Job ID #31326: Ontario Works Worker II (Periodic)

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

• Job ID #31326 - Ontario Works Worker II (Periodic)


• Union: CUPE Local 5167 


• Job Description ID #: 1124


• Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application by 4:00 p.m. on September 3, 2025.


• Duration: Periodic posting for all upcoming temporary full-time vacancies. Applications will be considered from August 28, 2025 - February 28, 2026.


• Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

The Healthy & Safe Communities Department is committed to its people and is dedicated to building a strong and healthy community. We are passionate about making a difference and are recognized for our excellence. We offer a respectful and supportive workplace that provides life-long learning opportunities, leadership, innovation and performance excellence.

We are looking for high performing public servants who are interested in experiencing a challenging, rewarding, enjoyable, and fulfilling career. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to provide excellent client service in a respectful, courageous, empathetic, just and ethical manner. Your ability to set and achieve personal goals, professional goals and contribute to the goals of the organization will result in high job satisfaction.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reports to the Supervisor, Human Services.  Manages and maintains a large and diverse caseload of participants requiring financial and employment assistance through the Ontario Works program.  As part of a person-centred service, duties will include delivering the Ontario Works Program, assessing and referring to employment and other community supports. The Ontario Works Worker II works in conjunction with participants to develop, implement and monitor individual service plans to assist participants in achieving their goal of self-sufficiency.

GENERAL DUTIES

Assesses the needs of individuals and their families; monitors eligibility and compliance for benefits and services in accordance with the Ontario Works Act and regulations, departmental/divisional policies, procedures and other applicable legislation.

Reviews financial assistance payments; identifies payments to be issued, validates over-payments; replaces lost and stolen cheques and completes related documents to ensure accuracy and accountability in accordance with the Ontario Works Directives and audit requirements. 

Conducts telephone or face-to-face interviews to determine initial and ongoing eligibility through home visits, in office or off-site locations.

Utilizes the provincial computer system, Social Assistance Management (SAMS) to ensure accurate and timely reporting and documentation of required information.

Provides guidance and direction to applicants and participants and makes referrals to other services and community agencies such as Employment Ontario, the Ontario Disability Support Program, Service Canada, Children's Aid Societies, Worker’s Safety and Insurance Board, and health care professionals. 

Negotiates and develops a progressive participation agreement with applicants and participants.  Recommends and monitors participation in appropriate employment related programs and activities.  Monitors successes and continuously strive to enhance community support initiatives.

Ability to identify, address and help remove barriers that prevent an applicant or participant from fully participating in all aspects of the Ontario Works program including physical, architectural, information, communications, attitudinal and technological barriers, policies and practices.

Writes reports, individual service plans, case notes; compiles caseload statistics; composes correspondence.

Maintains confidential records.

Engages in a range of activities in the Department and community to support and enhance customer service.

Provides coverage and support to team members, sharing successes and best practices to advance the division in meeting the unit goals and delivering services aligned with the strategic objectives.

Receives and answers inquiries from applicants, participants, staff, community agencies and the public. 

Promotes knowledge of the Ontario Works program and services to the community resulting in a stronger collaboration and positive image with agencies and organizations.

Testify in court as required.

Responds to emergencies, staff evacuation shelters and cooling centres as determined by the City’s Emergency Operations Group.

Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable health and safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to occupational health and safety.

Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Knowledge of the principles and theories of human services with experience in counselling clients, conducting interviews and assisting individuals and families in finding and using community resources normally acquired through the completion of a two-year Community College Program in Social Services and experience in the field or equivalent work and education.
   


2. Demonstrated experience in a human, social and customer service field.
   


3. Demonstrated ability to provide excellent person-centered service in accordance with the Corporate Culture pillars of Collective Ownership, Steadfast Integrity, Courageous Change, Sensational Service and Engaged Empowered Employees.
   


4. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and families who are served through the program, co-workers, community agencies and the general public.
   


5. Knowledge of and skill in the application of solutions to meet the challenges facing the individuals and families who are served through the program including but not limited to youth, newcomers, KIand those with mental health issues. The ability to keep up to date with the availability of community resources and refer appropriately.  
   


6. Demonstrated experience in competently assessing the needs of individuals, families and target groups to support them in achieving their goals.
   


7. Demonstrated ability to write reports, maintain up to date and relevant record case notes and compile statistics to support success measures and program development.
   


8. Demonstrated knowledge of available resources in the community and ability to keep up to date in this knowledge.
   


9. Demonstrated ability to adapt to change and perform effectively in a dynamic and complex work environment.
   


10. Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond effectively to crisis situations.
    


11. Strong interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to work, independently, within a peer team setting and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
    


12. Demonstrated ability to balance and effectively self manage a varied caseload within prescribed timelines and adjust based on priorities.
    


13. Intermediate experience working with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.  Knowledge of OneNote and PowerPoint
    would be an asset. 
    


14. Previous experience with SAMS (Social Assistance Management System) would be an asset.
    


15. Must possess a valid Ontario Class G Driver’s license with a reliable vehicle for use on the job.
    


16. Proficiency in French would be an asset.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES A VALID CLASS “G” DRIVER’S LICENCE AND PROOF THEREOF IS REQUIRED UPON HIRE.

NOTE 1: As a condition of employment, the successful applicant(s) will be required to obtain, satisfactory to the City of Hamilton, a Police Vulnerable Sector Check, at their own expense, prior to beginning work in this position.

NOTE 2: This position(s) currently requires the incumbent(s) to use their personal vehicle(s) 3 or more times per week for City business. 

Disclaimer:

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms:

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship.  If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.