Community Services Worker

The Opportunity:

1 Full-time Term - October 3, 2027

The Ministry of Social Services invests in positive outcomes for people in areas of income support, child and family services, supports for persons with disabilities and affordable housing. We work with citizens as they build better lives for themselves through economic independence, strong families, and strong community organizations.

The Ministry of Social Services, Disability Programs works with people with intellectual disabilities and helps them access a variety of community-based services. Disability Programs staff work to ensure that the physical, emotional, and social needs of people with intellectual disabilities are met and that they are able to live as independently as possible within their own communities.

To qualify for this rewarding position, a Bachelor of Social Worker or a Bachelor of Indian Social Worker and related experience is required. A valid driver's license is required as travel will be necessary.

We are looking for an energetic and empathetic individual devoted to supporting citizens in our community to join our team as a Community Services Worker for the South Service Area in the Yorkton office. In this role you will support and empower the community to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities to live more independently and participate more fully in communities, as well as provide the opportunity to do work that is deeply meaningful and impactful in the lives of individuals and families in need.

In this role, you will:

• Manage a caseload of clients including assessment, individual program planning, counselling of individuals and/or families, referral, and follow-up to residential, day program, or other service systems, and crisis intervention;
• Monitor, review and perform case issue resolution of CBO's and approved private-service homes, as well as consult and educate the community at large;
• Apply appropriate social work methods in the implementation of divisional programs in the region with the primary goal of restoring, maintaining, and enhancing the community inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities; and
• You will monitor the work of new social workers and practicum students as assigned.
  

As our successful candidate, you will:

• Have knowledge and demonstrate respect and understanding of multi-cultural beliefs, values, and perspectives with a particular emphasis on First Nations and Métis;
• Have knowledge of social issues such as diversity, poverty, systemic and socio-economic issues and how they impact of people;
• Have knowledge of social work principles, practices, theories, and intervention strategies;
• Have the ability to remain calm in conflict or stressful situations and be able to work with clients in a respectful manner;
• Have the ability to plan and conduct interviews with individuals who may display a broad range of abilities to gather and evaluate relevant information, assess risk factors/family dynamics and the need for services; and
• Have the ability to understand, interpret, apply, and adhere to procedures, policy and legislation such as the Saskatchewan Assistance Act, Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability/Saskatchewan Income Support program policy, as well as general knowledge of the Child Care Subsidy, Saskatchewan Employment Supplement, Saskatchewan Rental Housing Supplement, and others.
  

The work environment will be varied depending on the needs of the client group and the employer. The environment may include working at your computer for extended periods of time, interacting with clients and partner organizations in-person on-site or in a government office, virtually or by phone. Demonstrated experience in communicating and working with individuals and/or families in-person, in a professional and compassionate manner is critical to the success of the position. You must be able to work efficiently and effectively in a workplace environment where time pressures and caseload demands need to be balanced.

This position will be required to travel within or between communities.

• Manage a caseload of clients, including assessment, individualized program planning, counseling for individuals and families, referrals, follow-ups, and crisis intervention.
• Consult with community-based organizations (CBOs) regarding client needs and staff training issues.
• Monitor, review, and resolve case issues involving CBOs and approved private-service homes.
• Provide consultation and education to the broader community on inclusion and support strategies.
• Apply social work methods in implementing divisional programs to restore, maintain, and enhance community inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Support individuals with intellectual disabilities in accessing residential, day programs, and other community-based services.
• Ensure the physical, emotional, and social needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities are met to promote independent living.

Job Capabilities:

As a public servant, we are seeking someone who:

• Is accountable, takes ownership of their work by contributing to organizational outcomes and demonstrates the corporate values in our Commitment to Excellence.
• Is innovative and seeks out ways for improvement by thinking creatively, identifying new ideas and taking responsible risks.
• Works collaboratively with others to understand, engage and have meaningful dialogue to achieve work outcomes.
• Is inclusive, identifies and is aware of personal bias, and readily seeks out and appreciates diverse perspectives.
• Is adaptable, continuously learns from experience and applies those learnings to new situations.
• Focuses on achieving public service excellence.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

You will have knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of social work;
• Human growth and development including principles and techniques of adult and child learning;
• Range of theories and intervention strategies; and
• Multicultural beliefs, values and perspectives with particular emphasis on First Nations and Métis.

You will have the ability to:

• Apply a case management model when assessing the current and historical environment of the client, family and/or community and consider all factors when developing, implementing, evaluating and adjusting case plans in collaboration with the client and others to establish goals and meet diverse client and family needs;
• Plan and conduct interviews with individuals who may display a broad range of abilities to gather and evaluate relevant information, assess risk factors/family dynamics and the need for services;
• Organize, present and record information in a clear, concise, complete, accurate and timely manner which allows others to understand the reasons for a decision/recommendation or the need for further action;
• Work independently, interdependently, and participate as a contributing member of a variety of teams within the workplace, community and other government departments/agencies;
• Develop and maintain open and honest work relationships with a challenging and diverse range of individuals, interest groups and related service providers;
• Recognize symptoms of stress and take steps to minimize their impact on job performance, well-being and safety of self and others; and
• Interpret and apply the intent of legislation and social policies to complex controversial and/or ambiguous situations.

You will be:

• Client- and family-oriented in order to meet client needs in a timely, conscientious and respectful manner;
• Self-confident in order to make appropriate decisions in a highly-charged environment; and
• A flexible and innovative leader who anticipates issues, initiates change and thrives on challenge.

Job Skills:

• Communication (Level C)
• Critical Thinking (Level C)
• Digital Skills (Level B)
• Interacting with Others (Level C)
• Navigating Ambiguity (Level B)
• Managing Self (Level C)
• Health, Safety and Wellness (Level A)
• Data Literacy (Level C)
• Influence (Level C)
• Political and Organizational Awareness (Level B)

Learn more about the Government of Saskatchewan’s Capabilities and Skills Framework here.

What We Offer:

• Dynamic and challenging work
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension
• Vacation, scheduled days off, and other types of leave
• Inclusive work environments
• Career growth, development, and advancement opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements

Our Commitment to Excellence:

The Government of Saskatchewan upholds deep-rooted values of Respect and Integrity, Serving Citizens, Excellence and Innovation, and Acting as One Team.

The Ministry of Social Services supports vulnerable people and families as they build a better quality of life.

We help people with their immediate needs and provide supports for: families to safely care for their children, children and youth in care to be successful, people with disabilities to access community-based services, access to affordable housing, and income assistance to meet people’s basic needs as they work to become self-sufficient to the best of their abilities.

Together with Indigenous and community partners, we work to make a positive difference in the lives of our clients every day.

The Government of Saskatchewan provides the services, programs and supports the people of Saskatchewan need. We deliver on the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth to build a strong economy, strong communities and strong families, ultimately building a stronger Saskatchewan. Dedicated to service excellence, we demonstrate innovation, collaboration and transparency, practice effective and accountable use of resources and promote engagement and leadership at all levels.