Employment Assistance Program

A Participation Agreement (PA) is an agreement between the participant and the District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board (Ontario Works). A Participation Agreement is an individualized, detailed action plan toward self-reliance. It is a commitment by participants to participate in specific employment assistance activities and to find, obtain and maintain employment and it must be signed in order for people to be eligible for financial assistance. The PA may be altered at any time to accommodate a participant’s needs. Employment Interviews take place with an OW Caseworker every three months to review the employment plan and update the Participation Agreement.

All adults in receipt of Ontario Works assistance are considered to be employable; however, in some circumstances people may be deferred from participating in employment activities. Accepted Deferral reasons are:

• The participant is a sole support parent with at least one dependent child and publicly funded education is not available
• The participant is 65 years of age or older
• The participant is a caregiver for a family member who requires daily physical assistance on an ongoing basis because of a disability, illness or age
• An injury, illness or disability
• The participant is applying for or receiving financial assistance as a top-up to Workplace Safety Insurance Benefits
• The participant is on pregnancy and/or parental leave
• The applicant has declared himself or herself to be a victim of family violence
• Other exceptional circumstances

The recipient of Ontario Works whose participation requirements have been deferred may voluntarily participate in employment activities. A person who refuses to participate in a required activity without reasonable excuse, and who does not have a deferral, is not eligible for financial assistance until such time as they agree to participate.

Employment Information Session

An Employment Information Session (EIS) is the first in-depth introduction to Ontario Works for participants. The intent is to help participants formulate a plan of action that will be reflected in their Participation Agreement. An EIS will be conducted with each employable participant, usually within thirty (30) days of being granted as eligible for financial assistance.

Employment Assistance Activities

Participants are offered a full range of employment assistance activities. The appropriate mix of employment activities and the time spent on each activity should build on the experience, education, skills and needs of the participant and the realities of the local labour market. Employment assistance activities can be combined to suit the individual participant as they progress toward sustainable employment. The following is an outline of Employment Assistance Activities:

Job Search Supports - Supports that enhance a job search such as resume preparation and Job Search Techniques workshops

Basic Education - Completion of Secondary School Education or college preparation courses as well as full range of employment-related workshops and other specific skills training.

Literacy Training - Literacy Screening, assessment and training ensures that Ontario Works participants are offered the support they need to address the literacy barriers that stand between them and employment.

Addiction Services - Where an addiction problem is a barrier to employment, the participant may be referred to a program for the treatment of substance abuse. This may be a step towards self-reliance either as a full-time activity or in combination with other employment assistance activities.

Self-Employment - Participants interested in becoming self-employed are referred to a self-employment development agency which will assist in the development of a business plan.

Learning Earning and Parenting (LEAP) - LEAP helps young parents aged 16 – 21 years old to complete their education and become self-reliant. Participation in the LEAP program is a requirement for 16 and 17 year old parents who have not completed high school.

Community Placement - A community placement is an unpaid community service activity under the direction of municipal, public or non-profit organizations. The intention of a community placement is to provide the participant with job experience and enhanced employment skills.

Employment Placement - The District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board, Ontario Works Program contracts with the District of Parry Sound Employment Services to provide Job Developer supports. Ontario Works participants who are seeking employment and have a plan to overcome employment barriers will be referred to a Job Developer. The Job Developer then markets the resume of this individual to potential employers. Employers may be offered an incentive to hire people if extra training is deemed necessary. An incentive may include a job trial payment, WSIB coverage or extra employment counseling supports.

Ontario Works participants taking part in employment activities may be eligible to receive extra financial supports with such things as transportation, work gear, grooming costs, licensing fees, tools and equipment, childcare costs, safety equipment, telephone expenses.

Family Support Program
Our Family Support Worker will assist the participant in obtaining financial support. In addition, the Family Support Worker undertakes investigations to locate the absent parent, negotiates out of court agreements, defends arrears owing to the delivery agent, assists the participant with legal proceedings, enforcement of agreements, orders and judgements, existing support agreements and legal aid referrals. 

Eligibility Review Program
An investigation is conducted when an internal or external complaint is received. Where reasonable grounds exist to suspect that fraud may have occurred, the matter may be referred to the police for a possible criminal charge.

Other Supports

Ontario Works recipients are eligible for financial assistance with basic needs and shelter costs each month. Supports may also be available for:

• Prescription drugs
• Dental care
• Vision care
• Medical transportation costs
• Community start-up and maintenance benefit
• Child care advance payment
• Extended health care benefit
• Prosthetics
• Funerals
• Extended employment health benefit
• Family Support Worker assistance