Oxford County announces new Director of Human Services
Rebecca Smith assumes leadership role for County’s child and family, housing and homelessness, and social services
Oxford County CAO Ben Addley today announced the appointment of Rebecca Smith as Director of Human Services, effective immediately. Smith has been serving as Acting Director since October 2024.
Smith joined Oxford County in 2014 as a development planner before moving into the newly created role of Manager of Housing Development, which focuses on addressing housing need across the shelter continuum. In this role Smith led more than 10 affordable and supportive housing projects, totaling over 350 rental units; established the County’s My Second Unit and Residential Repair Programs; and, delivered the updated 10-Year Housing for All plan and associated Master Housing Strategy and Homelessness Response Strategy. As Acting Director of Human Services, Smith carried out a service delivery review for the County’s social services to determine whether the current service model was meeting the needs of clients and supporting staff.
Smith is a Registered Professional Planner and holds a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Birmingham, UK, and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo. She is a member of the Committee of Adjustment for the County of Brant and a member and Past Chair of the Grand River Review Team for the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
As Director of Human Services, Smith assumes oversight and strategic planning for housing and homelessness services, spanning emergency shelter, homelessness response, housing development and community housing; children and family services, overseeing childcare subsidies, licensed child care, and the Oxford EarlyON Child and Family Centre; human (social) services, such as Ontario Works; and the integrated support services focusing on policy and program development.
Comment
Ben Addley, CAO, Oxford County
“Housing is front and centre as one of County Council’s priorities in Oxford’s Strategic Plan. Rebecca’s appointment acknowledges the very significant impact she’s made so far in expanding access to affordable and transitional housing and working with our municipal partners to address homelessness. Her appointment offers continuity in our social services and allows us to continue to build on the progress we are making.”
Rebecca Smith, Director, Human Services
“Working with our many municipal and community partners, as well as the dedicated employees on the front lines of our services for our most vulnerable residents, it is clear there is both a broad understanding of the challenges we face as well as a deep commitment to building a better future for all. I am excited to continue this work with our partners and to continue planning and delivering services that make an impact.”
About Oxford County
Located in southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 140,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” A partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is committed to 100% renewable energy, zero waste, zero poverty, and being 100% housed. Oxford County is situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, with a diversified local economy that is home to an innovative agricultural industry, leading automotive manufacturers, and the Oxford County Cheese Trail Oxford also offers a thriving local arts and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The County’s Strategic Planputs forward a vision of “Working together for a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable future.” The Oxford County Administration Building is in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca, follow us on social media, or download our Facts and Stats to learn more.