The ODSP worker job description....very shocking and disturbing
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justice4odsp
May 27, 2011, 11:47:14 AM5/27/11
to ODSP Fireside
Hi,
Has anyone read the job description for the ODSP workers being hired for South-Eastern Ontario? It tells me a lot.
What it tells me is that there are a good number of things that is supposed to be done by the worker and, currently is not.
Below is the job ad, along with questions (in red font and indented) to ask if you this kind of help existing in your respective ODSP Office? I'm thinking we can take this job ad and couple it together with someone of the issues that have been named here recently in the discussion forum, and write letters to our respective MPP's to ask for help to remedy the problem. Of course, if we do this, we should make sure the letter not only goes to our MPP, but that it's copied to the Minister of Community and Social Services, Madeline Meilleur, as well.
justice4odsp
Job Specification
Position Title: CASEWORKER
Job Code: OPSEU - Welfare Field Worker 2, 10503
Job ID: 36503
Purpose of Position:
To serve clients using a case management approach to deliver the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) including: determining eligibility for ODSP Income and Employment Support; serving as a resource in the areas of training and employment for clients; conducting preliminary and secondary assessments regarding allegations of program abuse by recipients and actioning outcomes. To provide information, advice, assistance, and liaison with clients, the community, and with stakeholders regarding the ODSP.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Under the general supervision of the ODSP Manager, each incumbent in the Position is assigned duties from the following responsibilities, depending on the ODSP Manager`s priorities and the current workload:
Client Services:
1. Collecting, documenting and evaluating information to determine client`s eligibility (including inactive clients) for ODSP Income and Employment Supports in accordance with legislation and established guidelines; utilizing ODSP Service Provider assessments of employability, progress and achievement of goals, where applicable. Conducting interviews with clients by phone or in person in various locations such as onsite, homes or offsite; compiling and verifying client information through various sources (e.g. financial institutions, employers, landlords, accessing third party databases, etc.); determining the need for a trustee to assist clients in managing finances; reviewing client circumstance as required to ensure eligibility; arrears and overpayments for both ODSP Income and Employment Supports.
2. Making adjustments to the amount of income support as a result of changing circumstances and ensuring clients receive benefits and services for which they are eligible; maintaining system integrity by updating appropriate computer applications and files with changes to client`s circumstances; posting social assistance repayments and reimbursements; documenting decisions that affect eligibility, including reasons for ineligibility and providing notice in writing; approving Employment Supports funding agreements; participating in Internal Review/dispute resolution process as required; completing support assignments/directions and cancellations, reviewing Family Responsibility Office (FRO) file packages, calculating FRO reimbursements.
3. Cheque authorization writing responsibilities.
4. Preparing and presenting submissions to the Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT).
5. Facilitating referrals to Family Support Workers, service providers, social service agencies and other community agencies to assist the client in meeting their socio-economic needs (e.g. pursuit of child/spousal support, employment supports, DAU, ORU, etc.).
6. Resolving conflict situations including client complaints and disputes. Listening, mediating, negotiating and making referrals to other resources or services within the community to help meet the clients` needs. Responding to emergency situations involving clients by assessing situation, presenting and implementing solutions (e.g. employment programs, community support agencies, housing sources, legal aid, etc.).
Employment & Training:
7. Working as part of the ODSP team to assist in identifying ODSP clients who are interested in obtaining employment; developing, maintaining and providing information to other ODSP staff in their work with clients. Providing information, explaining legislation and Ministry initiatives to interested clients and staff. Planning and delivering information sessions to groups of clients on community based employment supports, labour market trends and other information that will assist clients to achieve their employment goals. Maintaining and coordinating links within the local community to ensure the accessibility of local community based training and employment supports including the business community, consumer groups, local agencies and educational programs.Ensuring that current training and employment information within the local office is maintained and is accessible and user friendly.
8. Ensuring that applicants for ODSP Employment Supports meet all eligibility criteria for the program in accordance with the established guidelines. Ensuring that Employment Supports Funding Agreements are in place and ensuring that eligible clients receive funding to purchase community based employment supports. Ensuring that clients are aware of their obligations under the agreement. Making adjustments to the funding agreements where changes are agreed to. Facilitating referrals to appropriate agencies. Authorizing funds to a pre-approved limit. Ensuring program integrity and accountability for expenditures of funds.
