Caseworker

Position Overview

Work independently and as a team member providing person centred support that assists clients to achieve self-sufficiency.

Facilitates and supports individuals and families to access employment and income supports through the delivery of the Ontario Works program and other related programs and supports.

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, Childcare and Early Years Act, 2014, and other relevant legislation as well as Lambton County policy and directives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Knowledge :

• Effectively manage and administer caseloads; provide person centred support, determine new and ongoing eligibility, complete onsite and offsite visits and respond to inquiries.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor individualized action plans that support needs, determination and moving to self-sufficiency and that are consistent with outcomes-based measures related to employability.
• Determine barriers to employment, career interests / goals, training and education needs and make referrals as appropriate.
• Deliver employment program strategies to meet the needs of participants with specific and / or multiple barriers.
• Monitor compliance and ensure decisions are compliant with Ontario Works legislation, local policies and other related regulations and directives.
• Obtain appropriate information / documentation and complete required forms.
• Assess ongoing eligibility by reviewing documentation and changes that can occur daily.
• 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);

awareness of the referral processes; assist client in pursuing other income sources.

Technology :

• Use the required Provincial data bases Social Assistance Management System (SAMS), Case Administration Management System (CAMS), Ontario Child Care Management System (OCCMS) and any other applicable technology, to calculate eligibility, issue assistance, monitor ongoing case changes and determine an individual’s needs and the appropriate supports / services to meet those needs.
• Investigate data errors in the provincial data bases and determine necessary action to ensure database is correct.
• Scheduling Tool used to book and monitor appointments and knowledge of Microsoft 365.

Communication :

• Clearly explain the necessary program requirements and responsibilities.
• Use communication skills to support individuals through sensitive issues i.e., abuse, mental health, homelessness, and addictions.
• Establish collaborative relationships with individuals through coaching, mentoring, negotiating and intensive case management.
• Provide high quality person centred supports through effective interpersonal skills including but not limited to active listening, verbal, and written communication.
• Utilize de-escalation strategies and conflict resolution techniques to support communication and build relationships.
• Act as an agency liaison to advocate on behalf of individuals and to confirm eligibility issues.
• Liaise with internal staff, employers, government, and community agencies to provide service coordination and connect individuals to opportunities that meet their goals.
• Present information to outside agencies about services available.
• 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.

Other Responsibilities :

• Appear as witness at Social Benefits Tribunal hearings as required.
• Assist in developing, planning, and facilitating stability, employment readiness and skills development workshops and events.
• 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

University degree in a relevant discipline or a mixture of a 2-year community college diploma in the Social Service Worker program and relevant employment experience

Experience and Skills

• Experience in a social service agency setting required
• Experience in employment services an asset
• Proven ability to learn, organize thought and employ a variety of solutions and strong interpersonal skills including good listening, verbal, and written communication.
• Ability to use varied technology and software programs

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

The County of Lambton is an equal opportunity employer servicing our diverse communities. The County of Lambton is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities.

If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs. This information is available in an alternative format upon request, to accommodate individuals with a disability.

Although we appreciate all applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Personal information required by this posting / advertisement is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 1990, CHAPTER M.

56, as amended. The treatment, storage and handling of personal information is governed by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.

S.O. 1990, CHAPTER M.56, as amended and will be used in reviewing applications. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Corporate Manager, Human Resources,