Social Assistance Case Coordinator – HostelsHomemakers and Nursing (Social Assistance Case Coordinator II)

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home making it one of the largest regions in Canada and the fastest growing with a population thats expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography which is comprised of about 1800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities is as beautiful interesting and diverse as our government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canadas Best Employers by Forbes we offer a collaborative progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13 Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace aligned with our vision to create strong caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Programand corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - Were committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential participate freely in society and live with respect dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

POSITION PURPOSE
Reporting to the Supervisor Hostel Programs this position is responsible for implementing and delivering financial and support services Housing with Supports the Emergency Housing Program and/or Homemakers and Nursing Services Program (HNSA) to York Region clients; assessing the eligibility of applicants for financial assistance through Ontario Works (OW); verifying the clients information as required by the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) government or private pension; and counselling and directing the resident to appropriate training employment health housing social services and community services programs.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts Interviews with applicants to assess and determine their eligibility for income support programs including Homemakers and Nursing Assistance assistance under the Ontario Works Act in Housing with Supports Emergency Housing per diem subsidies and Personal Needs Allowance (PNA). Reviews and verifies documentation provided by applicants to ensure accuracy.
• Determines allowance amounts and benefits available to eligible applicants.
• Approves and issues benefits and authorizes disbursements and expenditures made to or on behalf of the resident.
• Regularly reviews and verifies resident eligibility; monitors compliance with program standards and agreements as required.
• Calculates and recovers overpayments of allowance and benefits.
• Reviews and tracks monthly invoices for programs and services provided to clients on social assistance; reviews and tracks monthly per diem worksheets personal needs allowance worksheets and assesses the need for HNSA services as applicable.
• Provides case management through interviews screening assessment service planning activities referrals to appropriate employment or community resources and follow-up.
• Administers residents financial eligibility through structured monthly income reviews and adjusts eligibility as circumstances change; follows up on concerns and complaints related to eligibility.
• Initiates referrals to mental health agencies hospitals and other professionals and community agencies in cooperation with the Supervisor and Hostel Operators as required.
• Develops case plans with residents using participation agreements and service planning and makes referrals to internal employment programs health and other service professionals and community agencies as required.
• Handles resident crisis issues including coordination of support services when required.
• Participates in case conferencing with the Supervisor resident and other service professionals on a regular basis.
• Monitors residents progress and participation in and compliance with the Homemakers and Nursing or Ontario Works programs and related community programs and services as required.
• Assists and/or mediates on behalf of the resident; attempts to find solutions conflict resolution or mutually satisfactory arrangements for health employment and other problematic situations.
• Responds to enquiries discusses problems provides information individually or in groups and provides crisis intervention to residents.
• Encourages assists and motivates residents to become self-supporting; makes appropriate referrals to employment financial and community resources that will assist the residents.
• Maintains files and provides case administration in compliance with relevant Acts and regulations including the Ontario Works Act Ontario Disability Support Program Act Homemakers and Nursing requirements through the Ministry of Health Regional and/or York Region Housing with Supports policies and procedures where applicable.
• Utilizes social assistance database (SAMS) and/or hostel database to complete documentation deliver services manage caseloads and record statistics.
• Maintains data and statistical information for processing payments in accordance with program requirements.
• Provides backup support for co-workers as required.
• Disburses and/or collects monies from the resident or on their behalf as required and follows established processes and standards.
• Assists new staff in developing case plans and provides on-the-job training as directed.
• Responds to inquiries about services programs and incident reports and follows up as required with the appropriate compliance contact with the Licensing and Compliance Officer by completing a Hostel Referral Form.
• Liaises with service providers; responds to inquires and resolves concerns as appropriate from the general public etc.
• Ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
• Participates on committees work groups task forces and special projects as assigned.
• Handles information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.
• May occasionally be required to respond to emergency situations outside of normal business hours as related to the Departmental Emergency Plan.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Successful completion of a Community College Diploma Program in Social Servicer Worker or a related program.
• One to three (1-3) years experience in a social service environment including intensive case management experience and direct experience working with vulnerable individuals including mental health people at risk of or experiencing homelessness and senior population; experience with employment counselling and group/workshop delivery and demonstrated skills to work in a demanding environment in emergency housing and Housing with Support homes.
• Satisfactory Police Criminal Background Check.
• Ability to demonstrate the Regions core competencies.
• Knowledge of industry-related legislation and regulations applicable to the service/program delivered (i.e. Ontario Works Act Ontario Disability Support Program Act and Homemakers and Nursing Services Act) community resources including mental health counselling and employment programs and services.
• Demonstrated case management and file administration skills.
• Strong problem solving conflict resolution mediation and counselling skills.
• Intermediate skills in virtual platforms and MS Office Suite.
• Ability to perform financial calculations for the purpose of allowances and benefit calculation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect with a range of internal and external partners while focusing on fostering collaborative work relationships.
• Ability to work cooperatively with individuals agencies and other service professionals to develop opportunities for the client and conduct interviews and meetings in offices homes and other off-site locations.
• Strong ability to develop relationships and work in a welcoming and inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential.
• Ability to compile statistical data and reports for the purposes of review and evaluation.
• Ability to relate to clients in an empathetic yet objective professional manner.
• Ability to travel to multiple offsite locations across the Region in a timely and efficient manner.
• Ability to work outside regular business hours as required