Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

As part of ODSP Employment Supports Team, determine client eligibility and facilitate access to employment supports.
To act as a resource and community developer in the area of employment for ODSP Employment Supports clients and Income Support recipients, Ministry staff and community.
To review the provision of employment supports by service providers funded under ODSP Employment Supports to ensure services are delivered in accordance with program policies and guidelines and to evaluate the effectiveness of program delivery.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. To ensure that applicants for ODSP Employment Supports meet all eligibility criteria for the program in accordance with legislation and established guidelines by:
-interviewing clients and obtaining/reviewing information necessary to determine clients's initial and ongoing eligibility;
-making eligibility determinations and documenting decisions.

Note: Employment Supports Specialist determines basic eligibility and will utilize service provider assessments of employability, progress and achievement of goals to determine ongoing eligibility.

2. Act as a resource and a community developer in the area of employment for ODSP Employment Supports applicants/clients, ODSP Income Support recipients, Ministry staff, employers and community partners by:
- initiating and participating in activities in collaboration with internal and external partners to engage the interest of ODSP clients in employment;
- seeking out and responding to opportunities to provide information and advice to Ministry staff, clients, employers and the community regarding ODSP Employment Supports and employment-related benefits;
-marketing and outreach to employers and community partners to promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities;
-identifying community resources and service providers that can meet clients' employment goals and disability-related needs, and provide follow up support as needed;
-ensuring request for services are properly processed and/or redirected to the appropriate resources in the community;
-planning/delivering information sessions to clients and other stakeholders regarding ODSP employment supports, including information about employment incentives and supports for ODSP recipients;
-ensuring that training and employment information with the ODSP office is up to date, accessible and user friendly;
-authorizes purchase of goods or services and maintains appropriate documentation, in accordance with program guidelines, as required, for applicants requiring on-time support (e.g. employed or with firm job offer).

3. Monitors and review service providers funded to deliver ODSP Employment Supports in order to evaluate quality of client services, program integrity, accountability and achievement of employment outcomes by:
-providing input to the service contracting process by assisting with the review and analysis of service provider reports/submissions to ensure consistency with program guidelines, accuracy of supporting data, evaluating rationale, identifying issues or areas for clarification, preparing notes for management, and contacting agencies for further information, as required;
-visiting service providers at regular intervals (frequency based on service provider size, client activity level, issues, etc.) to ensure services are provided in accordance with program guidelines and to assess the integrity and effectiveness of program delivery. Include evaluating services to clients; reviewing a random selection of case files to assess client service decisions, supports provided and use of resources; and conducting client interviews to verify file/reports as required;
-ensuring service providers maintain complete and accurate records of program activities, outcomes, purchase orders, receipts, etc according to established Ministry standards;
-identifying service provider's strengths and best practices;
-analyzing data collected and preparing detailed reports of findings;
-identifying any service delivery problems for the Manager and making recommendations for potential solutions;
-monitoring the implementation of corrective action, as necessary;
-assisting the Manager with meetings to communicate/discuss findings and potential resolutions.

4. Provides ongoing consultation to service providers by:
- explaining and providing interpretation of applicable Ministry legislation, regulations and directives; new policy initiatives; and any changes to program rules and guidelines;
-offering advice in the development of service provider's internal policies and procedures by providing Ministry perspective;
-troubleshooting and problem solving issues such as client complaints, contentious issues, as requires;
-providing information and advice regarding ODSP Employment Supports and its overlap or interface with other programs (e.g. federal government employment services such as the Opportunity Fund, Employment Ontario programs under the Ministry of Training and Colleges and Universities, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Assistive Devices Program, etc.).

5.Under the direction of the Manager, implements and ensure a coordinated approach to the delivery of employment services and supports to people with disabilities by performing task such as:
-developing and maintaining a network of contacts among the business community, educational programs and local service providers/agencies to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the labour market and available training and employment services/supports; market the benefits of ODSP Employment Supports and promote the hiring of people with disabilities;
-providing liaison among community partners, different levels of government and the Ministry to improve access to services and to identify service gaps, make recommendations and resolve issues;
-providing support to the Local Planning and Coordination Groups (LPCGs) and other community planning groups/committees to promote effective delivery of employment services and supports;
-initiating ans supporting the development/implementation of special projects proposals and local employer outreach initiatives to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities, as required;
participating in the Dispute Resolution Process, as required;
assisting in the formulation of regional policies and procedures and unit work plan;
prepare draft correspondence, contentious issue reports, information requests, briefing notes, etc., as required
-other duties, as required.

Staffing and Licencing :

Ability to travel.

Knowledge :

Advanced knowledge of the ODSP legislation, regulations, objectives, funding arrangements, policies, procedures and guidelines applicable to the delivery of ODSP Employment Supports and related programs, in order to interpret program directives and to review/evaluate delivery of employment supports by service providers. Knowledge of various disabilities and related barriers; programs and community resources focusing on training and employment for people with disabilities, labour market trends/requirements, employer needs in hiring, job development strategies/techniques, retaining and providing accommodations for employees with disabilities. Knowledge and understanding of program evaluation concepts and tools.

Skills :

Core Skills:
Communicate effectively with people representing our diverse community; able to work independently or as a member of a team; be supportive and instrumental in promoting client independence; establish a good relationship and rapport with clients and community partners; deal effectively with conflict situations; conduct detailed interviews; gather, verify and assess information in order to determine eligibility or program compliance; able to make presentations and market program/services to client and community groups; explain ODSP Employment Supports legislation, client rights and responsibilities; review and analyze information to identify issues and possible resolutions; write clear and concise reports, correspondence and briefing notes; and maintain accurate records.

Technical Skills:
Functional computer skills e.g. Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet search, etc. and good working knowledge of local computer systems e.g. ESMS, SDMT, SMIS, etc.
As required, demonstrated proficiency in oral and written French language skills at the advanced level in compliance with the French Language Services Act.

Freedom of Action :

Under the general supervision and within the parameters of the ODSP Act, regulations, policies and procedures, the employees uses judgements in deciding on client's eligibility; providing information and advice to clients, employers and community partners; in making referrals; identifying issues, action plans and deciding on follow-up, and diffusing conflict situations.

Responsible for appropriate eligibility decisions and advice to clients; reviewing and determining accuracy of service provider reports with regard to client activity, service provided and outcomes to support ministry funding decisions; analyzing quantitative an qualitative information regarding service delivery to make recommendations for corrective action, where necessary; providing effective liaison worth other community partners; and maintaining confidentiality.