• Job ID: 41432
• Job Category: Community & Social Services
• Division & Section: Employment & Social Services, E&SS East District
• Work Location: Hybrid Various Locations (please click here )
• Job Type & Duration: Full-time, 350 Temporary Vacancy (12 months)
• Hourly Rate and Wage Grade: $36.47 - $39.95
• Shift Information: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week
• Affiliation: L79 Full-time
• Number of Positions Open: 350
• Posting Period: 03-OCT-2023 to 30-OCT-2023

Major Responsibilities:

To work in conjunction with clients to assess their financial needs, employment goals and jointly develop appropriate service plans to meet those goals in order to introduce pathways for life stabilization supports. Reviews and monitors ongoing eligibility for programs and services in accordance with Divisional policies, procedures and provincial legislation. Supports, enhances and/or monitors programs and services.

• Conducts interviews with clients by phone/in person at various locations such as offices, community centres, City facilities, and client's homes
• Collects, documents and evaluates information to determine client’s initial/ongoing eligibility for assistance according to the Ontario Works Act, Ontario Disability Support Program and other applicable legislation
• Compiles and verifies client information by contacting various sources (e.g. financial institutions, employers, landlords, etc.)
• Identifies and evaluates client needs to develop service plans using Ontario Works employment support programs. Advocates on behalf of clients for services in areas of career opportunities, life skills, education, health, housing and community support systems, etc. Ensures clients’ access to all available program benefits
• Updates, revises and prioritizes service plans in conjunction with clients in accordance with legislative requirements and in response to changes in client circumstances (e.g. change in legislation, family circumstances, etc.)
• Ensures responsible expenditure of public funds by monitoring and reviewing eligibility, amounts of assistance and entitlement of clients. Makes adjustments to reflect changes in client’s status (e.g. medical, employment, etc.) Issues funds to clients. Processes collection of overpayments and negotiates repayment schedules as required
• Provides immediate first call resolution to clients, processes the first stage of an Ontario Works application and answers general inquiries
• Resolves conflict situations including client complaints and disputes. Listens, mediates, negotiates and provides support and guidance to reach mutually agreed upon service plan
• Responds to emergency situations involving clients by assessing the situation, presents and implements solutions (e.g. contacts other agencies such as Children’s Aid, Police, hostels, food banks, etc.)
• Responds to inquiries from various sources (e.g. agencies, politicians’ offices, etc.) to address and clarify client issues in accordance with MFIPPA guidelines
• Maintains current knowledge of legislation, community services, resources, policies, programs, procedures and issues affecting client population
• Develops and maintains relationships with community agencies and organizations in order to communicate legislation, policies and procedures
• Participates on internal/external committees (e.g. Local Operations Committees, Inter-Agency Groups) to enhance client service and business operations
• Reviews and evaluates information to improve Divisional programs and services. Makes recommendations regarding Divisional policies, procedures, forms, etc.
• Develops, designs and delivers presentations to the public, staff and community groups on programs, services and procedures
• Directs administrative staff by assigning and checking work. Provides support to caseworker trainees, co-op and field placement students
• Investigates information, compiles evidence, prepares witness statements and submissions and prepares witnesses for court cases. Liaises with staff in the Legal Division and/or Police, legal clinics/legal representatives.
• Acts as the Divisional representative by attending hearings and court cases, presenting information and testifying
• Compiles and enters data, and prepares statistical reports using various computer systems

Key Qualifications:

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

1. Degree or Diploma in Social Services and/or equivalent combination of education and experience in the area of social/community services.
2. Experience working with clients to develop and implement a service plan to reach their identified goals.

You must also have:

• Proficiency working in a technical environment with excellent computer skills.
• Knowledge of community agencies and resources.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, community agencies and the public.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic, complex environment and organize time and workload effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of staff, the public and clients while maintaining objectivity.
• Ability to compile information, perform calculations and prepare and interpret statistics.
• An Ontario Driver's License or the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner would be an asset.

Asset: Fluency in the French language

NOTE TO INTERNAL FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME CITY OF TORONTO EMPLOYEES:

City of Toronto employees must apply to full-time or part-time employment opportunities posted on the City's Internal Job Posting Portal.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.