Community Services Worker – Ontario Works
Community Services Worker – Ontario Works
Reporting to the Program Supervisor Ontario Works, the Community Services Worker provides a wide range of support services to applicants, and clients which support the delivery of the Ontario Works program.
What you’ll do
- Ensuring that the information is up to date and accurate as it relates to client’s person page, product delivery case, integrated case, outcome plan, action plans, and common assessments activities in SAMS as declared by client and verified by CSW.
- Review Ontario Works’ client files for continued eligibility as client situation changes.
- Ensure continued eligibility as outlined by local and provincial polices (e.g. EVPs 2-year reviews)
- Ensure that client is maintaining their rights and responsibilities under the Ontario Works program.
- Provide referrals to other Dufferin County Community Services programs and community service providers and resources as required.
- Complete assignments, and agreements to reimburse where applicable to ensure the Ontario Works Program is reimbursed funds as legislated.
- Issue mandatory and additional benefits as eligible based on local and provincial guidelines.
- Issue discretionary benefits in consultation of the local business practice and Ontario Works – Program Supervisor.
- Meet with clients in person, on the phone, or virtually to fulfil their check point requirements for their action plan, develop plans and goals to support client’s progression.
- Respond and correspond to client’s inquiries as per policy ensuring confidentiality is always maintained.
- Terminate files in line with municipal and provincial directives, policies, and procedures.
- Document and note client interactions and changes on the file in the person page.
- Ensure visually verified components are documented, and documents required to be on file are uploaded to Nimble (Electronic Document Management).
- All files have the required digital or physical applications, consents, rights and responsibilities on file.
- Manage deferrals, provide Ontario Disability Support Program application.
- Provide life stabilization supports to ODSP NDA clients as required.
- Work towards achieving the Outcome Measures outlined in the Service Planning agreement for Ontario Works.
- Complete Verification Interviews as required to verify and determine eligibility for assistance.
- Issue assistance in line with municipal and provincial directives, policies, and procedures. (E.g. Regular ongoing, Emergency Assistance, not eligible)
- Ensure current and accurate service provider, trustee, and client’s financial details on file for billing and EFT purposes.
- Keep current and accurate financial evidence as required as per provincial and municipal policies.
- Participate in ongoing training to ensure up to date working practices for compliance with municipal and provincial requirements.
- Attend divisional, departmental and sector specific meetings as required.
- Continual learning - training, courses, new processes, techniques.
- Keeping current date with changes to directives, policies and procedures.
- Being current and up to date on supports and services offered by other partners and agencies in Dufferin County.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Post-secondary certificate or diploma in Social Services, Human Services or a related field
- Minimum two (2) years experience in Human Services field
- Previous client services experiences
- Knowledge of various income security programs such as Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Old Age Security (OAS)
- Knowledge of provincial funding and operational guidelines such as Ontario Works Directives
- Strong organizational, analytical, problem solving and multi-tasking skills with the ability to meet deadlines and assess priorities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
- Knowledge of SAMS
- Ability to set priorities and to work independently and efficiently to manage individual responsibilities
- Knowledge and application of crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques.
- Ability to engage a wide variety of people with a high level of professionalism and courtesy including culturally, socially and economically diverse populations, seniors, persons with disabilities and professional colleagues
- Valid Class G driver’s license and access to reliable transportation required
- Must provide clear criminal reference check including vulnerable sector screening
- Suitable work from home environment including reliable high-speed internet
- Previous experience in client case management role and/or previous experience in case management role in the municipal sector is an asset.
- Knowledge of the local human services support providers/agencies in Dufferin is an asset.
- Knowledge of ODSP act, and other MCCSS programs such as “SLACK” is an asset.