Manager, Life Stabilization & Systems improvement

Summary of Duties:

Reporting to the Director, Life Stabilization (Ontario Works Administrator), the Manager, Life Stabilization and Systems Improvement oversees operational managers in the delivery and administration of Ontario Works program and associated de-centralized location and links Provincial, Municipal, community and corporate strategies with innovative service delivery design.  This position creates and implements a continuous improvement plan and relevant processes across the division and provides strategic oversight, and evaluation to improve systems and processes for stronger client outcomes. 
 

Work Performed:

• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of strategic plans related to systems change and continuous improvement as they align with the implementation of strategic initiatives for the Life Stabilization Division to meet Council’s Strategic Plan, Provincial goals and community needs. 
• Provide leadership in the execution and delivery of services and programs in the following areas of accountability: 
  • Oversee Life Stabilization office(s) as assigned. 
  • Maintain an efficient service-delivery system under appropriate legislation and regulations and municipal policies. 
  • Develop, plan, monitor and maintain programs to meet the changing needs of clients and Ministry expectations while providing monitoring and analysis reports to the Ontario Works Administrator.
  • Oversee and monitor a Social Services Employee Engagement strategy, and Recruitment and Resourcing strategy, and work closely with the management team and Director to allocate resources and staffing levels to ensure optimal service delivery.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for systems change and continuous improvement for Life Stabilization initiatives within the municipal and provincial social services sector.
  • Build and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external partners, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and individuals with lived experience. 
  • Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of internal programs and interventions aimed at enhancing Life Stabilization operational outcomes for vulnerable populations.
  • Utilize data-driven insights to identify areas for improvement and measure the effectiveness of interventions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
  • Provide guidance and support to employees and partner organizations to enhance their capacity for systems change and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Create recommendations for policy changes at the local, regional, and national levels to address systemic barriers to life stabilization.
  • Foster a culture of learning and knowledge sharing within the organization and across the broader social services sector, leveraging best practices and innovative approaches.
  • Collaborate across Social and Health Development, Neighbourhood and Community-Wide Services and Strategy and Innovation to establish effective and improved community engagement programs and strategies. 
  • Maintain accurate and organized records. Ensure all program deliverables and projects remain up-to-date and on-time.
  • Maintain awareness and understanding of pertinent legislation.

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• Responsible for managing employees including hiring, coaching, administration, and performance of reporting employees. Respond to sensitive and confidential human resource issues as required. 
• Demonstrate commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and human rights through interactions with community partners, employees and individuals and implementation of policies, programs and protocols that reflect this commitment. 
• Demonstrate commitment and adherence to Health and Safety legislation and programs; and actively promote a culture of safety with direct reports. 
• Identify and recommend methods to implement and enhance approved policies and procedures in relation to Life Stabilization and Ontario Works; ensure internal controls are implemented, monitored and reported on specific to the Division.
• Promote and foster working relationships with employees and bargaining units to provide a fair and consistent application of provisions within the collective agreement. 
• Liaise with unions on issues that affect bargaining unit employees and represent the unit at mediation and arbitration proceedings as required.
• Demonstrate positive leadership qualities while providing direction and support to employees. Foster a culture that promotes employee engagement and leadership, continuous improvement and development opportunities among employees. 
• Provide advice and prepare reports, including recommendations, on Social Assistance related matters, to the Director, Life Stabilization (OW Administrator) and to Standing Committees of City Council. 
• Adhere to the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy; includes the responsibility of delegation of procurement initiation approval authority and delegation of approval authority for professional consulting services as per policy amounts. 
• Provide input to the development of the annual operating budget for Life Stabilization.
• Represent the Service Area at Standing Committees and Council meetings as required.
• Prepare responses to inquiries from elected officials, media and the public as requested by the Director, Life Stabilization.
• Represent the Division on the various boards and internal and external committees of organizations, associations and government partners to promote the City of London as a leader, share best practices, build relationships, and recommend solutions as required. 
• Perform related duties as assigned. 
   

Qualifications:

• Completion of a University Degree in Business, Public Administration, Social Sciences, in a relevant area of study or equivalent combination of education and related professional and lived community experience. Thorough knowledge of the Ontario Works Act and Directives is an asset. 
• Certifications in Organizational Effectiveness, Project Management, Lean Six Sigma White Belt or Leadership are assets. 
• Five to seven years related experience in supporting system change and human services coordination and integration including management responsibilities.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in program development, evaluation and community engagement with an understanding of Ontario Works and how the work of the area aligns with the objectives of the Division. 
• Demonstrated analytical and business planning skills with a proven track record for effectively implementing and monitoring programs and services. 
• Strong understanding of social determinants of health, poverty alleviation, and trauma-informed practices.  
• Demonstrated use of facts, metrics, and data to guide strategic business decisions that align with goals, objectives, and initiatives.
• Proven leadership abilities in partnership development demonstrating collaborative approaches and strong capacity building in a dynamic work environment.  
• Effective organization and project management skills.
• Demonstrated positive and proactive leadership capabilities, adept at leading a group of employees, contracted services and consultants; demonstrated commitment to developing high performance teams. 
• Demonstrated ability to inspire the people they lead through productive and honest dialogue, with personal integrity and actions. 
• Ability to be a trusted advisor and/or advocate in sensitive and/or emotionally charged situations. 
• Proven leadership abilities in partnership development demonstrating collaborative approaches and strong capacity building in a dynamic work environment.
• Demonstrated perseverance and resilience in addressing and escalating as required, challenges and emergent issues. 
• Proven commitment to the safety of employees with knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations as it relates to the position. 
• Ability to provide a high level of attention to detail, make sense of data and solve problems. 
• Demonstrated understanding of budget administration and ability to produce related reports.
• Highly developed interpersonal and customer services skills, including conflict resolution and problem solving; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations within the community; experience working collaboratively with organizations, clients, and other individuals. Political acumen to identify and manage issues.
• Ability to understand the importance of service delivery; implement initiatives that support the section’s customers in a timely and effective way.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office, and related software and database applications. 
   

Compensation & Other Information:

$99,156 - $129,818

This posting is for 1 permanent full-time position.

Current hours of Work: Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Work Arrangement: Hybrid. Subject to change in accordance with business requirements.

These hours of work and work arrangement are subject to change in accordance to business requirements.

Police Record Check

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.