Complaint Assessments:
9. Conducting preliminary and secondary assessments of ODSP recipients` eligibility in response to complaints from a variety of sources by accessing clients` files to verify if allegations are plausible and assessing file contents to determine appropriate action; contacting other sources, such as immigration and other government agencies, financial institutions and employers to negotiate disclosure of information, ensuring FIPPA requirements are met; interviewing clients to gather information and inform them of complaint and assessment, their legislated rights and responsibilities; reviewing and determining relevance of information collected and whether there is an overpayment and / or evidence of intent to defraud.
10. Recording activities relating to complaint assessments, outcome of contacts and data-gathering activities, preparing detail chronological case reviews including evidence, conclusions and recommendations regarding eligibility, including the applicable period and amount of overpayment; making recommendations to the ODSP Manager on the advisability of prosecution; adjusting or terminating allowance, completing appropriate documentation and setting up and monitoring repayment schedules; serving as a witness in criminal court, as required; developing and maintaining contact with a large variety of agencies, such as financial institutions, social service agencies etc.
11. Takes a pro-active approach to prevent abuse of the ODSP Income Support Program by requesting reports and comparing data with information on other jurisdiction`s computer system to identify duplication of assistance; Reviewing and assessing discrepancies and taking appropriate action; adjusting level of assistance or terminating assistance, arranging repayments schedule, where appropriate and commencing recovery.
Other:
12. Preparing and drafting correspondence as required. Setting workload priorities to meet deadlines and legislative requirements. Developing and maintaining relationships with community organizations. Working in a team environment where coverage for co-workers, information sharing and support are required. As required, serving as a Commissioner of Oath for the ODSP program. Other duties as assigned by the ODSP Manager.
Knowledge:
Position requires:
• Detailed knowledge of ODSP legislation, regulations, policy, procedures and funding arrangements and other related legislation and guidelines governing their administration (e.g. FBA) in order to review eligibility, determine continuing eligibility, make appropriate eligibility decisions, and identify any infractions/abuse by ODSP recipients.
• Current knowledge of legislation, community services, resources, policies, programs, procedures and issues affecting clients.
• Knowledge of barriers faced by people with disabilities; knowledge of community and government resources and services available to assist clients with disabilities with emergencies, supports and employment opportunities.
• Knowledge of the functions of other government programs, such as legal services; knowledge of process for complaint assessment and of appeal proceedings at SBT; knowledge of important decisions of the Ontario Division Court.
Staffing and Licensing Requirements:
N/A
Skills:
Position requires:
• Excellent interviewing skills using tact and discretion to assess clients` eligibility and situations.
• Position requires interpersonal skills, including effective listening and self-control techniques to elicit and obtain information from a diverse clientèle.
• Enhanced analytical and interpretive skills.
• Case management skills are required to document clients, assess their needs, complete reference checks, assess financial eligibility, make referrals, review documents, use a follow-up system, etc.
• Excellent communication skills: verbal/oral/written and the ability to write clear and concise reports and conduct stakeholder information sessions; highly developed interview skills, negotiating skills including intervention when necessary, and abilities to deal with client matters.
• Mathematical skills to compute and monitor Income and Employment Supports and benefits according to eligibility criteria and prepare statistical reports.
• Time management and organizational skills to prepare case plans, including but not limited to, making arrangements for emergency needs. Ability to prioritize and work within time constraints and deadlines.
• Interpersonal skills for communicating with clients, community agencies, politicians, co-workers, etc. in a sensitive and efficient manner.
• Ability to adapt to technology changes (software/computer programs).
• Working knowledge of the various systems of technology and ability to work with them efficiently and effectively on a daily basis.
• Sensitivity towards diversity/inclusion of applicants/clients and co-workers.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective customer service to clients with disabilities.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and also with considerable autonomy.
Freedom of Action:
Reporting to the ODSP Manager, the Position works with limited on-site supervision, and works within the parameters of the ODSP Act, regulations, policies and procedures. The Position requires the use of judgement in assessing the client situation by: determining client`s financial eligibility; providing information and advice to clients, employers and community partners in making referrals and deciding on follow up; identifying issues and action plans and deciding on follow-up; understanding the impact of other programs, social changes and changing legislation of a large variety of acts, on ODSP; exercising discretion to ensure client confidentiality.
Work requires referring to the ODSP Manager for input and advice, matters involving precedents, situations involving possible impacts on the Ministry, or contentious matters.
Has anyone read the job description for the ODSP workers being hired for South-Eastern Ontario? It tells me a lot.
What it tells me is that there are a good number of things that is supposed to be done by the worker and, currently is not.
