Integrated Ontario Works Wraparound Caseworker

**Job Description**:
POSITION PURPOSE

Reporting to the Supervisor, Social Assistance, is the primary point of contact for the client and is responsible for developing and updating a detailed case plan, setting client goals, and monitoring progress as well as identifying and working collaboratively with specialized and enhanced wraparound services internally and externally to meet with client’s needs; overseeing/coordinating all aspects of a client’s case; providing intensive case management to Ontario Works clients in an empathetic client centred manner; providing transition support services; working with a team of internal and external support to coordinate all aspects of the client’s case and address service needs.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Enables client engagement through consultation, conversation, interviews, assessment, service planning activities, and referrals to appropriate community-based resources and follow ups on a regular basis, dependent upon client need.
- Assists and/or mediates on behalf of the client; works creatively to find solutions/conflict resolution or mutually satisfactory arrangements to life skills, health, employment and other situations.
- Empathetically responds to enquiries.
- Develops comprehensive outcome plans with clients in accordance with legislative and regulatory authority, policy directives, and business practices using agreements and service planning and makes referrals to internal and external community-based programs and other service professionals and community agencies, as required.
- Encourages, assists and motivates clients to become self-supporting; makes appropriate referrals to employment, financial and community resources that will assist the client to gain access to various opportunities/resources/agencies.
- Monitors client progress/participation in and compliance with the provincially mandated Ontario Works program and related community programs and services as required.
- Supports clients through crisis issues, including homelessness, food insecurity, physical, mental or emotional health, including coordination of support services when required.
- Coordinates and participates in case conferencing with client and other service professionals including the Integrated Ontario Works Benefits Caseworker on a regular basis.
- Assists participants to increase their employability and achieve outcomes through integrated service delivery planning.
- Responds to inquiries and resolves concerns, in an empathetic, client centric manner.
- Meets clients in the community as required.
- Keeps abreast of frequent changes to program guidelines and communication updates.
- Prepares and conducts presentations to clients and/or on behalf of the Region.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Successful completion of a Community College Diploma (a minimum 2 year program ) in Social Service, Social Work or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum two (2) year experience with direct intensive case management experience providing client focused services in a social services environment.
- Solid knowledge of industry-related legislation and regulations applicable to Social Assistance services and programs delivering community resources, including health, counselling and employment programs and services.
- Demonstrated highly developed case management skills, facilitation, crisis intervention, and service coordination skills.
- Demonstrated active listening skills, empathy, and flexibility to support clients’ needs with maintaining a client centered approach within a rules based system.
- Demonstrated advocacy skills to focus on achieving client outcomes.
- Demonstrated empathy and compassion to build lasting, trusting and respectful relationships required to fully understand client needs.