Job Status: Temporary Full-Time

Union: Non-Union

Number of Positions: 4

Hours of Work: 35

Location: Health & Human Services Building

Reason for Vacancy: Replacement

Closing Date: October 20, 11:59pm EST. Applications received after this deadline will not be accepted.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has an opening for four (4) temporary full-time Case Managers in the Employment & Social Services division. The temporary full-time opportunities are for a period up to December 31, 2027.

Job description

The Case Manager provides low-income Chatham-Kent residents with Ontario Works (financial) assistance in addition to case management supports connecting clients to community to programs that help mitigate the effects of poverty increasing income and wellbeing.

Essential responsibilities

• Build rapport and establish professional relationships with clients of employment and social services using inclusive, trauma-informed and client centred approaches.
• Provide assessments, referrals, programming and advocacy with participants for services and supports as they relate to housing and homelessness, mental health and addiction, financial hardship, employment and other client needs to achieve life stabilization, wellness and personal success.
• Conduct interviews with clients by phone/in person at various locations such as offices, community centres, and client's homes (includes outreach) to complete applications for Ontario Works Assistance, Discretionary Benefits and other financial assistance programs.
• Collect, document and evaluate information to determine client's initial/ongoing eligibility for assistance according to the Ontario Works Act, Ontario Disability Support Program and other applicable legislation.
• Ensure responsible expenditure of public funds by monitoring and reviewing eligibility, amounts of assistance and entitlement of clients through ongoing file management and updates.
• Respond to community and client emergencies by assessing the situation and implementing solutions (in service coordination with Victim's Services, police, fire, children's services, housing, etc.).
• Participate on internal/external committees to enhance client service and business operations particularly related to case management.
• Work in a team environment to maintain a safe, collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Essential qualifications

• University degree in Social Work or Social Sciences program, with two (2) to four (4) years of related experience
• Experience working in the area of social or community services in a casework and case management position
• Experience working in Ontario Works, ODSP, Employment Services and/or Housing Stability
• Experience working with social assistance clients is essential:
  
  • Conducting interviews with clients by phone/in person
  • Collecting, documenting, and evaluating information to determine client's initial/ongoing eligibility for assistance
  • Ensuring expenditure of public funds by monitoring and reviewing eligibility, amounts of assistance and entitlement of clients
  • Working with clients to resolve housing and homelessness related issues
  • Responding to emergencies involving clients by assessing the situation and implementing solutions
  • Case investigation
• Maintain current knowledge of legislation, community services, resources, policies, programs, procedures and issues affecting client population
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal
• Excellent problem solving, organizational, and time management skills
• Ability to interpret and accurately apply complex legislation
• Proficiency working in an automated environment, and the ability to learn new software programs
• Working knowledge of Social Assistance Management System (SAMS), Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS), MCCSS Common Assessment Tools, and Penelope (or other similar scheduling program)
• Strong computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) (or similar software program)

Other qualifications

• Experience providing individual and/or group counseling an asset
• Experience using motivational interviewing techniques an asset
• Fluency in French or second language an asset

Work environment/hours of work:

• This position works indoors
• This position works weekday hours
• This position has been designated as eligible to work remotely at least part-time in coordination with other team members ensuring adequate in office coverage
• This position has been designated as eligible to participate in a flexible work arrangement

Working Remotely

This position has been approved for remote working, at the discretion of the supervisor based on the Working Remotely Policy.

This position may be required to attend on-site meetings in order to complete essential responsibilities of the role. As per the Working Remotely Policy, employees scheduled to work remotely on a certain day may occasionally be called to a municipal onsite work location on short notice. Employees must remain flexible to accommodate municipal requirements and be prepared to be called in on short notice.

Driver's licence/vehicle requirements

Because this position would be required to travel, a valid Province of Ontario driver's licence with a reliable motor vehicle is necessary

Background check requirements

Because of the environment this position will be working in, the successful candidate will be required to furnish an original Police Information Search (criminal reference check) (working with vulnerable persons) prior to commencement of employment; you must be 18 years of age or older to obtain a vulnerable police check.

Essential physical and/or safety requirements

• Sitting: frequent sitting in sitting chair (working at desk, sitting in meetings, driving or travelling to other municipal centres or client's home)
• Hands: constant fine finger dexterity (movement), mousing (technology in keyboarding, clicking and mousing)

Benefits

The temporary full-time positions have an hourly wage of $40.852 to $46.181 and will receive 15% in lieu of benefits (which includes group benefits, statutory & non-statutory holidays, and non-enrolment in OMERS) and 4% vacation pay. Where a permanent employee is receiving benefits and is the successful candidate for a temporary vacancy, benefits will remain as per the policy manual.

When internal employees are applying to temporary vacancy and want to maintain their permanent status: positions posted as "temporary" may be filled with permanent employees (full-time, part-time and call-in) who want to keep their permanent status provided their ability to be released to a temporary position is reviewed and approved with their current manager/supervisor before submitting an application.