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

Original job posting

The Ontario Works Caseworker supports individuals and families by helping them access essential services to achieve financial independence and employability. This role involves conducting eligibility interviews, developing tailored case plans, and coordinating with community partners to provide ongoing support.

Job details

Join us and help make a difference! At Grey County we work together to deliver essential public services that meet the needs of our communities. Grey County isn't just a great place to live; its also a great place to work! We are proud to offer competitive wages and an attractive total compensation package. We support learning and continuous employee development, and champion career progression for our employees. We value work-life balance, so you can make the most of your career at Grey County, while making the most of your life in Grey County! Apply now to join our team! Grey County's Community Services department is recruiting a temporary full-time Ontario Works Caseworker. The duration of the contract is up to 15 months, with an anticipated start date of October 2026. This job posting is for an existing vacancy. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. NOTE: The wage rate indicated is currently under review and is subject to approval. 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 mediates 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 client 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 programs is an asset. Effective communication, organizational and time management skills. Counselling, negotiating and coaching skills, initiative, creativity, a collaborative attitude, and conflict resolution skills. Able to work independently and as part of a team. Objective, empathetic, approachable, and possess strong interpersonal skills. Proficient with current computer technologies. Valid drivers’ license or access to reliable vehicle required. Impact of Error Incorrect determination or calculation of eligibility of clients’ results in either assistance being issued when it is not justified or issuing less than the client is eligible for. Errors can result in overpayments which must be collected, causing additional workload issues, as well as burdens on clients. Inadequate case management and community liaison can result in reduced provincial subsidy, a failure to promptly refer clients to services. If information in databases is not accurately maintained with integrity, benchmarks for funding may not be met. Inadequate case planning and failure to effectively partner with other community agencies and organizations will diminish opportunities for Ontario Works clients to reach their employment goals. Errors or omissions could negatively impact the effectiveness of the organization’s overall service delivery. Grey County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and promotes a culture of respect where all team members are valued for their unique talents, knowledge and lived experiences. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants are encouraged to outline accommodation needs when submitting their application. If alternate methods of application are required, candidates can email careers@grey.ca. This recruitment process does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants. All applications are reviewed and evaluated by our hiring team. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Any personal information submitted will be managed in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and will be used only to determine eligibility for employment. Based on the nature of the position, pre-employment screening may be required including but not limited to; Criminal Record Searches, Financial Credit Inquiries; Educational and Credential Verification; Driver’s Abstracts; Drug/Alcohol Testing; Pre-Medical Testing and Investigative Employment References.

What you’ll do

The Ontario Works Caseworker supports individuals and families by helping them access essential services to achieve financial independence and employability. This role involves conducting eligibility interviews, developing tailored case plans, and coordinating with community partners to provide ongoing support.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a minimum two-year diploma in Social Services or a related field from a recognized institution. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills are required, along with a valid driver's license and proficiency in computer technologies.

Benefits

• Competitive wages • Total compensation package • Learning and development opportunities • Career progression support

Listed skills

• Time management · Preferred
• Teamwork · Preferred
• crisis intervention · Preferred
• assessment · Preferred
• interpersonal skills · Preferred
• community resource coordination · Preferred
• case management · Preferred
• Negotiation · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Coaching · Preferred
• Data entry · Preferred
• client advocacy · Preferred
• Conflict Resolution · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Case management
• Eligibility determination
• Crisis intervention
• Conflict resolution
• Client advocacy
• Interpersonal skills
• Communication
• Time management
• Data entry
• Compliance monitoring
• Community resource coordination
• Assessment
• Coaching
• Negotiation
• Teamwork
• Empathy
• Support Services
• Professionalism
• Accountability
• Effective Communication
• Advocacy
• Ethical Standards And Conduct
• Administrative Functions
• Valid Driver's License
• Planning
• Life Coaching
• Artificial Intelligence
• Budgeting
• Auditing
• Calculations
• Case Management
• Social Work
• Decision Making
• Customer Service
• Confidentiality
• Conflict Resolution
• Training And Development
• Creativity
• Digital Systems
• Emergency Management
• Occupational Safety And Health
• Food Security
• Interpersonal Communications
• Legislation
• Life Skills Development
• Medical Testing
• Social Support
• Public Service
• Service Planning
• Social Sciences

Job areas

• Social Services
• Government & Public Sector
• Administrative
• Caseworker
• Case Worker
• Social Work Associate Professionals
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers