ODSP is Hiring Caseworkers... (You will want to read this)

[Chris Carey]

To the Group: For several weeks I've been trying (unsuccessfully) to find employment. Then today I found this ad for an ODSP caseworker. According to the ad, ODSP caseworkers earn no less than $58,000/yr. and can earn as much as $68,000/yr. Is anyone surprised by this information? Because I was surprised.  Chris CASEWORKER Job Description: Organization:    Ministry of Community and Social Services Division:    Ontario Disability Support Program Position Title:    CASEWORKER Job Term:    Up to 6 months with possible extension Location:    Central Region Compensation Group:    Ontario Public Service Employees Union Salary:    $1,122.04 - $1,307.40 per week* Posting Status:    Open Targeted Job Code:    10503 - Welfare Field Worker 2 Schedule:    3-7 Category:    Health and Social Services The Ministry of Community and Social Services and Ministry of Children and Youth Services, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) seeks your strong client-focused, consultation and analytical expertise to deliver ODSP services, using a case management approach.   As a motivated and service-focused professional, you will:  - Provide client service, consult, collect and evaluate information to determine eligibility for ODSP Income and Employment Supports. - Make adjustments to entitlements and resolve conflict situations.  - Prepare a range of communication materials. - Plan and deliver information sessions to clients on community based employment supports. - Initiate process for identifying correct entitlements.  - Research program information and provide responses regarding legislation and Ministry initiatives. Minimum Requirements / Work Experience: What we are looking for:  - Ability to interpret and apply legislation in order to review/determine program eligibility and identify infractions.  - Proven knowledge of community services, resources, policies, programs and issues affecting clients with disabilities. - Knowledge of labour market trends.  - Demonstrated ability to provide effective customer service to clients with disabilities; and to address and resolve conflict situations.  - Demonstrated ability to provide information, assistance and liaise with community agencies.  - Strong communication and consulting skills to write clear, concise reports and conduct information sessions.  - Interviewing skills to conduct interviews with clients by phone or in person.  - Strong analytical, planning and organizational skills.  - Demonstrated sensitivity towards diversity/inclusion of applicants/clients and co-workers. Education Required: College

[Judy MacLeod]

Hi, This is my first post here. I'm a fairly new member and new to ODSP.

No, Chris it's not surpriseing considering the education you have to have to be considered.

"College" doesn't begin to cover it. A university degree is required in all postings on Sevice Canada or Service Ontario websites. That degree must be in the social services field (which I have), or a Bachelor's in Social Work, which is what they really prefer. I've applied throughout Ontario for these positions in OW and ODSP and never once was contacted for an interview despite my degree in the social work field. The cost of obtaining that degree is high. Personally I think more money should be offered, given the abuse we clients can spew at them when our cheques or benefits get screwed up.

Judy

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ODSP Fireside" group.
To change email delivery, nickname or unsubscribe from this group visit: http://groups.google.ca/group/odspfireside/subscribe?hl=en
To post to this group via email, send email to odspfi...@googlegroups.com

[Ron Payne]

Good stuff Chris

They sure try to keep this kind of information away from the public.

The closest I ever found was for a part time Ontario Works worker at $34.00 per hour.

Many ODSP workers I come accross do not meet the Minimum Requirements / Work Experience described.

Surprised no outraged yes!

Ron Payne
Welfare Legal
Hamilton, Ontario

[Ron Payne]

Ontario Works worker

$42,308.15 to $51,832.24 http://www.chroniclejournal.com/careers/workshop-coach-ontario-works-district-thunder-bay-social-services-administration-board__dist

 

$51,856 to $58,617 (2006 rates)   http://www.chatham-kent.ca/community%20services/jobs/employment%20opportunities/full%20time%20jobs/Ontario%20Works%20Caseworker.htm

 

$31.01 to $35.06 (2009 rates) http://www.chatham-kent.ca/community%20services/jobs/employment%20opportunities/full%20time%20jobs/OW%20Caseworker%20OW%2009%207.htm

 

$30.00 to $33.91 (2008 rates) http://www.ontariomunicipaljobs.com/view-job.php?id=3737

On Tue, May 17, 2011 at 4:56 AM, Ron Payne <welfarel...@gmail.com> wrote:

Many ODSP workers I come across do not meet the Minimum Requirements / Work Experience described.

