Social Assistance Relationship Specialist

WCG Services; Canada; Remote; CAD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a Social Assistance Relationship Specialist, where your expertise in social assistance programs will empower individuals to achieve sustainable employment. In this dynamic role, you will foster relationships with key partners, ensuring effective communication and collaboration to enhance client services. You'll be instrumental in setting referral targets, delivering training, and keeping stakeholders informed. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while working in a diverse and inclusive environment that values teamwork and personal growth. If you are passionate about helping others and thrive in a collaborative setting, this role is for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive health and dental benefits

Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Generous time off policy

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of social assistance programs and benefits.
• Experience working in an outcomes/target-based environment.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with Social Assistance delivery agents.
• Prepare and present reports to senior leadership documenting project outcomes.
• Coordinate with internal teams to align services with client needs.

Skills

Bilingual (English and French)

Understanding of social assistance programs

Interpersonal skills

Experience in outcomes/target-based environment

Ability to work autonomously

Job description

Social Assistance Relationship Specialist

• Full-time
• Program: EO - Support
• Employment Type: Permanent

We believe in the power of work. Since 1994, we’ve been partnering with governments and local agencies across Canada to create sustainable employment opportunities for people, businesses, and communities. We understand that work gives hope, strengthens relationships, and drives economic growth.

About the role

Location: Work from home, Toronto, Peel, York, and Ottawa

The Social Assistance (SA) Relationship Specialist focuses on improving client services, facilitating communication, and ensuring that SA clients receive the support they need to find sustainable employment. This role is responsible for building, maintaining, and nurturing relationships with Social Assistance (SA) delivery agents including Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support (ODSP) partners. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of social assistance programs and possess excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.

What you’ll do

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Social Assistance (SA) delivery agents (OW and ODSP offices) and community partners.
• Communicate regularly with SA delivery partners to provide updates on project progress, successes, and challenges.
• Work in partnership with SA delivery agents to set monthly referral targets based on active caseload from each local office and ensure consistent flow of referrals into EO services.
• Develop and deliver ongoing training/information sessions for EO Network, OW, and ODSP caseworkers on Integrated Employment Services and referral practices.
• Act as the primary point of contact for EO Service Provider Network and SA partners on all matters concerning OW and ODSP clients, ensuring that queries on referrals or any aspect of partnership working are resolved within 48 hours (24 hours if possible).
• Prepare and present reports, summaries, and analyses to senior leadership, documenting project outcomes and impact.
• Coordinate with internal operations teams to align services and resources with the needs of OW and ODSP clients.
• Stay updated on changes in social assistance legislation and ensure EO staff are informed.
• Participate in and actively contribute to relevant forums, committees, and meetings, promoting transparency of our services and fostering a collaborative multi-agency support team approach to service integration.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, promoting teamwork, accountability, and excellence in service delivery.

What you bring

• Bilingual (English and French) an asset.
• Strong understanding of social assistance programs and benefits.
• Experience and knowledge of the landscape of local services that offer specialist support or those of different inclusion groups.
• Understanding of local public sector services and commissioned services.
• Experience working in an outcomes/target-based environment.
• Able to work autonomously and self-starter.
• Strong interpersonal skills: ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of people (CEOs, senior managers, front line staff).
• Ability to build strong partnerships and identify opportunities for collaboration.

What we offer

• Competitive salary of $65,000 - $70,000 per year.
• Comprehensive and flexible health and dental benefits.
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Generous time off policy to encourage work/life balance.
• A diverse and inclusive workplace with a track record of high employee engagement and teamwork.

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WCG is strengthened by diversity. We are committed to achieving a workplace that is equitable and representative of Canada’s diverse population. We actively work to attract, develop, and retain employees from diverse and equity-deserving backgrounds who have exceptional ability and the desire to make a difference. We continuously strive to support individual needs and differences in a work environment that is built on inclusivity and respect for everyone.

WCG is committed to providing an accessible, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise us if you require accommodation in advance of any part of the recruitment and selection process.