Business Specialist, Ontario Works

Position Summary

Situated on the picturesque Grand River, the City of Brantford is a rapidly growing community of over 100,000 residents, located in the heart of Southern Ontario with direct access to Hwy. 403 and is in close proximity to the GTHA, Waterloo and Niagara regions. As a single-tier municipality, Brantford is responsible for the full spectrum of municipal service areas. We invite you to join our #TeamBrantford corporate culture with many progressive initiatives, including our hybrid work environment. The City is committed to the professional development of our staff and invite you to come, grow with us!

Reporting to the Manager of Program Support, the Business Specialist plays a key role in supporting the effective delivery, administration, and continuous improvement of the Ontario Works (OW) program. The position contributes to the City s responsibilities under the Ontario Works Act, 1997 by providing analytics that contribute to strong program oversight, accountability, and alignment with provincial directives, service plans, and corporate priorities.

The Business Specialist is responsible for coordinating operational planning, performance measurement, and outcomes tracking for the Ontario Works division. Core responsibilities include monitoring compliance with legislation, provincial guidelines, funding agreements, and internal program policies; managing vendor and contract relationships; and ensuring the integrity of program data and business systems. The role also supports financial stewardship by monitoring funding streams, performing variance analysis, tracking program expenditures, and contributing to budget planning and financial reporting requirements.

A central focus of the position is to develop data informed insights that support evidence-based program design and service delivery. The Business Specialist prepares analytical reports, dashboards, and briefings for senior leadership, Council, and other funding partners to demonstrate program effectiveness, highlight emerging trends, and guide decision making. This includes outcomes reporting for federal or provincially funded initiatives, audit support, and contributions to system level performance evaluation.

Working collaboratively with community service providers, internal program and finance teams, and other corporate departments, the Business Specialist strengthens Service Manager oversight and supports the local delivery of the Ontario Works program. The position helps ensure that resources are effectively managed, outcomes are clearly demonstrated, and programs are aligned with strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Education: a university degree specializing in Business, Administration, and/or Finance with a minimum of three years progressive experience in municipal government or similar environment, preferably in the social services sector. Applicants with a two-year college diploma from a recognized publicly funded institution in Business, Administration, or Finance accompanied by a minimum of three years directly related work experience in a municipal Ontario Works office will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in business and financial management, including budgeting and forecasting. Knowledge of provincial/federal program service contracting processes and templates, including provincial/federal budgeting submissions, quarterly and year-to-date reporting, annual reconciliations and outcome management tracking is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in contract administration and management with external parties for the delivery of services.
• Demonstrated experience in project management.
• Advanced knowledge of relevant software programs, including database and spreadsheet applications, computerized accounting systems and all current office productivity software.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem solving, time management, written and verbal communication skills (including public speaking, presentations and report writing).
• Strong multi-tasking and decision-making skills, the ability to work independently as well as a member of a team and demonstrated ability to think critically, analyze and evaluate data for planning purposes.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation including the Municipal Freedom of Information Protection of Privacy Act and the Ontario Works Act.
• Working knowledge of legislation and programs that provide financial support to people such as Ontario Disability Support Program, Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, and Guaranteed Annual Income System.
• Working knowledge of the Housing Services Act, and the Residential Tenancies Act is an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of budgetary and financial processes, including practical knowledge of basic accounting principles to interpret financial statements, analyze and develop budgets and the creation of deficit reduction plans.
• Knowledge of technology systems used to support the delivery of various social services programs in Ontario and of provincial/federal financial information systems is an asset (e.g., SAMS, YARDI, subsidy claims, TPON, HIFIS, OCCMS, the Ontario MCCSS-MCYS Portal, etc.).
• Demonstrated strong working ability in the Microsoft Office suite of products and other software programs that are necessary for program administration.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential as this position is required to communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external stakeholders including elected officials, senior executive staff, community partners, and the public.
• Experience with creating and delivering effective presentations.
• Possess a valid Class 'G' driver's license in good standing during the course of employment.
• Satisfactory Police Check is required.
• Occasional overtime work is required. Evening and weekend hours are required for Emergency Operations.
  

As a condition of employment, proof of current and valid certificate(s) and/or educational qualifications will be required.

What We Offer

The City of Brantford is an equal opportunity employer that values equity, diversity and inclusion. At the City of Brantford, people are our priority. #TeamBrantford employees are our most valuable resource and we believe it's important to offer a competitive total rewards package.

Paid training and professional development, the flexibility to work from home in some positions and wellness and work life balance are just some of the great things the City of Brantford has to offer. When you work with us, you'll know you're doing important work that matters and helps build a better Brantford. Come grow with us.

Learn more about working for the City of Brantford