Below is the job ad, along with questions (in red font and indented) to ask if you this kind of help existing in your respective ODSP Office? I'm thinking we can take this job ad and couple it together with someone of the issues that have been named here recently in the discussion forum, and write letters to our respective MPP's to ask for help to remedy the problem. Of course, if we do this, we should make sure the letter not only goes to our MPP, but that it's copied to the Minister of Community and Social Services, Madeline Meilleur, as well.
justice4odsp
Job Specification
Position Title: CASEWORKER
Job Code: OPSEU - Welfare Field Worker 2, 10503
Job ID: 36503
Purpose of Position:
To serve clients using a case management approach to deliver the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) including: determining eligibility for ODSP Income and Employment Support; serving as a resource in the areas of training and employment for clients; conducting preliminary and secondary assessments regarding allegations of program abuse by recipients and actioning outcomes. To provide information, advice, assistance, and liaison with clients, the community, and with stakeholders regarding the ODSP.
Notice how the idea of abuse has been planted in the applicants mind right from the beginning. Now think of this.
When I was in the mental health system and was being treated for a depression, bi-polar disorder, or whatever other mental health disorder they wanted to label me with at the time, I was always told to think positive and to NOT to assume the worst. The rationale was, if I anticipated the worst, I would see the worst. If I anticipated things would work out, then they would work out. If one is taught to look for the worst, then it will become a self-fulfilling prophacy. Read any psychology or philosophy book, and you will see that this kind of thinking is historically true.
So, here's my question - why are the ones hiring ODSP workers putting right in the job ad, that they are to look out for evidence of abuse in the progam. If the recruiters were to change their strategy and tell the new employee too look for abuse, long after they get hired and make that the focus they place the least amount of emphasis on, then I betcha the quality of customer service would greatly increase. I say this, because read the rest of the job description. If some of these things were actually followed through on, there were would be fewer angry customers, less stressed out workers, and likely more people even willing to consider applying for a job the way the ministry wants us to do.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Under the general supervision of the ODSP Manager, each incumbent in the Position is assigned duties from the following responsibilities, depending on the ODSP Manager`s priorities and the current workload:
Client Services:
1. Collecting, documenting and evaluating information to determine client`s eligibility (including inactive clients) for ODSP Income and Employment Supports in accordance with legislation and established guidelines; utilizing ODSP Service Provider assessments of employability, progress and achievement of goals, where applicable. Conducting interviews with clients by phone or in person in various locations such as onsite, homes or offsite; compiling and verifying client information through various sources (e.g. financial institutions, employers, landlords, accessing third party databases, etc.); determining the need for a trustee to assist clients in managing finances; reviewing client circumstance as required to ensure eligibility; arrears and overpayments for both ODSP Income and Employment Supports.
- Have you seen the worker come to you to determine eligibility?
- Have you seen them phone the other locations directly to verify the client information?
In my experience, the ODSP office has said it was mandatory for us to gather all this infomration and take it to them.
2. Making adjustments to the amount of income support as a result of changing circumstances and ensuring clients receive benefits and services for which they are eligible; maintaining system integrity by updating appropriate computer applications and files with changes to client`s circumstances; posting social assistance repayments and reimbursements; documenting decisions that affect eligibility, including reasons for ineligibility and providing notice in writing; approving Employment Supports funding agreements; participating in Internal Review/dispute resolution process as required; completing support assignments/directions and cancellations, reviewing Family Responsibility Office (FRO) file packages, calculating FRO reimbursements.
3. Cheque authorization writing responsibilities.
4. Preparing and presenting submissions to the Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT).
5. Facilitating referrals to Family Support Workers, service providers, social service agencies and other community agencies to assist the client in meeting their socio-economic needs (e.g. pursuit of child/spousal support, employment supports, DAU, ORU, etc.).
6. Resolving conflict situations including client complaints and disputes. Listening, mediating, negotiating and making referrals to other resources or services within the community to help meet the clients` needs. Responding to emergency situations involving clients by assessing situation, presenting and implementing solutions (e.g. employment programs, community support agencies, housing sources, legal aid, etc.).
- I've never seen the ODSP office listen,
mediate, negotiate, or refer me to other services in the community.
The worker might listen, but if there's a stalemate, there's no
impartial person brought in to mediate and negotiate.
