Director, Employment & Social Services

Municipality of Chatham-Kent•Chatham, ON

12h•CA$160,679 - CA$189,235•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Employment & Social Services oversees the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Employment and Social Services Division and programs. This includes the Employment Ontario funded CK Jobs program that is open to the public across the municipality and the delivery of Ontario Works assistance to low-income people. Through the Ontario Works program, the Director provides oversight to a team of skilled professionals who provide stability supports to individuals and families receiving financial assistance to mitigate the effects of poverty. The Director is a visible partner in the community and workplace, and a champion of community engagement, development and sustainability.

Requirements

University degree in a related program, preferably social sciences, or public administration, with six (6) to ten (10) years of related experience.
Proven leadership experience in social services, human services or a related field.
Senior management level experience in a range of social programs and services, preferably in a medium to large sized municipal environment.
Detailed knowledge of Employment and Social Assistance programs and systems.
Experience successfully managing a multi-million dollar operating budget.
In-depth knowledge of community-based programs/services, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
Experience administering service level contracts and associated financial oversight.
Demonstrated competency in media relations.
A valid Province of Ontario driver's license with a reliable motor vehicle is necessary.
Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to commencement of employment. A background check may include the following: education/certification verification and employment reference check. Because of the environment this position will be working in, the successful candidate will be required to furnish an original Police Information Search (Vulnerable Sector Check) prior to commencement of employment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Experience and training in emergency management an asset.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies.
Provides transformational leadership while managing and inspiring a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional services for individuals and families seeking employment, financial and social services.
Promotes and fosters teamwork to establish an environment of excellence through innovative, results-oriented leadership.
Champions innovative initiatives that enhance service delivery.
Leads the overall planning, coordination, policy development, decision making and budget preparation for the Employment & Social Services Division.
Provides fiscal management of municipal and provincial funding from multiple ministries through the responsible administration of an annual multi-million dollar operating budget.
Ensures the Employment & Social Services division conforms to applicable federal and provincial legislation (including the Ontario Works Act), codes of ethics, municipal policies and by-laws and other regulatory bodies.
Fulfills the role of Ontario Works Administrator for the Ontario Works program including service planning, finance, compliance and program evaluation.
Develops and sustains a good working relationship with provincial and municipal authorities using highly developed human relation skills with the ability to effectively communicate at all organizational and political levels.
Partners with a variety of stakeholders including groups with lived experience of poverty and inequity to implement creative solutions that address society’s toughest challenges.
Assists in planning and service delivery for affected residents in community emergencies such as large scale floods, fires, weather related emergencies and power outages for the provision of basic needs.
Contributes to the advancement of Health and Human Services by initiating, facilitating and participating in education and research activities, serving on provincial committees and planning bodies, advising government officials and participating in relevant activities of professional and human services associations.