[Darren M]

I agree 100% with judy,   then went to university for a degree.  they didnt just walk in off the street with no education and get a $68,000 a year job.  they also have a huge work load with a lot of clients. 

[StarTears]

> Good stuff Chris
>
> They sure try to keep this kind of information away from the public.
>
> The closest I ever found was for a part time Ontario Works worker at $34.00 per hour.

still doesnt give them the right to talk down to us treat us like
criminals or that they are paying us from their personal bank accounts

star

[katkit]

Its too bad none of us would ever get that job, as there is an
unwritten rule that if you have received, you cant work there as a
case worker. I know people who have been receptionist ect, but not
caseworker.

Its too bad because who else would know more about the system that
people who have been on it

[benjer weigl]

Excellent, Now I have something else to use in any Social Benefits Tribunal case or internal review that may come up , becasue of increased errors by my case worker 

Thanks for posting this

---

[Chris Carey]

Hi Judy, Whether college "begins to cover it" or not, completion of a university degree is not mandatory for the position. Moreover, the qualifications as outlined are so vague most anyone with the minimum diploma requirement would be an acceptable applicant. This is absurd for a position that pays nearly $60,000 and would be unacceptable for an equivalent position in the private sector. Noteworthy: I recently read an ad seeking a professor for RMC. The ad stipulated only applicants with teaching experience and a graduate degree would be considered. The starting salary was $49,000. Furthermore, Ontario residents should not be forced to subsidize costs of higher education for a fortune few. I should be so lucky. As I've said here before, I'm presently enrolled at Queen's and although I've had considerable academic success, I pay my own way through monthly instalments. I'm not eligible for OSAP. Additionally, possessing a university degree or college diploma does not in and of itself necessarily qualify one to perform any job particularly well. I know many very smart and competent people w/out a degree or diploma. I also know many well-education fools. Frankly, only one caseworker I've ever encountered merits this salary. He was very knowledgeable and had significant experience. Also, I think this notion of caseworkers as overworked has been grossly overstated. If ODSP caseworkers had significant caseloads then one would expect them to be exceptionally competent about the rules and functions of the system in which they work, and of the availability of community resources. However, this has not been my experience.  FInally, no one should believe higher salaries for ODSP staff necessarily benefits recipients. In fact I argue the reverse is true. Greater government spending to pay lucrative staff entitlements, such as wages, public pensions, and non monetary compensation, means fewer dollars are available to fund the overall program. Think of this the next time you have visit the local food bank.  For further reading on this topic: http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2009/07/01/megan-s-wage-story-goes-here.aspx Chris --- On Tue, 5/17/11, Judy MacLeod <jmac...@bell.net> wrote:

From: Judy MacLeod <jmac...@bell.net> Subject: Re: [odspfireside: 36830 ] ODSP is Hiring Caseworkers... (You will want to read this) To: odspfi...@googlegroups.com Date: Tuesday, May 17, 2011, 3:13 AM

Hi, This is my first post here. I'm a fairly new member and new to ODSP. No, Chris it's not surpriseing considering the education you have to have to be considered. "College" doesn't begin to cover it. A university degree is required in all postings on Sevice Canada or Service Ontario websites. That degree must be in the social services field (which I have), or a Bachelor's in Social Work, which is what they really prefer. I've applied throughout Ontario for these positions in OW and ODSP and never once was contacted for an interview despite my degree in the social work field. The cost of obtaining that degree is high. Personally I think more money should be offered, given the abuse we clients can spew at them when our cheques or benefits get screwed up. Judy ----- Original Message ----- From: Chris Carey To: odspfi...@googlegroups.com ; firesi...@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, May 16, 2011 7:31 PM Subject: [odspfireside: 36826 ] ODSP is Hiring Caseworkers... (You will want to read this)

To the Group: For several weeks I've been trying (unsuccessfully) to find employment. Then today I found this ad for an ODSP caseworker. According to the ad, ODSP caseworkers earn no less than $58,000/yr. and can earn as much as $68,000/yr. Is anyone surprised by this information? Because I was surprised.  Chris

[Chris Carey]

Kathy, I've never seen anyone with a visible or obvious disability on staff at either the Kingston or Ottawa ODSP office. Your point is a good one.  Chris --- On Tue, 5/17/11, katkit <kathy...@lycos.com> wrote:

[Lorene]

Chris is correct. I have a relative who is OW caseworker for over 20
plus years. She took social work courses at Fanshawe College way back
then and was hired immediately upon completion of her coursework.
However, she did tell me if she went to University to get Masters, I
think that is what is called, she would get paid a lot more in salary.
I have no idea how much she makes because it is not my business to
know. She likes the money and the benefits, but not her job because
she is so stressed out every day.

