Niagara Region Looking for Community Services Worker at Niagara, ON Full Time

SAEO

About Us

Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 430,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Support Team members in achieving team/division objectives through the provision and collection of information, such as assisting with verification of eligibility of new applicants and ongoing participants when the Casemanager unavailable to complete the scheduled interview. Provide other administrative supports to all program/staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Completion of 2 year Community College Social Services Worker diploma program

Additional training in software courses including database, spreadsheet, word processing, and other software applications.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

Over 2 years of experience in social services environment providing customer service to clients and administrative support to staff

SKILLS

Must possess excellent interpersonal, communication (oral and written), analytical, problem solving, and time management skills.

Must possess knowledge and experience in advanced office automation systems, including word processing, spreadsheet, data base and presentation applications

Must possess strong keyboarding skills, excellent spelling and grammar

Knowledge and understanding of local community resources an asset

Strong conflict resolution skills

Diversity and sensitivity training, an asset

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Collect and verify all information for applicants / participants when the Casemanager is unavailable to complete scheduled interviews. Provide documentation to Casemanager / Supervisor for eligibility determination.

Through client contact via phone or correspondence and EVP process, verify and update outstanding verifications required to maintain on-going eligibility and benefits.

Review with client and explain various documents and forms, obtain required signatures, i.e. Application for Assistance Parts 1 and 2, Consents for Disclosure, Client Rights and Responsibilities, Form 1 yearly update child support issues as well as any legal assignments in order to receive assistance.

Complete comprehensive and concise case notes and maintain accurate case records.

On behalf of the Casemanager, schedule interviews, prepare correspondence, book interpreters, assign cases, create files, and complete necessary updates.

Assist clients with cheque related issues and completion of documentation i.e., direct deposits, issuing purchase orders, processing change of addresses, completion of income reporting statements, stop pay affidavits.

Process income reporting statements.

Prepare and file court documents for service, serving documents via mail and prepare affidavit of service for specific matters.

Conduct third party searches including MPAC, MTO, OSAP, CCRA, EIB, Equifax, MECA and any other checks appropriate as part of the eligibility review process.

Review legal documents for accuracy.

Assist clients with completion of documentation. Calculate, prepare and file court documents on behalf of client, Ministry, or Region. Maintain computerized record of active / terminated cases. Commission client statements.

Obtain court orders from various courts. Record and make payments to courts and government agencies for various documents including certified copies of court orders.

Communicate with client advocates and community agencies including political representatives, financial institutions police services and other agencies. Link client to appropriate services to resolve barriers and assist with matters, such as; housing, employment, income, child care, food banks, medical treatment, and legal aid.

Manage overpayment and assignment recoveries by establishing a repayment schedule with clients. Review files for appropriate application of legislation.

Complete necessary documentation to apply for repayments to cover costs of indigent funerals, i.e. Canada Pension Plan, Ontario Disability Support Program, financial institutions and OPGT.

Apply problem solving techniques to assist clients with solutions.

Apply crisis intervention techniques when needed to defuse potentially volatile situations.

Ensure office supplies are well stocked. Use Enhanced Financial Management Service (EFMS) in order to verify that order is correct once received.

Check in clients as they arrive for appointments; notify Casemanager or Community Service Worker of client arrival. If a client presents without an appointment, resolve their reason for attending or schedule a new appointment.

Sort incoming mail, assign transferred files to Casemanager. Transfer client files to and from other locations.

Answer incoming phone calls and resolve inquiries (answer question, forward to extension, etc.)

Validate and prepare invoices for funeral payments. Frequent contact and correspondence with funeral providers.

Review eligibility review complaints from WFDB and any other source and forwards to CM or ERO as appropriate.

Maintains consent tracking sheet and requests school attendance for Youth/LEAP clients.

Track trusteed clients and ensure cheques are issued correctly.

Issue bulk vendor payments.

Promote and maintain employment and training related resources. Create, edit, and distribute employment flyers, newsletters.

Plan, schedule, market, and evaluate quarterly Agency Showcases.

Track statistics as required (ODSP, HSP, Discretionary benefits, ERO complaints, funerals).

Closing Statement

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!

Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.

We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.