Purpose:
The General Manager of Social Assistance provides strategic and operational leadership for the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of social assistance programs and services, including initiatives supporting reintegration into the workforce. This role ensures effective program administration, regulatory compliance, and equitable service delivery to individuals and families in need. The General Manager oversees staff, budgets, policies, and partnerships to support organizational goals, client outcomes, and community well-being.
Roles & Responsibilities
Strategic and Program Leadership
- Lead the development and implementation of social assistance programs in alignment with regulatory compliance, policy, and community needs.
- Assess the multi-generational needs of the community and design client support services accordingly.
- Establish strategic priorities, service standards, and performance metrics for Social Assistance.
- Monitor emerging trends, policy changes, and community indicators to inform program planning and innovation.
- Collaborate with community organizations, government agencies, and internal departments to enhance service coordination.
- Represent Social Assistance at committees, forums, and community consultations as required.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including senior management, clients, and community members, to provide updates, reports, and information on Social Assistance activities.
- Develop and implement strategic plans and objectives for the office in alignment with the organization’s overall goals and mission.
Operational Management of the Social Assistance Department
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Social Assistance Department, ensuring effective, fair, confidential, and professional delivery of financial and employment support.
- Oversee eligibility assessments, case management practices, and client service processes.
- Establishes program policies and standards.
- Determines standards for increased support based on medical reports and, when required, submits medical reports to the provincial framework medical committee.
- Ensure timely and consistent implementation of directions and organizational policies.
- Develop and manage operational budgets, allocate resources effectively, and ensure fiscal accountability.
- Prepare funding reports, plans, and documentation required by funding bodies and senior leadership.
- Ensure programs meet all applicable legal, policy, and reporting obligations.
- Develop quality assurance, risk mitigation, and audit response strategies.
- Collaborate with Finance as required for overpayment and fraudulent client files.
- Ensures accurate and confidential records management.
- Lead internal reviews and respond to complaints, appeals, and investigations as needed.
- Set performance targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the office, ensuring these align with broader organizational objectives.
Staff Management and Development
- Lead, support, and evaluate a team of case officers and administrative staff, including recruitment, training, development, and performance evaluation.
- Establishes social support for case officers.
- Foster a positive and accountable workplace culture that supports employee engagement and development.
- Ensure training and professional development align with service delivery goals and legislative requirements.
