Ontario Works Caseworker - Community Services (Temporary, Full-Time)

Position Details

• Department: Community Services
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Contract Type: Temporary
• Engagement Type: Temporary
• Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
• Work Location: On-Site
• Closing Date: 2026-09-16

Purpose

As a member of a client-focused team, the Ontario Works Caseworker supports individuals and families in Grey County by helping them access essential services and resources aimed at achieving life stabilization, financial independence, and improved employability. This role involves using a person-centred approach to create and carry out tailored case plans, coordinating service delivery, making referrals to partner agencies, and advocating on behalf of clients. The position requires sound judgment and critical decision-making within a complex framework of legislation and policy.

Responsibilities

• Complete verification interviews, eligibility determinations, and file reviews.
• Complete and monitor appropriate assignment of benefits.
• Provide information to clients and make appropriate community resource referrals as they relate to budgeting, housing retention, food security and community safety and well-being.
• Help clients to identify their needs so they can co-develop a plan towards employment or other goals towards increased independence.
• Track client progress and goals to align with Ministry outcome requirements.
• Review and verify client information on a routine basis to ensure proper entitlement is being issued.
• Responsible for dealing with compliance and eligibility issues.
• Communicate relevant information to all involved parties.
• Responsible for validating and calculating pre-existing and current overpayments for referrals to the Ministry for recovery.
• Complete monthly enhanced verification audits on client files.
• Engage through consultation, conversation, interviews, assessment, service planning activities, and referrals to appropriate community-based resources and follow ups, including offsite visits.
• Support clients through crisis issues, including homelessness, food insecurity, physical, mental or emotional health, including coordination of support services.
• Assist and/or mediate on behalf of the client; works creatively to find solutions/conflict resolution or mutually satisfactory arrangements to life skills, health, employment and other situations.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication (oral and written) and teamwork skills to relate to individuals, families, peers, and other community partners in a calm and professional manner.
• Independently schedule appointments to build strong client relationships and meet Ministry standards.
• Encourage, assist and motivate clients to become self-supporting.
• Work with clients to identify strategies and implement solutions to recurring issues or problems - adding value to client’s lives by building self-sufficiency and capacity.
• Maintain regular communication with clients during their time on social assistance.
• Participate in job specific training as required.
• Support clients in navigating and managing diverse income sources, including employment, government assistance and other financial supports.
• Review and address third party consumer credit and Eligibility Verification Process (EVP) flags.
• Access a full range of benefits as established by the Ministry and local policy directives, to ensure accountability, fairness and consistency in the delivery of Ontario Works.
• Use digital system to accurately track notes, client outcomes and data, to support accurate reporting and compliance.
• Provide support to team members by offering guidance, sharing knowledge of policies and procedures, and modeling best practices.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of the work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Other Duties

• Occasional custodial duties as required at satellite locations.
• Administrative duties as required at satellite locations.
• Support the process of receiving cash and cheques for reimbursements and Ontario Works benefits at satellite locations.
• Maintain skills and knowledge by taking training and development through courses, seminars and selected reading.
• Responsible, as an employee, for occupational health and safety and emergency management.

Working Conditions

Hours of work are based on a 35 hour work week. Work is subject to regular deadlines and constant interruptions and is carried out in approved locations throughout the county. Overtime may be required on occasion. Hours of work may be flexible to accommodate meetings and forums with external stakeholders. Travel within the area may be required. Outside of office work conditions can involve exposure to unfavourable road, traffic and extreme weather conditions. This role involves regular interaction with individuals experiencing complex challenges. Candidates must be prepared to manage the emotional demands and potential risks associated with supporting vulnerable populations.

Contacts

Internal Working Relationships

Work closely with staff within Social Services and other Grey County departments.

External Working Relationships

Collaborate with community agencies and partners, developing positive working relationships. Collaboration with counterparts in other municipal and provincial social services offices as required. Participate in various meetings that support social assistance programs.

Knowledge and Skill

Minimum two year Social Services Worker Diploma, or a two year diploma in a related field with an employment focus from a recognized College of Applied Arts and Technology, or a graduate of a recognized university in the Humanities, Social Work or Social Sciences. Knowledge of the Ontario Works Act and the Ontario Disability Support Plan and related databases is an asset. Knowledge and understanding of local community resources and their...