Manager, Life Stabilization & Collective Impact

Summary of Duties:

Reporting to the Director, Life Stabilization (Ontario Works Administrator), the Manager, Life Stabilization and Collective Impact oversees operational managers in the delivery and administration of Ontario Works program and associated de-centralized location and leads collective impact initiatives and forges strategic partnerships to enhance Life Stabilization programs as well as develop and implement strategies aimed at addressing social challenges and fostering community resilience. The position will establish collective frameworks for service delivery to individuals, families, and the diverse and unique communities we serve.  
 

Work Performed:

• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of community engagement and community partner strategies 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, 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. 
  • Provide strategic oversight and assume budgetary responsibility for Ontario Works Discretionary Benefits. Provide reports regarding program budgets as required.
  • Enhance strategies and partnerships with community partners to support life stabilization clients regarding housing stability, intimate partner, and gender-based violence restorative justice, mental health and addictions.
  • Collaboratively work with internal and external organizations, and cultural leaders to better understand and support client and community impact for those individuals in receipt of Ontario Works. 
  • Manage and support all contracts and purchase of service agreements with external and internal partners and vendors. 
  • Monitor program outcomes and impact; use data-driven approaches to continuously improve service delivery and achieve measurable results.
  • Provide guidance and support to program staff, ensuring adherence to best practices, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Identify and assess community needs, assets, and priorities through consultation with community partners, individuals and community organizations.
  • Design and facilitate community-driven initiatives and projects that address systemic issues and promote sustainable development.
  • Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of external programs and interventions aimed at enhancing Life Stabilization operational outcomes for vulnerable populations.    
  • Contribute to the development of municipal policies, plans, and strategies related to community development and Life Stabilization.
  • Maintain accurate and organized records. Ensure all projects and program deliverables remain up to date and on-time.
  • Maintain awareness and understanding of pertinent legislation. 
• 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. 

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• Demonstrate commitment and adherence to Health and Safety legislation and programs; and actively promote a culture of safety with direct reports. 
• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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 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 Social Sciences, Social work, Health Care, Community Development, or Public Administration or 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.
• Five to seven years related experience in creating strategic partnerships and community development work with diverse and low-income populations including management responsibilities.
• Certifications in Project Management, Communications, Leadership or Strategic Planning are assets. 

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in community development, program management and strategic partnerships with an understanding of Ontario Works and how the work of the area aligns with the objectives of the Division. 
• Strong understanding of social determinants of health, poverty alleviation, and trauma-informed practices.
• Demonstrated analytical and business planning skills with a proven track record for effectively implementing and monitoring programs and services. 
• Proven leadership abilities in partnership development demonstrating collaborative approaches and strong capacity building in a dynamic work environment.
• 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. 
• Demonstrated perseverance and resilience in addressing and escalating as required, challenges and emergent issues. 
• Effective organization and project management skills.
• 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.