
• Investigate data errors in the provincial data bases and determine necessary action to ensure database is correct.
• Scheduling Tool used to book and monitor appointments and knowledge of Microsoft 365.

Communication:

• Clearly explain the necessary program requirements and responsibilities.
• Use communication skills to support individuals through sensitive issues i.e., abuse, mental health, homelessness, and addictions.
• Establish collaborative relationships with individuals through coaching, mentoring, negotiating and intensive case management.
• Provide high quality person centred supports through effective interpersonal skills including but not limited to active listening, verbal, and written communication.
• Utilize de-escalation strategies and conflict resolution techniques to support communication and build relationships.
• Act as an agency liaison to advocate on behalf of individuals and to confirm eligibility issues.
• Liaise with internal staff, employers, government, and community agencies to provide service coordination and connect individuals to opportunities that meet their goals.
• Present information to outside agencies about services available.
• Adhere to requirements in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Other Responsibilities:

• Appear as witness at Social Benefits Tribunal hearings as required.
• Assist in developing, planning, and facilitating stability, employment readiness and skills development workshops and events.
• Follow health and safety protocols.

General:

• Incumbents must keep up-to-date on all relevant legislation, collective bargaining agreements, County Policies and Procedures, etc. ensuring that these are implemented as prescribed
• Incumbents must possess the physical ability to meet the duties and responsibilities of the job description and/or the requirements identified within the position's Physical Demands Analysis

These describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents in this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all job duties in the classification. Other duties may be assigned.

Supervision Requirements:
Direct Supervision: None
Indirect Supervision: None
Functional Authority: None

Qualifications
Minimum Formal Education

• University degree in a relevant discipline or a mixture of a 2-year community college diploma in the Social Service Worker program and relevant employment experience

Experience and Skills

• Experience in a social service agency setting required
• Experience in employment services an asset
• Proven ability to learn, organize thought and employ a variety of solutions and strong interpersonal skills including good listening, verbal, and written communication.
• Ability to use varied technology and software programs

A valid Ontario driver’s license and use of a vehicle.

How to Apply
Applications are accepted online until 11:59pm on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Please visit www.lambtononline.ca/jobs and select job posting J0424-0847 Caseworker to apply.