Caseworker, Eligibility Review Officer

Caseworker, Eligibility Review Officer 

Human Services, Social Development, Planning and Partnerships

Status: (1) Regular Full Time & (1) Temporary Full Time - up to 12 months 

Salary Range: $74 170 - $88, 535 per annum or $40.75/hour-$48.65/hour (plus comprehensive benefits, where applicable) 

Work Mode: Hybrid *see below for more details about this work mode. 

Location: 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton, ON 

Hours of work: 35 hours per week 

Who we are:  The Human Services department works to provide supports to improve the quality of life for the Peel community.  This includes income and social supports, affordable housing and early years and child care supports.  Human Services works as part of the broader social services sector; collaborating with community partners, building capacity and providing funding to respond to the needs of people in our community.

The Role: The Caseworker, Eligibility Review responds to complaints regarding client eligibility for benefits under the Ontario Works Act by conducting in depth eligibility reviews, where appropriate, recommending ineligibility for benefits and potential police involvement in the laying of criminal charges for fraud.

What you will do in this role:  

• Assesses all complaints regarding eligibility for Ontario Works and legacy assistance programs in accordance with relevant policy, programs and legislation.
• Conducts investigations through service level agreements for other departments and divisions in accordance with their legislation.
• Conducts in depth investigations into referrals of alleged fraud cases using all available resources.
• Research and identify new investigation tools and shares with the unit.
• Conducts interviews with clients and potential witnesses associated with the investigation to obtain documentary evidence to determine past and present eligibility for assistance.
• Applies statement analysis methodology to identify deception in written statements.
• Prepares reports, reviews evidence, establishes overpayments/terminations and makes further recommendations regarding police involvement.
• Determines time periods and legislative reasons supporting overpayments/terminations.
• Supports Peel Regional Police to present and discuss all potential fraud cases. Assists the officer during formal cautions at the Fraud Bureau.
• Prepares comprehensive fraud briefs for presentation to the Police and Crown Attorney. Consults with and assists Crown Attorney and Police with interpreting Ontario Works legislation and involved in sentencing negotiations surrounding ongoing prosecutions.
• Prepares witnesses for tribunal and court proceedings, including witness statements and testimony.
• Represents the Region of Peel in criminal court and tribunal hearings.
• Identifies issues and trends regarding business practices, related to financial eligibility, fraud & theft and identifies training needs. Makes recommendations for improvements.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of government policy, programs, case law, and legislation relevant to Ontario Works, legacy programs and other service level agreements partners.
• Acts as a resource to management and front-line staff on matters concerning eligibility in accordance with relevant legislation, policies and practices.
• Liaise with internal and external contacts to maintain effective working relationships as a representative for the Region of Peel.
• Discusses repayment obligations with clients.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What the role requires: 

• Graduation from a post-secondary school with a degree/diploma in the human services field with at least three years of job-related experience in a human services environment.
• Extensive knowledge of Ontario Works legislation, legacy programs for social assistance, supplementary programs and MFIPPA.
• Sound knowledge of computer applications such as SDMT, MS Office and local applications.
• Excellent communication skills (oral & written) for a variety of audiences at all levels including witnesses and court officials.
• Demonstrated knowledge of investigative skills.
• Well developed negotiation skills.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent knowledge of community resources.
• Strong analytical skills.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
• A clear Vulnerable Sector Check.
  • Please note: Successful candidates will be required to provide a Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check prior to hire. The cost for this reference is the candidates responsibility

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who are currently in the bargaining unit. This position is a bargaining unit position represented by CUPE Local 966. Continuous employment is not guaranteed and may be subject to layoffs as outlined in the Collective Agreement Article 15.

Perks @ Peel and why you will love working for us:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision benefit plan in accordance with the Collective Agreement (Regular Full Time)
• % in lieu of benefits in accordance with the Collective Agreement (Temporary Full Time )  
• Automatic (Regular Full Time) or Voluntary (Temporary Full Time )  enrolment into OMERS pension plan (where applicable) 
• Accrue Vacation in accordance with the Collective Agreement (Regular Full Time/where applicable) 
• Flexible hours supporting your wellness and wellbeing
• Supportive leadership and a culture of respect and inclusion 
• Access to tuition reimbursement (where applicable) and learning and development resources

Be bold. Think big. Join us.

In this role, you’ll benefit from the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement that prioritizes meaningful in-person connection. A minimum of two days per week on-site is expected, with additional in-person presence as operational needs evolve. This arrangement allows for a blend of in person and hybrid work that adapts to support both organizational priorities and employee flexibility and is subject to change over time.

It's important to note that your off-site work location must be within the province of Ontario. This ensures that we're compliant with all regulations and policies.

The Region of Peel offers job based flexible hours of work that allows employees to manage personal and professional responsibilities while at the same time ensures business operational needs and customer service expectations are achieved. 

Assessment: There will be an In-person Assessment to be completed as part of the recruitment process. All communication will be sent to the email address attached to your application submission.

Interview: Our recruitment process will include video conference technology

Kindly ensure to regularly monitor your spam and junk email folders, as important communications regarding your application may be directed there.

If this opportunity matches your qualifications and experience, please apply on-line. 

Peel Region consists of the cities of Brampton and Mississauga, and the town of Caledon.  Peel Region delivers essential services to more than 1.5 million residents and approximately 200,000 businesses.

We’re working to create a community that is safe, inclusive, and accessible.  A place where everyone feels they belong and can access the services they need to thrive throughout each stage of life.

Our workforce is 6,700 strong and since 1974, we’ve been delivering a wide range of resident focused services. Our services include paramedic services, health programs, long-term care and services for seniors, child care support, garbage collection and recycling, waste water and water treatment, road maintenance, financial assistance, and housing support. 

Recognized by Canada's Healthy Workplace Month® with the Great Employer Award presented by Excellence Canada, Peel Region is a place where everyone feels they belong. We strive to develop a workplace that values and respects diversity, practices inclusion, recognizes the unique contributions and abilities of all people and facilitates innovative thinking. At Peel Region, people come first. Each employee has an important role within our community and when we work together, it’s impactful. We encourage you to join us in delivering essential services and programs to our diverse community. You won't find a better opportunity than Peel Region.

Peel Region is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is respected and valued for their contributions, and where everyone is treated fairly and has opportunity to grow and develop. As one of the most diverse regions in Canada, we are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the population we serve.

Peel Region is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process, upon request. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Accessible formats and communication supports are available. Please contact zzg-hrtalentacquisition@peelregion.ca 

Please be advised, Peel Region uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. It is the applicant’s responsibility to include an updated email address that is checked daily and accepts emails from unknown users. As we send time sensitive correspondence via email (i.e., testing bookings, interview dates), it is imperative that applicants check their email regularly. If we do not hear back from applicants, we will assume that you are no longer interested in the position and your application will be removed from the competition.