Employment & Training:
7. Working as part of the ODSP team to assist in identifying ODSP clients who are interested in obtaining employment; developing, maintaining and providing information to other ODSP staff in their work with clients. Providing information, explaining legislation and Ministry initiatives to interested clients and staff. Planning and delivering information sessions to groups of clients on community based employment supports, labour market trends and other information that will assist clients to achieve their employment goals. Maintaining and coordinating links within the local community to ensure the accessibility of local community based training and employment supports including the business community, consumer groups, local agencies and educational programs.Ensuring that current training and employment information within the local office is maintained and is accessible and user friendly.
- This assistance was never given to me by
the ODSP office. Instead, ODSP had a list of Employment Agencies in
town that they approved and told me to phone, interview, and hire. Once
the person was hired, ODSP paid their wages and I was to talk to the
one hired, not the ODSP office, about job search related issues. On
rare occasions I could call a meeting with the hired employment worker
and the ODSP office to discuss things, but the replies I got from the
ODSP Employments Support office almost always supported the Employment
Counselor. A decision rarely, if ever, favorable to me.
8. Ensuring that applicants for ODSP Employment Supports meet all eligibility criteria for the program in accordance with the established guidelines. Ensuring that Employment Supports Funding Agreements are in place and ensuring that eligible clients receive funding to purchase community based employment supports. Ensuring that clients are aware of their obligations under the agreement. Making adjustments to the funding agreements where changes are agreed to. Facilitating referrals to appropriate agencies. Authorizing funds to a pre-approved limit. Ensuring program integrity and accountability for expenditures of funds.
Complaint Assessments:
9. Conducting preliminary and secondary assessments of ODSP recipients` eligibility in response to complaints from a variety of sources by accessing clients` files to verify if allegations are plausible and assessing file contents to determine appropriate action; contacting other sources, such as immigration and other government agencies, financial institutions and employers to negotiate disclosure of information, ensuring FIPPA requirements are met; interviewing clients to gather information and inform them of complaint and assessment, their legislated rights and responsibilities; reviewing and determining relevance of information collected and whether there is an overpayment and / or evidence of intent to defraud.
10. Recording activities relating to complaint assessments, outcome of contacts and data-gathering activities, preparing detail chronological case reviews including evidence, conclusions and recommendations regarding eligibility, including the applicable period and amount of overpayment; making recommendations to the ODSP Manager on the advisability of prosecution; adjusting or terminating allowance, completing appropriate documentation and setting up and monitoring repayment schedules; serving as a witness in criminal court, as required; developing and maintaining contact with a large variety of agencies, such as financial institutions, social service agencies etc.
11. Takes a pro-active approach to prevent abuse of the ODSP Income Support Program by requesting reports and comparing data with information on other jurisdiction`s computer system to identify duplication of assistance; Reviewing and assessing discrepancies and taking appropriate action; adjusting level of assistance or terminating assistance, arranging repayments schedule, where appropriate and commencing recovery.
- This whole section appears to tell the new applicant they are to respond to allegations and complaints of suspected fraud or cheating. There is nothing that says they have to take action to resolve a complaint that was launched by an ODSP recipient.
Other:
12. Preparing and drafting correspondence as required. Setting workload priorities to meet deadlines and legislative requirements. Developing and maintaining relationships with community organizations. Working in a team environment where coverage for co-workers, information sharing and support are required. As required, serving as a Commissioner of Oath for the ODSP program. Other duties as assigned by the ODSP Manager.
Knowledge:
Position requires:
• Detailed knowledge of ODSP legislation, regulations, policy, procedures and funding arrangements and other related legislation and guidelines governing their administration (e.g. FBA) in order to review eligibility, determine continuing eligibility, make appropriate eligibility decisions, and identify any infractions/abuse by ODSP recipients.
• Current knowledge of legislation, community services, resources, policies, programs, procedures and issues affecting clients.
• Knowledge of barriers faced by people with disabilities; knowledge of community and government resources and services available to assist clients with disabilities with emergencies, supports and employment opportunities.
• Knowledge of the functions of other government programs, such as legal services; knowledge of process for complaint assessment and of appeal proceedings at SBT; knowledge of important decisions of the Ontario Division Court.
Staffing and Licensing Requirements:
N/A
Skills:
Position requires:
• Excellent interviewing skills using tact and discretion to assess clients` eligibility and situations.
• Position requires interpersonal skills, including effective listening and self-control techniques to elicit and obtain information from a diverse clientèle.
• Enhanced analytical and interpretive skills.
• Case management skills are required to document clients, assess their needs, complete reference checks, assess financial eligibility, make referrals, review documents, use a follow-up system, etc.
