Case Management Worker

**Position**:
Under the direction of the Ontario Works Program Manager, the Case Management Worker is responsible for delivering a complex social assistance program for Ontario Works participants, assisting individuals to achieve self-reliance and independence from the social assistance system.

**Requirements**:
A) SKILLS — Analytical, problem-solving, and time-management skills are essential.
- Be a diplomatic and flexible team player.
- Ability to work effectively with the management and staff of other programs.
- Ability to effectively assist in planning, implementing, and monitoring programs and procedures.
- Ability to assist in effectively managing financial matters.
- Ability to work in a high-stress level environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully in and verbally with internal staff, community agencies, participants, and the public.
- Computer skills required.

B) EXPERIENCE
- 4 years of directly related, successful experience, in a social services context.
- Experience working with or for a First Nations Community.

C) EDUCATION
- Must have a Grade 12 and a 2-year Social Service Worker diploma.
- Grade 12, 1 year of related college and 5 years of related experience will also be considered in place of the college diploma.
- Knowledgeable about Walpole Island First Nation community and resources.
- Familiarity with the relevant provincial legislation, regulations, and guidelines respecting financial assistance and active measures supports computer systems in a social assistance context as an asset.
- Knowledge of case management functions and service provisions is an asset.
- Must be willing to participate in educational courses/activities related to the job.
- Must possess a good understanding of First Nations people and culture.

D) OTHER
- Valid Ontario Driver's License.
- Reliable transportation and willingness to travel.
- Subject to the Criminal Records Check Policy

**Responsibilities**:
1. Assists in the Management of the Case Management/Financial Assistance Component of the Program by:

- Using sound judgment and discretion to ensure participants receive effective service within a complex legislative and policy environment that incorporates the unique circumstances of each participant.
- Supporting all Ontario Works team members in achieving departmental objectives while continually seeking new methods and procedures to increase personal and organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Collects, documents, and evaluates information to determine the client's initial/ongoing eligibility for assistance according to the Ontario Works Act, Ontario Disability Support Program, and other applicable legislation.
- Provides support to Case Management Worker trainees; assists in the monitoring the relevant policy and procedures of the program and recommending changes as appropriate; cooperating in the periodic reviews and assessment of progress with the Case Management Administrator; participating with the Case Management Manager in decision making respecting overall program problem solving, annual service work planning, development, and service provision; assisting with the execution of any internal and external program reviews and evaluations that are initiated; conducts in-depth investigations, reports, investigate potential fraud cases, monitoring adequate case-control, random file audits, monitoring court orders, monitoring amount and recovery of overpayments and assignments; adjusting allowances;
- assist clients in completing special requests for assistance, such as, but not limited to Community Start-Up, Employment Start-ups, Special Diet Requests for eligibility review.
- to ensure that ordered support payments or as agreed to between the parties are made regularly; investigate obligation to support exists; to conciliate between parties where possible to avoid court proceedings.
- informing clients about their right to internal review of decisions and their right to appeal.
- work intensively with a specific target group.

2. Facilitates program participant access to required services by.
- Participates on internal/external committees to enhance client service and business operations.
- Assist participants in connecting with other required services for clinical assessment and service provision when necessary.
- advocating for and assisting participants in their efforts to access services.
- approving all financial assistance entitlement and participation support payments, active measures support, within the limits of delegate signing authority.
- Refer participants to educational upgrading, job skill development, and work experience projects as appropriate.
- facilitating group counseling and basic life skill development/training sessions as required; referrals to appropriate agencies providing individual supportive counseling and encouragement.
- maintaining case files; monitoring participants' agreements, action plans, and participants' progress.
- initiating placem