Trustee Caseworker

About the role

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here. Mission Statement The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. Job Description: Position Purpose summary: The Trustee Caseworker plays a critical role in assisting clients with money management by ensuring rent and essential bills are paid and by providing one-to-one financial literacy training focused on budgeting, managing monthly expenses, and reducing debt. This role provides specialized services that support housing stability, eviction prevention, risk reduction, and the development of client independence through compassionate, trauma-informed support aimed at building long-term security. The incumbent is responsible for providing positive and effective client services while demonstrating compassion, respect, and dignity, and arranging spiritual support or assistance when requested. ACCOUNTABILITIES: 1. Trusteeship & Financial Management Act as Trustee/Payee: Manage client income (e.g., OW, ODSP, pensions) on a voluntary basis, ensuring funds are used for essential needs. Budgeting and Bill Payment: Create and manage monthly budgets, including timely payments for rent, utilities, and insurance. Record Keeping: Maintain accurate, detailed, and up-to-date financial records, receipts, and reports for each client using Excel and the Regional Accounting Centre (RAC). Benefits Advocacy: Ensure clients are receiving all entitled benefits and assist in navigating government systems (CRA, Social Services). 2. Financial Literacy & Capacity Building Responsible for the facilitation of the Financial Management Program in accordance with local and territorial policies and procedures. One-on-One Counseling: Provide personalized financial coaching on budgeting, debt management, and reducing arrears. Life Skills Training: Teach clients essential money management skills to improve financial capability, with the goal of independent money management. Fraud Prevention: Educate clients on how to avoid scams and protect assets. Adhere to a plan for distribution of funds that has been tailored to the needs of each client. Ensure completion of client Income Statements as required by Ontario Works/Ontario Disability Support Program. Prepare or arrange for preparation of client Income tax returns. 3. Housing Stabilization & Advocacy Landlord Liaison: Liaise with landlords and property management to ensure rent is paid on time, resolve disputes, and maintain housing stability. Crisis Response: Help prevent evictions and manage housing crises. 4. Case Management & Administration Intake & Assessment: Conduct handwritten intake interviews, assess client needs/skills, and develop individualized support plans. Schedule regular meetings with clients to review their progress and engage in further planning to successfully achieve financial independence. Review client referrals and liaise with the Ontario Works Caseworker to determine eligibility/acceptance into the Trusteeship program in accordance with the Municipality. Partnership Coordination: Work with community agencies, mental health professionals, and addiction services to support holistic client needs. Network with other service providers and maintain working relationships with community agencies to provide comprehensive services for clients. i.e., housing, landlords, financial, etc. as necessary in the provision of client related services. Documentation: Maintain confidential, up-to-date relevant, accurate client records and case notes, including detailed case notes, budget data, debts, income tax returns etc. ensuring that the appropriate forms are always used. Assist in ensuring the completion of accurate record keeping and management in line with funder requirements and in accordance with relevant privacy legislation. Utilize designated databases to record client finances where appropriate. Complete all forms required by The Salvation Army, Ontario Works, and Ontario Disability Support Program General All referrals will be initiated by Peel Region and must be followed up on in a timely manner to ensure each client is informed about the program. Consult with the supervisor regarding client case management as required. Intervene in crises and provide emotional support as required. Advocate, mediate and liaise wher