Financial Support Worker

Reporting to the Finance Manager, the Financial Support Worker will be responsible for developing, delivering, and sustaining financial literacy workshops with clients.

The individual will also support clients and the program through budgeting, benefits eligibility, and general accounting principles. Their main goal is to ensure that our clients are educated, informed, and well prepared for maintaining financial independence in the community. They will work closely with the Finance Manager and Program Managers and a multi-disciplinary team to ensure appropriate targets and objectives are met.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Develop and deliver financial literacy workshops
- Administer the daily accounting and financial management of the program
- Data Entry, spreadsheet development/management, book keeping and reconciliation
- Provide clients with financial-based case management including but not limited to; budgeting to align with Wellness plan and program guidelines, housing retention support, and financial literacy counselling
- Develop program materials, accounting practices, and financial tools in collaboration with Program Managers and Finance staff
- Provide voluntary trusteeship and financial literacy through one-on-one counseling and case management for program participants which may include arranging appropriate benefits and entitlements from Ontario Disability Support Program, CPP, Ontario Works, debt sources and other income programs
- Work collaboratively with partnering organizations for mediating housing retention at The Landlord Tenant Board
- Complete evaluations and feedback surveys with applicants and/or their families
- Understand and be able to integrate a philosophy of client-centred care into daily responsibilities
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to quality care and service delivery based on SHIP’s Mission and Values
- Ensure appropriate records are kept and ensure that statistical information is maintained as per agency standards
- Adhere to agency Health & Safety Program and the Client Safety Framework in the promotion of client safety
- Perform additional duties as required/delegated by Management

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in general accounting, business, finance or equivalent
- Experience supporting individuals with mental health and/or addiction challenges or equivalent
- 2 years’ experience with QuickBooks or equivalent
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word
- Experience preparing budgets and managing individual’s finances
- Experience delivering financial literacy workshops
- Experience preparing basic accounting entries including recording of cheques, deposits and reconciling bank accounts.
- Solid understanding of basic accounting principles and/or financial planning
- Familiarity with accounting software (Quickbooks, Freshbooks, Xero, etc.)
- Demonstrated understanding of the impacts of addiction, mental health, homelessness and poverty
- Experience collaborating with partners and other community resources
- Excellent assessment, risk management, and consultation skills
- A valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s license and a vehicle with adequate insurance coverage is required
- Valid certification in CPI, CPR, First Aid, and Assist is mandatory

**Reporting Function**:
The Financial Support Worker will report directly to the Finance Manager. They may have program requirements assignment by the Program Manager. They will work with both internal and external partners and will interact with all levels within the organization.

They will be a support system, resource, and an advocator for the team and Organization.

**Working Conditions and Physical Requirements**:

- Hours are typically from Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm but may vary depending on client needs including evenings and weekends as required
- Average amount of physical effort is required
- Able to sit/stand for prolonged periods of time
- Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use
- Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)
- Vehicle travel to sites for visits/walk-throughs and open doors as required

**Ship Values**:

- Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional

**About Us**

Services and Housing In the Province (**SHIP**) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.

Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.

Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 300 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and servi