Caseworker

About This Role

Caring for participants in the Ontario Works program is the main function of this Caseworker role, which involves documenting, reviewing, monitoring, and determining eligibility for Ontario Works and allied programs. The position assists participants in achieving self-sustainability through the development and ongoing monitoring of individual case plans.

Responsibilities

• Interview applicants/participants onsite and offsite
• Process applications for programs delivered by the Social Services section, including determining need for Ontario Works and/or other relevant programs
• Recommend initial eligibility, determine and monitor ongoing eligibility
• Inform clients of all facets of Ontario Works (e.g., requirements and range of activities available and all pertinent office procedures)
• Screen for employability of clients; prepare participation agreements and case plans
• Refer clients to appropriate employment/training resources
• Determine and recommend deferrals
• Determine and verify employment/training needs of clients and ongoing income support needs, including reviewing client participation agreements and case plans, revising and updating as required
• Provide funds for mandatory and discretionary benefits and/or for employment assistance activities as determined by the Ontario Works Act and local business practices as required
• Refer clients to appropriate employment assistance activities
• Advocate on behalf of applicants and participants, liaise with and refer participants to appropriate community agencies and organizations
• Complete required documentation and forms, verify client statements, record relevant case information and record statistics as required
• Assist in the development of forms and local business practices
• Attend appeal hearings, court proceedings as a witness as required
• Attend case conferences as required
• Acquaint new employees, trainees and students with Caseworker functions
• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of CGS’s Safety Manual and the applicable Provincial Legislation listed therein
• Perform other related duties as may be required

Requirements

• Successful completion of a Community College Diploma course in a Social Services Program
• Over one (1) and up to and including two and one-half (2½) years of related experience
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to serve the public in a courteous and effective manner
• Demonstrate report writing skills
• Demonstrate keyboarding skills (a minimum of 40 words per minute)
• Demonstrate ability related to the use of microcomputers and administrative systems in a Windows environment (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, Social Assistance Management System (SAMS), information input and retrieval, etc.)