Lorene

[Darren M]

the point that judy made is they have to go to school.  they have more then grade 12.  you have to look at how much it cost them for schooling.   so what they make $1100 a week.  or more.  I do not care. 

Chris,  

odsp workers do not just walk in a get a 'job"  they got an education to get this job.  

[StarTears]

Kathy, I've never seen anyone with a visible or obvious disability on staff at either the Kingston or Ottawa ODSP office. Your point is a good one.  Chris

chris,

i knew of two caseworkers who were paralysed at the ottawa branch.  while they were happy with the better offices when they moved out of the rideau centre, the construction constantly going on in little italy there made it a pain to get around outside for everyone and the bus that went to outside directly to the office [the 3] either wasn't always low floor or had to be re-routed for the construction.

star 

[justice4odsp]

Chris,

This is very well put. The job is an administrative job and, in reality, is not much different than a call centre job.

I say this because very little freedom and autonomy is given to the workers to use common sense and make a decision these days.

This is indicative in the fact that replies come as form letters (written by someone else or generated off a computer in Toronto) and the wording of the rejection letters when a funding request is turned down. For example, when I was turned down for funding for a splint, the rejection letter quoted the wording of the directive exactly. The splint must be for something that is the result of a disease or recent surgery.

If the worker wants to make a change to the amount one gets for rent, hydro, or some other eligible expense, or it they want to process a funding request, it must now be entered into specific boxes on their computer. If there is no box to enter an amount then, in many cases, a determination is made that the request does not qualify.

Given these observations, and the feedback from someone who used to work in an ODSP Office, I would say that a request for a college education may even be a little excessive.

justice4odsp

[bastetschylde]

I do know that Youth Services Bureau does not allow former clients to
apply for positions until at least a year has passed, but this is an
official and clear policy, whereas this doesn't seem clear for ODSP. I
*think* my ODSP Employment Supports provider mentioned that she knows
people who have received ODSP in the past and worked for ODSP,
although I am not sure if they were Income Support Specialists. I'm
going to check into this with her on Thursday. She personally believes
that ODSP in in dire need of changes herself.

I suit the requirements (I too am looking for employment and have been
since April/March!) and perhaps beyond with a graduate degree under my
belt, but this is in Kingston, isn't it?

-B.C.

On May 17, 1:44 pm, Chris Carey <chrisca...@rocketmail.com> wrote:
> Kathy,
> I've never seen anyone with a visible or obvious disability on staff at either the Kingston or Ottawa ODSP office. Your point is a good one. 
> Chris
>

> --- On Tue, 5/17/11, katkit <kathyro...@lycos.com> wrote:

[Chris Carey]

B.C.,  There are actually 5 positions: 3 in Belleville, and 1 each in Kingston and Brockville. Applications are accepted until May 30. Each position is for a 6-month term with possible renewal thereafter.  Chris

[Judy MacLeod]

Hi Chris,

 

While I can't argue with any of your points below, I will say that any positions I applied for did make a university education a mandatory requirement for the position. Experience was another one.

My own experience has led me to believe that that it may be a case of who you know rather than what you know with these public agencies. I returned to Canada last year after 9 years in the US, Missouri to be exact. I had no better luck down there as their system of hiring is a merit point system. Being Canadian, I had no military background and therefore only recieved points for my education and experience in certain positions (to do with children). Here, despite two employment counsellors being impressed with my resume, education and experience, I still couldn't get an interview.

I was impressed with the money and felt "deserving" of it after four years of social work and psychology courses. From a user/recipient perspective, yes, I can see how the income offered would be frustrating when we are expecting to survive on so much less.

