Job Id #30879: Ontario Works Worker I

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason
- **Job ID #30879**:Ontario Works Worker I**:

- **Union**: CUPE Local 5167
- **Job Description ID #**:1146
- **Duration: Up to 12 months **This post is for all temporary vacancies from March 12, 2025 - September 12, 2025.

The Healthy & Safe Communities Department is committed to its people and is dedicated to building a strong and healthy community. We are passionate about making a difference and are recognized for our excellence. We offer a respectful and supportive workplace that provides life-long learning opportunities, leadership, innovation and performance excellence.

The goal of the Ontario Works Program is to support those in need so they may achieve self sufficiency and maximize their quality of life.

**SUMMARY OF DUTIES**

**GENERAL DUTIES**

Maintains a smaller specialized OW case management caseload of participants that present with multiple challenges or barriers requiring prolonged and frequent intervention to maintain access to services and performing all of the associated responsibilities attached to the maintenance of an Ontario Works caseload.

Receives and responds to inquiries from staff, participants, the public, community agencies of a more complex nature and provides relevant recommendations for resolution.

Provides oversight, direction and support to students, new hires and case managers through mentoring and coaching. Identify and assist in the professional development of staff and students.

Engages and empowers individuals from both a collegial and participant perspective.

Participates and recommends changes on policies, procedures and business processes that may impact on the Ontario Works standards of service delivery and/or customer service.

Within defined parameters, develops and maintains relationships with other community agencies and organizations and attends meetings, when applicable, to ensure cross-training and effectiveness of service delivery and/or customer service.

Utilizes extensive knowledge of resources to advocate on behalf of applicants/participants.

Utilizes SAMS to ensure accurate and timely reporting and documentation of required information.

Conducts interviews to establish initial, emergency and on-going eligibility. Develops documents and maintains appropriate confidential records using available technology and file.

Verifies financial assistance payments against approved budgets; identifies payments to be issued, suspended or cancelled; replaces lost and stolen cheques and completes related documents.

Maintains detailed knowledge of legislation and current changes to ensure compliance with OW legislation, policy and procedures.

Counsels and refers applicants/participants to other internal programs and community agencies and recommends case plan.

Responds to emergency issues such as major fires and chemical spills or other disaster related events, by staffing shelters, obtaining food supplies and assisting in transportation of disabled persons.

Provides coverage for staff when on vacation or training.

Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to occupational Health and Safety

Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Demonstrated knowledge principles, theories and code of ethics of human services normally acquired through the completion of a two year Community College Program in Social or Human Services with extensive experience in the Human Services field counselling clients, conducting interviews and assisting individuals/families.
- Knowledge gained by successfully completing the training for an Ontario Works Worker, with progressive on the job experience as an Ontario Works Worker.
- Demonstrated level of expertise and proficient knowledge of the Ontario Works Act, Regulations, Policies and Directives. Ability to understand and interpret legislation for the purpose of communicating updates and to educate clients and recommend to staff.
- Must possess excellent client services skills to assist with hard to serve clients. Highly developed interpersonal skills to deal with difficult and sensitive situations/cases both with staff, clients and community agencies.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach a variety of people including students, new hir