Community Services Worker

**Division**:
SAEO

**Temporary Duration**:
Approximate Duration: 5 months

**About Us**:
Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high-quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

At Niagara Region, we value diversity - in background and experience. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aspire to hire and grow a workforce reflective of the diverse community we serve. By doing so, we can deliver better programs and services across Niagara.

For the Region's full employee equity statement, Working at Niagara Region - Niagara Region, Ontario.

**Don’t have every qualification?**

**JOB SUMMARY**:
Community Service Workers collaborate within a client-centered team to aid individuals and families in the Niagara Region in accessing necessary supports and services to accomplish life stabilization objectives. This role provides coordination and administrative supports to clients and program staff. Serving as the initial point of contact for individuals, families and community partners, delivering person-centered, customer service through in-person, telephone, and electronic channels to a diverse and vulnerable population is a fundamental aspect of this role.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**EDUCATION**:

- Completion of a 2-year College Diploma in a Social/Human/Community Services discipline
- Additional training such as de-escalation, effective communication, crisis intervention, naloxone, poverty reduction, sensitivity training and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (or related) is an asset.

**KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE**:

- Over 2 years of demonstrated experience in a human/social services environment, working with vulnerable populations.
- Experience dealing with highly sensitive and confidential information
- Proven aptitude in problem solving and decision-making.
- Knowledge of/experience with administrative office procedures and practices to provide support in a highly automated environment using online databases to input/access information
- Knowledge of applicable legislation, policies, guidelines and frameworks (i.e. Ontario Works Act, regulations and directives, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, etc) is an asset
- Experience working with provincial databases and related systems (i.e. SAMS) is an asset
- Experience providing person-centred, informed services and supports to individuals with diverse experiences and identities through a DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion) lens
- Experience working collaboratively with diverse communities, groups and organizations with knowledge, experience and commitment to equal access, equity and diversity.
- Experience in conducting interviews and providing collaborative coaching to individuals and families in finding and using community resources.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to change and perform effectively in a dynamic and complex work environment.

**SKILLS**:

- Strong interpersonal, communication (oral and written), and teamwork skills to relate to clients, families, peers and other community partners in a calm, professional and client centred manner through a DEI lens
- Strong analytical, problem solving, organizational and time management skills
- Effective notation and computer skills (Microsoft office, databases) to perform documentation and related administrative duties
- Ability to handle sensitive and/or confidential information with diplomacy, tact and discretion
- Ability to work independently with mínimal supervision as well as part of a team
- Strong conflict resolution skills
- Fluency in other language is an asset

**SPECIAL CONDITIONS**:

- Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:
Financial Administration
- Conduct financial reviews to collect necessary applicant information and appropriate documentation related to ongoing eligibility. Provide documentation to Casemanager/Supervisor for eligibility determination.
- Review and explain various documents and forms wit