Caseworker

**Company Biography**

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**

To 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, Day Nurseries Act, various Provincial Acts, as well as County policy and directives.

Work independently and as a team member to assist clients in achieving self-sufficiency.

**Duties and Responsibilities**

Knowledge:

- Interview and assess eligibility for the assistance or service being requested
- Obtain appropriate information/documentation and complete required forms
- Make referrals to other community agencies and resources dependent on need
- Assess ongoing eligibility by reviewing documentation and changes that can occur on a daily basis
- 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). Be aware of their referral processes. Assist client in pursuing other income sources
- Case planning based on multiple factors to assist clients in achieving their goals and moving towards increased self-sufficiency
- 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

Technology:

- Use the required Provincial data bases Social Assistance Management System (SAMS) and/or Ontario Child Care Management System (OCCMS), to enter data to calculate eligibility, issue assistance and monitor ongoing case changes
- Investigate data errors in the provincial data bases and determine necessary action to ensure database is correct
- Computer Booking System (CBS) used to book and monitor appointments and knowledge of Microsoft office

Communication:

- Explain clearly the necessary requirements and responsibilities. Use communication skills to support clients through sensitive issues i.e. abuse, mental health, homelessness, and addictions
- Establish collaborative relationship with clients that provide support through coaching, mentoring, negotiating, intensive case management and the utilization of non violent crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques ensuring adherence to the Code of Ethics
- Act as an agency liaison to advocate on behalf of clients and to confirm eligibility issues
- Network with co-workers, other government departments, community agencies via community events, professional development opportunities and training
- Present information to outside agencies about services available

Other Responsibilities:

- Appear as witness at Social Benefits Tribunal hearings as required
- Assist in developing and facilitating, in-house client workshops
- 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:

- 2-year community college diploma in the Social Service Worker program or a university degree with a minimum of six credits in sociology, psychology or other related social sciences

**Experience**:

- Experience in a social service agency preferred
- Communication and computer skills

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