Prior Year Accomplishments
Ensure programs and services meet the needs of social assistance recipients
• Employment Information and Supports video completed. The video is presented to all clients applying for Ontario Works assistance.
• Continued to build capacity to assist individuals with addiction issues. The “fast track” referral process to Four Counties Addiction Services Team (FourCAST). Transition House and Cornerstone staff can also “fast track” referrals to Four Counties Addiction Services Team.
• Extended the LIFE program by four days to provide supported opportunities for participants to effectively link with Employment Ontario providers and/or educational resources.
• Offered the Green Trades training in Cobourg and Campbellford in the spring of 2013.
• The CERP Front Line Networking Group has planned a Job Fair for September 26, 2013. The Fair will provide an opportunity for employers, job seekers and employment resources to match hiring needs with potential candidates.
• Continued to support the Status of Women project, WISE by Plan. A pilot project to use SnagPad as a tool to assist clients in their job search is scheduled to start in August. SnagPad is a job search learning and management application that helps facilitate the transition to the labour market.
• Developed a process for an Employment Caseworker to serve and support clients who wish to apply for ODSP. The goal is to ensure that clients understand how to apply to ODSP, to appeal decisions they disagree with, and, to explain the options available. As of July 2013 there are 237 clients who are somewhere in the process of applying for ODSP.
Enhance the Division’s role in local Human Services Integration
• Employment Services staff are actively involved in the Community Outreach Program as backup support.
• Continued collaboration of staff and CERP members in providing LIFE, a portable pre- employment program, at various locations throughout the County.
• Co-chaired the Front Line Networking Group. This group is representative of the CERP membership and has been focusing on job development.
• Built a liaison between the Court Domestic Violence worker and Support Services staff.
• Meeting with Employment Caseworker and ODSP staff to review referral process of ODSP spouses and dependant adults for employment supports.
Professional development
• One staff from this division has completed SAMS train-the-trainer training. In-house SAMS training for all staff will be provided in preparation for the launch of SAMS technology.
• Supported two staff from this division in the Community Leadership Development Initiative.
• Co-facilitation of the Leadership Series for Succession Planning groups.
• Implemented standardized online testing (Word, Excel, Outlook) for clerks and case aides. Supports provided to assist with upgrading.
Increase job and program retention strategies
• Continued to provide training opportunities for clients through the LIFE program, Green Trades. Personal Support Worker (PSW) training was completed in June 2013.
• Established stronger ties with Watton Employment Services, Employment Ontario provider. Staff from both offices are building stronger ties in an effort to effectively support and monitor client progress.
Ensure ongoing Ministry funding
• Completed the Ontario Works Service Plan 2013-2014. Ministry approval received in July 2013.
Monitor the performance of Employment and Support Services to ensure funding and program accountability
• Employment Outcomes
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013*
1A - Average amount of
employment earnings 732.94 711.34 767.89 768.52 849.02 843.90 1B - Average earnings at exit 888.58 939.23 1282.08 1249.47 1379.45 1145.87 1Di - Average earnings of
participants on OW at least 12 months
817.57 775.45 860.68 838.15 889.25 864.39
2A - Percentage of caseload
with employment income 12.79% 11.00% 10.51% 10.6% 10.4% 9.7% 2B - Percentage of cases
exiting to employment 29.55% 11.31% 22.07% 21.7% 15.8% 15.2% 2C - Job retention in months -
time to re-entry when left for employment within 24 months
8.93 10.56 10.08 10.5 9.4 12.7
2D - Job retention as a percentage of exiting cases returning within 24 months
12.37% 7.06% 7.34% 7.2% 6.2 5.4%
2E - Average length of time
on assistance to employment 9.63 8.36 10.55 10.4 12.2 13.6 *2013-January to May 2013
Case Presenting
The Case Presenting Officer (CPO) has been invited to participate in the provincial CPO Working Group which includes ODSP and OW. The group discusses issues and decisions that are being challenged, and, is looking at approaches and processes that will ensure consistency across the province.
Eligibility Review
Beginning in the fall of 2013, the Eligibility Review Officer will complete targeted random reviews of files. This quality control initiative is a function that was previously completed by the Ministry.
Title Definition
1A Average Employment Earnings Average amount of employment earnings for participants with earnings
1B Average Amount of Earnings at Exit Average amount of employment earnings at exit where earnings have taken the benefit unit off assistance 2A % with Employment Income % of caseload with employment income
2B % of Caseload Exiting to Employment % of benefit units exiting to employment where earnings have taken benefit unit off assistance 2C Job Retention Rate Average Months
to Reentry
Job retention rate determined by average length of time from exit due to earnings and/or employment to reentry into social assistance where earnings have taken benefit unit off assistance
2D Job Retention Rate Job retention rate determined by the percentage of benefits units who exit social assistance due to earnings and/or employment and return where earnings have taken benefit off assistance
Eligibility Review Savings 2009 to 2012 – forecasted for 2013
Family Support
Long Term Plan & Strategic Objectives
Based on economic and labour market uncertainty and pending further review of all provincially-funded employment programs, longer-term objectives in Employment Services are being deferred until further details are known. Ontario Works Employment Programs are intended to be fluid and meet the needs of the individuals that are receiving social assistance in a realistic and supportive manner. Close monitoring of demographics, strategies, successes, and outcomes will continue to occur in order to ensure quality customer service and full provincial funding.