Job Responsibilities
Caseworker II position - involves management of a caseload of
welfare recipients, single, one-parent and families members.
Overseeing the needs which range from one-on-one counselling,
alcohol and drug abuse, family abuse, death and bereavement
which also includes referrals to other community programs, and
also long term government diability,and education of other
available avenues to employment counselling, those working
towards self-sufficiency. Issuance of Government monies
accordance to legislation. In office and out of office protocol
along with a knowledge of governmental policies and procedures.
Must have experience with problem solving, computer skills,
professionalism, and confidentiality of each recipient.
Processing of day-to-day activities includes phone times, return
calls, in office and home visits with the unse radio frequency
for protective services such as ambulance/police, processing
monthly entitlements via monthly income statements submitted by
clients, computerize monthly reports with errors to solve, and
incorrect information about the client(s). Make possible
referrals also to fraudulent cases. Must work well within a
team of 7-10 other caseworkers and adapt well to an open office
environment. Report to Supervisor for support and assistance.
Continual weekly to monthly team meetings and ongoing training.
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Job Requirements
Minimum requirement includes a bachelor's degree from university
(in some regions ,such as Toronto, a college degree in social
service worker programs may meet requirement of this position).
Preferred bachelor should incude sociology/psychology, however
many have entered with a bachelor degree in science/history and
other concentration of studies. Resume should also include a
history of community services/volunteer services such as working
with those physically or mentally challenged individuals,
working in hospitals, senior homes, tutoring children, other
volunteer counselling services. Experience with problem solving
and computer knowledge is important, however, position will
grant extensive training in this area. Willingness to be
flexible and open to change as legislation requirements can
change from year to year.
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Uppers
The position has a very supportive and positive environment, unlike any other
position. Although a very high stressed career, understanding is shared between
management workers and upper management, and this job is very accommodating to
needs, personality, and talents of each individual worker. Acceptance of who we
are and how we operate on a day-to-day basis is encouraged, and once again,
supported.
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Downers
Since the environment is a very stressful one, and requires more
emotional and mental allertness, the Caseworker must possess or
learn to decompress by acquiring rest and relaxation techniques,
and other physical activities such as being involved in sporting
activities, going to a gym, and also, attending a community
resource for spiritual support, such as church or a yoga
program, or any acitivity which helps to restore the body, mind
and soul.
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Lifestyle
A balanced life is important but not always essential. Much of the training also
incorporates workshops to enhance health issues of all aspects. These have been
useful tools which accommodate life outside the workplace as well as within.
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Compensation
Caseworker II positions are currently $49,900.00 per annum
salary. Benefits for caseworkers include mileage for home visits
and radio. Health benefits for the worker and emediate family
include dental, drug, chiropractic, holistic health, death
benefits, sick time and sick leave as well as diability
insurance where applicable. Caseworkers are required to pay
unions dues through C.U.P.E. and Omers Pension Plan which is
mandatory, and can be changed to locked-in RRSP's should the
worker leave the government position.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Caseworker II positions are becoming higher on the requirement
list in Canada, and likely in the USA due to the higer need for
health services to retirees and the disabled. Also because of
the baby boom in 1940-55, an explosion of these individuals will
be in need of our service and that of the federal government.
So it has a good future, although at first, many positions will
be contract work with a more limited salary and benefits.
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