Manager, Life Stabilization & Client Coordination

Summary of Duties:

Reporting to the Director, Life Stabilization (Ontario Works Administrator), the Manager, Life Stabilization and Client Coordination oversees operational managers in the delivery and administration of the Ontario Works program and associated de-centralized location. This position provides strategic guidance to the Director, builds relationships with internal and external partners to provide an integrated and coordinated approach for those in receipt of social assistance.

Work Performed:

• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of strategic plans related to employment pathways 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 and maintain programs to meet the changing needs of clients and Ministry expectations while providing monitoring and analysis reports to the Ontario Works Administrator. 
  • Develop and pilot supportive approaches to build stronger pathways to success and improved confidence, skills and abilities for people with significant barriers to employment. 
  • Develop and oversee customer service standards and client navigation pathways.
  • Provide strategic direction on creating programs to support clients in achieving meaningful employment by using appropriate data collection and analytics. 
  • Create new programs, partnerships and innovative approaches around pathways to employment, training and support to improve service delivery and business responsibilities of the team.
  • Coordinate with London Regional Employment Services to pilot and strengthen successful pathways for social assistance clients entering Employment Ontario. 
  • Collaborate across Social and Health Development and Neighbourhood and Community-Wide Services to establish effective and improved client pathways and outcomes.
  • Maintain accurate and organized records. Ensure all program deliverables and projects remain up-to-date and on-time.
  • Work collaboratively with other Managers to shape a healthy and productive workforce aimed at improving the social and financial outcomes of social assistance recipients.
  • 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. 
• 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 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 Social Sciences, Social Work, Business 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 supporting system change and human services coordination and integration in areas of employment, housing, mental health, addictions, or violence prevention including management responsibilities.
• Certifications in Project Management, Communications, Leadership or Strategic Planning are assets. 

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in employment and housing 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 positive and proactive leadership capabilities, adept at leading a group of employees, contracted services and consultants; demonstrated commitment to developing high performance teams. 
• 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 ability to inspire the people they lead through productive and honest dialogue, with personal integrity and actions. 
• Demonstrated understanding of budget administration and ability to produce related reports.
• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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:

$100,395 - $131,441

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 arrangements are subject to change in accordance with business requirements.

Police Record Check

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