Ontario Works Manager - 24 Month

BASIC FUNCTION

This position reports to the Director of Ontario Works and is responsible for the management of case management services delivered through the Ontario Works programme. Duties include but are not limited to: supervising the work of Ontario Works case management and administrative support staff, developing service delivery processes, and working with internal and external partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality services. The Ontario Works Manager is responsible for the implementation of programme-related policies and procedures in accordance with the Ontario Works Act, regulations and directives.  

The Ontario Works Manager is an active member of the Ontario Works management team and is responsible for contributing towards the achievement of divisional and departmental goals.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the guidance of the Director of Ontario Works, the Ontario Works Manager has the following duties and responsibilities:

General:

• Provide leadership and supervision to staff in a manner that develops, motivates, guides, and directs them to be responsible and accountable.
• Participate in departmental and Countywide meetings/committees and training.
• Assist social services in business continuity, emergency procedures and planning.
• Promote excellent client service in the delivery of services.
• Develop and maintain corporate and community contacts to promote service and collaboration.
• Maintain ongoing proficiency of all and any legislation and service programmes, key performance indicators, targets, budgets, and reports submissions.
• Lead legislative and policy implementation, evaluation.
• Assign and manage the completion of work by implementing effective service delivery systems.
• Coordinate and complete service delivery reports and tracking to meet County and Provincial requirements.
• Develop programme outcome and service targets and implement contingency plans where targets are not being achieved.
• Respond to inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
• Ensure well-being of employees in accordance with corporate, departmental, and divisional initiatives and policies.
• Conduct recruitment and selection of new employees and facilitate new staff training and orientation. 
  Identify staff training needs to ensure effective practices and implement and facilitate training opportunities.
• Monitor the work of all direct reports to ensure compliance with all policies, procedures and relevant legislation, as well as to ensure effective, efficient and high-quality customer service.
• Supervise employees in accordance with County of Wellington policies and procedures, union and non-union contracts, and Workplace Health and Safety legislation.
• Perform staff evaluations for direct reports and identify staff training needs to ensure effective practices and seek such training opportunities. 
  Coach and mentor all direct reports in all aspects of service delivery.
• Facilitate/participate in meetings with the supervisory and/or frontline teams as needed.
• Monitor the development of on-going and special training functions and ensure opportunities for professional development are offered to staff.
• Provide strategic advice to the Director as well as other managers concerning direct delivery of services provided by the division.
• Develop and recommend procedures through research and programme analysis to ensure that services are being delivered in a high quality and efficient manner.
• Coordinate service delivery reporting and tracking requirements to meet County and Provincial requirements.
• Ensure that appropriate procedures and actions are taken in relation to health and safety, staff and building security and general facility management.
• Provide back up to other Managers as required.
• Liaise and work with the Director and the Treasury Department on financial reporting requirements, processes, and data collection to meet accepted standards and services delivered within the allotted budget. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Four-year University Degree in Social Services, Public Administration, or other related field.
• Minimum five years of experience or equivalent in the delivery of social services or related human services.
• Previous experience in a supervisory or management role, preferably in Human Services, is required.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies, including communication, strategic thinking, decision making and management excellence.
• Excellent management and leadership abilities, including the ability to manage in a unionized environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills in situations that can be ambiguous or difficult.
• Excellent knowledge of computers, software programmes and databases.
• Excellent organizational skills and an ability to maintain accurate records and statistics.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, community partners and clients.
• Excellent interpersonal awareness and ability to work as a positive member of a team.
• Working knowledge of municipally delivered Social Services, specifically the Ontario Works programme is an asset.
• Knowledge and understanding of Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• A valid driver’s licence (minimum G2 Class) and access to a reliable vehicle; flexibility of location is required.