Caseworker

**DUTIES**:

- Conduct initial and subsequent client interviews/assessments to determine and monitor ongoing eligibility for employment and financial assistance in accordance with legislative and regulatory authority, policy directives and local business practices.
- Negotiate and provide a broad range of employment assistance activities and stability supports to re-connect participants to employment and towards increased independence based on individual circumstances and employment needs.
- Issue financial and employment assistance in support of participation in Ontario Works through the provincial software (SAMS).
- Provide a formal notice and review process for participants to address issues related to their eligibility.
- Make determinations pertaining to the refusal, reduction or cancellation of assistance.
- Complete assigned data clean-up and required work around procedures and touch the file initiatives.
- Contribute in team activities and committees to develop strategies to meet prescribed employment assistance outcomes, optimize customer service and design best practices.
- Participate in educational and training opportunities and attend regular staff meetings to maintain and strengthen current working knowledge of legislation, regulations, policies, local business processes and community resources to ensure ongoing effective case management.
- Fulfil data collection, reporting and audit requirements including accurate data entry in SAMS and thorough documentation to support eligibility decisions.
- Assess client needs and provide direct referrals to other income security funded programs i.e. ODSP, CPP.
- Provide information to clients and make appropriate community resource referrals as they relate to budgeting, housing retention, food security and community safety and well-being.
- Perform duties in the event of a peacetime emergency as set forth in the County of Hastings Emergency Response Plan.
- Other duties as may be required from time to time.

**MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS**:

- University Degree (preferred); or College Diploma in Social Service Work with related practical experience.
- Two years’ work experience in a Social Services Environment.
- Strong working knowledge of the Ontario Works Act and a comprehensive knowledge of related acts and legislation specifically the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
- Ability to calculate and analyze eligibility for financial and employment assistance.
- Strong customer service and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to take initiative and work independently as well as within a team setting.
- Capacity to work well under pressure and remain flexible in a dynamic environment.
- Effective communication and interviewing skills with the ability to interact with staff, clients, outside agencies and the general public.
- Ability to organize and prioritize work to meet Ministry requirements and ongoing project initiatives and deadlines.
- Must possess an extensive awareness of other government funded income security programs and of the local labour market including community training and educational opportunities.
- Strong computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
- Thorough working knowledge of the Social Assistance Management System (SAMS) is preferred.
- Must obtain and maintain a satisfactory Criminal Record Check (CPIC).
- Must possess a current valid Driver’s License and have reliable transportation.

**OTHER CONSIDERATIONS/ENHANCED QUALIFICATIONS**
- A diploma or degree in an alternate discipline may be considered equivalent

**HOURS OF WORK**: 8:30-4:30 (Monday - Friday)

**RATE OF PAY**: $56,037.28 - 65,932.42/annum

Closing Date: Friday, November 29, 2024 by 4pm

Juliana Finney

Human Resources Advisor

Talent Management & Acquisition

In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal information collected will be used only for the purposes of this employment opportunity.

The County of Hastings is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Please contact us if you require this posting in an alternate format. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.

**Job Type**: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: $56,037.28-$65,932.42 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Employee assistance program

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-11-29