Director, Employment & Social Services

Job Status: Permanent Full-Time

Union: Non-Union

Number of Positions: 1

Hours of Work: 35

Location:  Health and Family Services

Reason for Vacancy: Replacement

Closing Date: Please submit a resume and cover letter by July 17, 2026, 11:59pm EST. Applications received after this deadline will not be accepted.

Job Description

The Director, Employment & Social Services oversees the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Employment and Social Services Division and programs.  This includes the Employment Ontario funded CK Jobs program that is open to the public across the municipality and the delivery of Ontario Works assistance to low-income people.  Through the Ontario Works program, the Director provides oversight to a team of skilled professionals who provide stability supports to individuals and families receiving financial assistance to mitigate the effects of poverty.  The Director is a visible partner in the community and workplace, and a champion of community engagement, development and sustainability.

Overall responsibilities

• Demonstrates Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies.


• Provides transformational leadership while managing and inspiring a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional services for individuals and families seeking employment, financial and social services.


• Promotes and fosters teamwork to establish an environment of excellence through innovative, results-oriented leadership.


• Champions innovative initiatives that enhance service delivery.


• Leads the overall planning, coordination, policy development, decision making and budget preparation for the Employment & Social Services Division.


• Provides fiscal management of municipal and provincial funding from multiple ministries through the responsible administration of an annual multi-million dollar operating budget.


• Ensures the Employment & Social Services division conforms to applicable federal and provincial legislation (including the Ontario Works Act), codes of ethics, municipal policies and by-laws and other regulatory bodies.


• Fulfills the role of Ontario Works Administrator for the Ontario Works program including service planning, finance, compliance and program evaluation.


• Develops and sustains a good working relationship with provincial and municipal authorities using highly developed human relation skills with the ability to effectively communicate at all organizational and political levels.


• Partners with a variety of stakeholders including groups with lived experience of poverty and inequity to implement creative solutions that address society’s toughest challenges.


• Assists in planning and service delivery for affected residents in community emergencies such as large scale floods, fires, weather related emergencies and power outages for the provision of basic needs.


• Contributes to the advancement of Health and Human Services by initiating, facilitating and participating in education and research activities, serving on provincial committees and planning bodies, advising government officials and participating in relevant activities of professional and human services associations.

Education & training

University degree in a related program, preferably social sciences, or public administration, with six (6) to ten (10) years of related experience. Master’s degree preferred.

Required knowledge, abilities and skills

• Proven leadership experience in social services, human services or a related field.


• Senior management level experience in a range of social programs and services, preferably in a medium to large sized municipal environment.


• Detailed knowledge of Employment and Social Assistance programs and systems.


• Experience successfully managing a multi-million dollar operating budget.


• In-depth knowledge of community-based programs/services, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.


• Experience administering service level contracts and associated financial oversight.


• Demonstrated competency in media relations.


• Experience and training in emergency management an asset.

Work environment/hours of work:

This position works mostly indoors. This position works weekday hours, with occasional evening and weekend hours, and on call after hours and on weekends.

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 license requirements

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

Background check requirements

Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to commencement of employment. A background check may include the following: education/certification verification and employment reference check. Because of the environment this position will be working in, the successful candidate will be required to furnish an original Police Information Search (Vulnerable Sector Check) prior to commencement of employment.

Benefits

This permanent full-time position has an annual salary of $160,679 to $189,235 and will receive benefits including: participation in the OMERS pension plan (mandatory) as well as sick and vacation entitlements. Following successful completion of a 3-month waiting period, candidates will also be entitled to a comprehensive group benefits package.

________

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees in a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the diverse community we serve.

The Municipality does not use artificial intelligence or automated decision‑making tools in its recruitment or selection processes; all hiring decisions are made by people.

Should you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources & Organizational Development (HROD) at 519-360-1998. Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used strictly for the purpose of candidate selection.