Case Manager

Reporting to the Program Manager and the Executive Director, the Case Manager will be the main point of contact for all clients, ensuring that clients receive compassionate service and keeping wait times low. Responsibilities include assessing incoming applications, presenting requests to the Board for review, and making emergency payment arrangements. In addition, the Case Manager will work with clients to create a plan for transition from crisis to a long-term plan for increased stability, and support clients during this transition. The AFC will also be hiring a part-time Support Worker to assist with case management.

The Case Manager will have a crucial role to play as The AFC expands into new areas of client service. We are looking for someone who will be excited to help us create a new client service model, who is flexible and able to adapt easily as the organization grows and changes, and who can bring great ethical and professional guidance to the discussion to make sure that our clients get the best possible service.

This position requires a registered social worker (MSW preferred) with exceptional communication skills, diplomacy, poise, and a passion for supporting arts and entertainment workers. For the right candidate, the job offers a high degree of independence while working within a small team-based environment, and a will play a significant role in the expansion of a well-established national organization.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Client service

• Field inquiries and guide clients through the application process
• Work with clients to assess their situations and determine their needs
• Regularly present applications to the Board; offer professional assessment if requested
• Discuss the Board’s decision with clients and make disbursement arrangements
• Help clients create a plan to address their immediate situation and transition to a long-term plan
• Coordinate or deliver additional services as needed, such as crisis intervention, counselling, referrals to out-of-province service providers, and assistance in finding and obtaining other resources
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with service providers and supporting organizations
• Participate in the development and evaluation of new programs and services, especially by reporting on client needs and gaps in existing services
• Advise on policy and best practices to ensure that The AFC consistently provides non-judgmental, high-quality client service

Office/other

• Enter client information into the database on a regular basis and maintain responsibility for physical records.
• Coordinate case administration with the Support Worker and other staff
• Basic research and reporting tasks as required by team members; additional data entry and administrative tasks as necessary

 Requirements

• MSW, or BSW with relevant work experience, is required
• Registration in good standing with OCSWSSW (NOTE: The successful candidate may be required to obtain out-of-province certification, at employer’s expense)
• Minimum three years’ work experience in a social service setting; intake, case management, and counselling experience preferred
• Knowledge of community resources in Toronto and surrounding areas; experience and connections with community resources in Vancouver a strong asset.
• Working knowledge of and/or experience in the Canadian arts and entertainment industry strongly preferred; training will be provided.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office required; familiarity with databases preferred.
• French proficiency a very strong asset.
• Ability to work some evenings or weekends, according to client needs; schedule will require some flexibility, depending on caseload.

 Attributes and Competencies

• Strong communications skills (both written and verbal) are crucial to success in this position. We need a Case Manager who is a confident public speaker, a strong writer, who stays unflappable yet friendly under pressure, and who can easily navigate and adapt to different communication styles, both verbal and written.
• Sensitive and welcoming telephone manner; comfortable providing services face-to-face and via phone, skype, and email
• Excellent presentation skills; confident leading meetings, fielding questions, and facilitating and managing discussion
• Experience working with volunteer Boards of Directors
• Ability to communicate with all levels within the organization with clarity and precision
• Ability to prioritize requests and manage demand under time constraints
• Ability to assess difficult situations and make strong decisions quickly
• Resourcefulness and self-directed research skills are required (Ability to fact-check via google while carrying on a conversation is a bonus)
• Natural curiosity and drive to learn about the sector and The AFC’s work; will take initiative to learn and reach out for guidance when required
• Experience working with clients in areas such as:
  • Precarious work, underemployment, entrepreneurship, or creative work;
  • Irregular income, financial instability, household finances, and financial counselling;
  • Income support programs and benefits;
  • Insurance companies, common terms and procedures;
  • Various factors that can disrupt or affect employment, especially related to disability and mental health concern

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Leah Erbe, Program Manager at Leah@AFChelps.ca by 5:30 PM on Friday, July 14^th. Only candidates selected for further interviews will receive a reply. No phone calls, please.