Manager of Human Services

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Department: Human Services
Reports to: Director of Human Services
Effective Date: March 2002
Positions Supervised: 42
Revised Date: July 2022

POSITION SUMMARY:

Ensures the effective and efficient delivery of Social Assistance Programs including Ontario Works, Social Housing, Affordable Housing Programs, Subsidized Child Care, Special Needs Resourcing, EarlyON, Housing with Related Supports, Homelessness Prevention Program Initiatives and various Provincially & Federally funded programs.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Oversees and manages a portfolio which may include:
   • Early Years and Children’s Services
   • Housing and Homelessness
   • Ontario Works
   • Affordable Housing 
2. Actively participates as a member of the Extended Management Team, working to establish and implement a department strategy and vision that is supportive and complementary to the County’s Strategic Plan, Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan, internal policies, and applicable legislation, to meet service excellence standards and uphold Oxford’s vision, mission and values.  
3. Direct supervisory responsibilities including performance and attendance management, coaching, employee and/or labour relations, mentoring and professional development of non-union and unionized staff.
4. Prepares business plans and budgets for the department including funding proposals while regularly monitoring department performance, outcomes and financial performance. 
5. Operates in accordance with the mandates of the Ontario Works Act/Regulations, the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, the Child Care & Early Years Act, Housing Services Act, Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Act, County of Oxford Corporate Policies and Procedures and Integrated Accessibility Standards and other applicable provincial Acts.
6. In accordance with County standards and applicable legislation and regulations; develops, implements and audits departmental policies and procedures as they relate to Human Services programs and client integrity.
7. Provides departmental consultation and maintains security on various programs and computer applications (i.e. MTO, EIB, Equifax, CRA, OSAP, SAMS, OCCMS, Internal RGI Calculation Tool, Great Plains etc.)
8. Liaise with internal/external agencies and stakeholders to resolve client issues while developing and maintaining Community and Provincial partnerships.
9. Receives and resolves escalated service related complaints, concerns and questions in a timely and responsive manner.  Refers and escalates to the appropriate individual as necessary.
10. Ensures compliance with the terms of the Collective Agreement and provides input into labour negotiations.
11. Acts as the alternate on the County Emergency Control Group and as County designate responsible for administration of emergency Evacuation/Reception Centres.  
12. Acts as a back-up for the Director of Human Services in their absence.
13. Available for emergency calls 24 hour/7days a week.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Post-secondary education in social services/human services or related discipline.
2. A minimum of five (5) years’ of related experience in a Social Services/Human Services field. Public sector experience in a unionized setting would be an asset.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislation, statutes and regulations related to municipal and assigned program specific operations including occupational health and safety including general knowledge for alternate program areas.
5. Demonstrated ability to identify and collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver programs, services and outcomes.
6. Proven organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to deal effectively with sensitive and confidential information.
7. Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork, lead and empower teams and guide effective project management outcomes.    
8. Valid Ontario driver’s licence is required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCES

1. Manager/Supervisor
2. Leader

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Works in an office environment
2. Occasional driving to other worksites