Ontario Works

Ontario Works is an initiative the Ontario Government designed to help Social Assistance Recipients become job ready and re-enter the work force. Bruce County - Ontario Works provides access to programs through Resource Centres located in Walkerton, Kincardine, Port Elgin and Wiarton. There are numerous activities that you may take part in while preparing yourself for job readiness. You will be referred to an appropriate program once a case plan has been developed by you, your Caseworker and your Employment Counselor. It is important to understand that Bruce County - Ontario Works is a mandatory program and that your eligibility for financial assistance will be based on your active participation in one of the employment programs. When you apply for assistance, you will complete an application with your Caseworker. Once your eligibility has been established, you will sign a Participation Agreement. An Employability Assessment will develop a clear case plan outlining your shortest possible route to employment. That route may include job searching, basic training, or acquiring relative work experience through community placements. You will take an active role in the development of your own case plan. The Participation Agreement you sign will further establish your understanding of the Bruce County - Ontario Works program and the activities that will relate to your plan. Your case plan may change as you achieve employment related goals and become more job ready.

What happens if you don't accept a community placement or job offer?

Taking part in Ontario Works is mandatory. In order to be eligible for social assistance, you are required to accept offers of employment, to participate in community placements, to make use of the various employment supports, and to look for work (depending on what is in your Participation Agreement). You have the option of proposing your own community placement instead of taking the one offered, as long as your proposal is approved. If you refuse to participate in any part of Ontario Works, or are not making reasonable efforts in an activity, you will be advised that you have 30 days to take part in a review of your circumstances. Regardless of whether or not you decide to participate in that review, after 30 days have passed, if your reviewer believes you are not meeting your Ontario Works requirements, you will have 10 days to meet those requirements or you will no longer be eligible to receive Social Assistance. If you refuse to participate, or are not making a reasonable effort, you will not be eligible for Social Assistance. The first time you refuse you will not receive a Social Assistance cheque for three months. For each refusal after that first refusal, you will not receive a Social Assistance cheque for six months. If you are a member of a family, the amount of social assistance received by the family will be reduced by your share. In order to re-qualify for social assistance, you will need to re-apply and meet the requirements of Ontario Works. You have the right to appeal denial of benefits. For more information, contact our Walkerton Office at (519) 881-0431 or(800) 265-3005.

Main Components - Ontario Works

There are Four Main Components of Bruce County - Ontario Works. They are: Income Support - Immediate Employment Support - Immediate Employment Placement - After 4 Months Community Participation - After 4 Months Income Support is the actual financial assistance you receive while meeting all other eligibility criteria. Employment Support includes: - Job Search activities such as individual searching and structured help with job search. - Access to a Resource Centre equipped with phones, fax machines, computers, photocopiers and employment related literature and resources. - Referral to employment related seminars. - Referral to other counselling agencies. - Resume and cover letter preparation. - Referral to life skills training. - Referral to basic education. - Referral to job related courses.

Employment Placement agencies will be available for:

- Job-ready clients who require assistance in finding employment after completing at least four months of individual job-searching. - Clients who are interested in starting up a business (self-employment) and have a viable business idea or a completed business plan. Community Participation includes valuable activities within the community that will help you acquire (or maintain) relevant job skills and experience. Placements may be self-initiated or arranged through our referral service. A maximum of 70 hours a month for up to six months may be requested of you. Any hours that you work at a paid job would reduce the expected placement hours.

Who Must Participate?

Under the Ontario Works Act and Regulations, every employable person must participate in Bruce County - Ontario Works, including: - single people - dependent adults - couples with or without children - people pending Employment Insurance

Your participation may be deferred temporarily if you:

- have a temporary medical condition and can provide a completed medical form from your doctor. - if you cannot find appropriate daycare - if you are caring for a family member who is disabled, ill or a senior with documented special needs - if you qualify for pregnancy or parental leave

Who is exempt from participation?

You do not have to participate if you are: - disabled - senior (over 65) - a sole support parent with a child under school age If you fall into one of the above categories, you do not have to participate, but you may register if you wish. Please discuss this with your Social Service Worker.

Why should you want to take part in Ontario Works?

Ontario Works is designed to connect you to your community, to important skills and training, and to the job market. Ontario Works offers you the chance to take part in a range of activities to help you become a self-sufficient and productive member of your community by taking the shortest route to a job.

What if you are receiving social assistance and working?

If you are working, your Ontario Works Resource Centre may be able to help you think about ways to increase your earning power, for example, by connecting you with better job opportunities or training that you can take outside your working hours. If you are not working full-time, no matter how many hours you work, you will be expected to look for full-time work. If you work less than 70 hours a month, you may be asked to take a Community Placement for the balance of time. For example, if you have a part-time job of 40 hours a month, you could be asked to work at a Community Placement for 30 hours a month. For more detailed information you can contact our main office in Walkerton or call your Case Manager (Social Service Worker), on his/her office day, at (519) 881-0431. For more information contact, the Employment Staff at the Resource Centre nearest you:

Port Elgin: Box 1661, 605 Mill Street, Port Elgin, On N0H 2C0 Tel: (519) 389-5580 Fax: (519) 389-5208

Wiarton: Box 242, 638 Berford Street, Wiarton, On N0H 2T0 Tel: (519) 534-1286 Fax: (519) 534-3404