• Excellent communication skills: verbal/oral/written and the ability to write clear and concise reports and conduct stakeholder information sessions; highly developed interview skills, negotiating skills including intervention when necessary, and abilities to deal with client matters.
• Mathematical skills to compute and monitor Income and Employment Supports and benefits according to eligibility criteria and prepare statistical reports.
• Time management and organizational skills to prepare case plans, including but not limited to, making arrangements for emergency needs. Ability to prioritize and work within time constraints and deadlines.
• Interpersonal skills for communicating with clients, community agencies, politicians, co-workers, etc. in a sensitive and efficient manner.
• Ability to adapt to technology changes (software/computer programs).
• Working knowledge of the various systems of technology and ability to work with them efficiently and effectively on a daily basis.
• Sensitivity towards diversity/inclusion of applicants/clients and co-workers.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective customer service to clients with disabilities.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and also with considerable autonomy.
Freedom of Action:
Reporting to the ODSP Manager, the Position works with limited on-site supervision, and works within the parameters of the ODSP Act, regulations, policies and procedures. The Position requires the use of judgement in assessing the client situation by: determining client`s financial eligibility; providing information and advice to clients, employers and community partners in making referrals and deciding on follow up; identifying issues and action plans and deciding on follow-up; understanding the impact of other programs, social changes and changing legislation of a large variety of acts, on ODSP; exercising discretion to ensure client confidentiality.
Work requires referring to the ODSP Manager for input and advice, matters involving precedents, situations involving possible impacts on the Ministry, or contentious matters.
Bill Higgs
May 27, 2011, 9:04:17 PM5/27/11
to odspfi...@googlegroups.com
Very informative that being "abuse
investigators" seems to be the main job description and NOT support
givers.. Maybe they should be honest and name the CSR's Income Denial
Specialist and NOT Income Support Specialist, since that seems to be the main
thrust of the job description.
Its no wonder then that many of the workers treat
the clients like the enemy and not the very people that they were hired to
help.
Bill
----- Original Message -----From: justice4odspTo: ODSP FiresideSent: Friday, May 27, 2011 11:47 AMSubject: [odspfireside: 37035 ] The ODSP worker job description....very shocking and disturbingHi,
Has anyone read the job description for the ODSP workers being hired for South-Eastern Ontario? It tells me a lot.
What it tells me is that there are a good number of things that is supposed to be done by the worker and, currently is not.
Below is the job ad, along with questions (in red font and indented) to ask if you this kind of help existing in your respective ODSP Office? I'm thinking we can take this job ad and couple it together with someone of the issues that have been named here recently in the discussion forum, and write letters to our respective MPP's to ask for help to remedy the problem. Of course, if we do this, we should make sure the letter not only goes to our MPP, but that it's copied to the Minister of Community and Social Services, Madeline Meilleur, as well.
justice4odsp
Job Specification
Position Title: CASEWORKER
Job Code: OPSEU - Welfare Field Worker 2, 10503
Job ID: 36503
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]-->
twistedparent
May 27, 2011, 9:13:19 PM5/27/11
to ODSP Fireside
What case worker!
in January of this year, after 10 years, I finally found out who my
case worker was !! I f it wasn't for this forum I would have no idea
what I was entitled to as a recipient of ODSP! My mother was a
social worker, she's retired now, and can tell you that agencies like
ODSP do nothing for their clients, getting anything from a government
agency is like pulling teeth! The first time I went to the local
office I took my Mom with me, once she told them she was a social
worker the intake worker was suddenly much nicer! Go figure! That job
description is terrible treat them like thieves until proven otherwise
disgraceful!! by the way my mom was a social worker in the USA she
made half the wage of an ODSP worker and her job entailed far more
like treating her clients with dignity and respect!
in January of this year, after 10 years, I finally found out who my
case worker was !! I f it wasn't for this forum I would have no idea
what I was entitled to as a recipient of ODSP! My mother was a
social worker, she's retired now, and can tell you that agencies like
ODSP do nothing for their clients, getting anything from a government
agency is like pulling teeth! The first time I went to the local
office I took my Mom with me, once she told them she was a social
worker the intake worker was suddenly much nicer! Go figure! That job
description is terrible treat them like thieves until proven otherwise
disgraceful!! by the way my mom was a social worker in the USA she
made half the wage of an ODSP worker and her job entailed far more
like treating her clients with dignity and respect!
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