So far I have not had good experiences with caseworkers assigned, whether through OW or ODSP. The only positive comment I can offer is that my OW worker was quick to push my ODSP application through when he hopefully realized that he should have made the referral four months before he actually did, and he did that only when I had advocates behind me from the local women's shelter. Previously he was notorious for not returning phone calls. Once the ODSP application was approved (only took 2 weeks) he again stopped returning phone calls - I wasn't his worry anymore? I guess the bottom line is I have yet to encounter a caseworker who merits their salary. I went after my degree because I wanted to truly help people. Even so, I'm sure that there are rules to be adhered to, dictated by the government and a caseworker can only offer so much information, and only when asked about it. A pretty crappy to put all that education to use, but it's a reality those who recieve ODSP or other forms of assistance have come to know.

My outlook is becoming jaded. Why we don't see former recipients is probably because the government does not want caseworkers who show empathy, it would be too expensive.

Judy

----- Original Message -----

From: Chris Carey

Hi Judy,

Whether college "begins to cover it" or not, completion of a university degree is not mandatory for the position. Moreover, the qualifications as outlined are so vague most anyone with the minimum diploma requirement would be an acceptable applicant. This is absurd for a position that pays nearly $60,000 and would be unacceptable for an equivalent position in the private sector. Noteworthy: I recently read an ad seeking a professor for RMC. The ad stipulated only applicants with teaching experience and a graduate degree would be considered. The starting salary was $49,000. Furthermore, Ontario residents should not be forced to subsidize costs of higher education for a fortune few. I should be so lucky. As I've said here before, I'm presently enrolled at Queen's and although I've had considerable academic success, I pay my own way through monthly instalments. I'm not eligible for OSAP.

[abrowne]

Darren,

I don't even want to say how much I spent on my education and all I

get is kicked in the teeth for it because of who I am married to.

I think perhaps these workers should have 50% of their earnings

deducted from whatever income their spouses have.  Give them

a taste of what I go through.

Angela

---

From: Darren M <grassta...@gmail.com>
To: odspfi...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Tue, May 17, 2011 3:27:54 PM
Subject: Re: [odspfireside: 36845 ] ODSP is Hiring Caseworkers... (You will want to read this)

the point that judy made is they have to go to school.  they have more then grade 12.  you have to look at how much it cost them for schooling.   so what they make $1100 a week.  or more.  I do not care. 

Chris,  

odsp workers do not just walk in a get a 'job"  they got an education to get this job.  

[anarchris]

of all the comment on this issue, i appreciate judy's the most. that i
remember why i became i social worker and it wasn't to betray and fail
the most suffering people in society. it was because i enjoyed helping
people. and now no longer social workers but 'caseworkers' withhold
information that would improve the lives of the people they were
created to serve. they should be ashamed as a profession and as
people. yes, especially considering how much they're paid.
nrx

I went after my degree because I wanted to truly help people. Even
so, I'm sure that there are rules to be adhered to, dictated by the
government and a caseworker can only offer so much information, and
only when asked about it.

[Ron Payne]

Ah Chris

See what you started.

I love it.

Ron

To the Group:

For several weeks I've been trying (unsuccessfully) to find employment. Then today I found this ad for an ODSP caseworker.

According to the ad, ODSP caseworkers earn no less than $58,000/yr. and can earn as much as $68,000/yr. Is anyone surprised by this information? Because I was surprised. 

Chris

On Tue, May 17, 2011 at 12:31 AM, Chris Carey <chris...@rocketmail.com> wrote:

[bastetschylde]

Hmm, I might be able to pull off Belleville..... I have contacts there
that I can possibly get living arrangements for.

I'll think about it. I just hate not being employed.

-B.C.

[Chris Carey]

B.C, You lose nothing by applying... Go for it! Chris --- On Fri, 5/20/11, bastetschylde <milady...@gmail.com> wrote:

From: bastetschylde <milady...@gmail.com> Subject: [odspfireside: 36884 ] Re: ODSP is Hiring Caseworkers... (You will want to read this) To: "ODSP Fireside" <odspfi...@googlegroups.com>

[Ron Payne]

Disability Management Advisor

http://www.linkedin.com/jobs?viewJob=&jobId=1635157&srchIndex=0

Anyone want to move!!!

Ron