Algoma District Services Administration Board

ADSAB | Programs & Services | Social Services Access Site | Ontario Works | Employment Assistance

Employment Assistance

Employment counseling and additional funds enable participants to engage in various employment activities. These activities focus on getting back into the workforce. There are several activities that a person can choose from when developing their return to work Action Plan.

Please review each activity below and inform your Case Worker if you are interested in any of them.

Employment Placements

If you are job ready, Ontario Works can market you to employers who are ready to hire and train you . We work with you and the employer for a successful experience. Wage subsidies and training funds for this program are available, so make the most of this opportunity!

If you know of an employer looking to hire, let them know we can help with their recruitment needs. Have them contact the ADSAB office to see if they qualify for training dollars... maybe they'll hire you!

NOTE: You may be eligible for employment related funds if you have incurred additional costs (such as transportation and child care), due to your participation in an employment activity. Speak with your worker for further details.

Self Employment Program

If you have a dream of owning your own business, the Self Employment Program might be the activity for you. This program supports participants for up to 52 weeks in becoming financially independent through self-employment. During that time frame you are able to re-invest your profits into your business. This activity is not for everyone but, if you are self-motivated, creative and prepared to work long hours, this might be the opportunity you have been waiting for!

NOTE: Certain criteria must be met for successful entry into this program. If interested, please contact your Case Worker.

Learning, Earning and Parenting Program (LEAP)

If you are a parent under the age of 24 and without your high school diploma, the LEAP Program can assist you in completing your grade 12, enhancing your parenting skills and help you with future job or post secondary goals.

NOTE: If you are under the age of 18 with dependants, it is mandatory that you participate in this program in order to receive benefits from Ontario Works. If you are over the age of 18 with dependants, you are encouraged to participate in this program, but it is not mandatory to do so.

If you have current or past addiction issues, you may require special supports while maintaining or looking for employment. Our Addiction Program can offer individual counseling and unique supports to you while participating in this activity. You will also be connected with other community services such as treatment and aftercare programs that specialize in dealing with addiction issues. All information is confidential. Speak with your Case Worker if you feel you would benefit from these types of supports.

Ontario Works offers you a variety of workshops and training opportunities which are developed to better prepare you for the workforce. These training sessions are either offered through our agency or facilitated by various businesses and organizations in your community.

NOTE: Workshops vary from office to office and are only offered with sufficient enrolment.

Ontario Works Resource Areas

Ontario Works participant have unlimited access to the Resource Areas during regular business hours. The areas are located within the Algoma District Services Administration offices. Computers with word-processing and internet access, fax machines, photocopiers and phone access are available for all your job search needs at no cost.

You will also find current information for all your school and job related inquiries. Up-to-date bulletin boards and an abundance of pamphlets informing you of community events,organizations, services and jobs in and around your area. The areas are child friendly and most have various toys, books and activities for children.

NOTE: you are responsible for the care of your child while visiting the offices.

Be sure to visit your local Resource Area and make the most of these services. Locations are listed for your reference:

ADSAB Blind River Main Office & Resource Area
15 Hanes Street
Blind River, ON

ADSAB Elliot Lake Main Office & Resource Area
151 Ontario Avenue
Elliot Lake, ON

ADSABThessalon Main Office & Resource Area
1 Collver Road
Thessalon, ON

ADSAB Wawa Main Office & Resource Area
50 Broadway Avenue
Wawa, ON

Earning Incentives (Receiving Ontario Works while working)

Only one-half (50%) of earned income or amounts paid under a training program will be deducted from your Ontario Works entitlement per month. These earnings exemptions encourage participants to work and to participate in training programs. This allows the security of continuing to receive social assistance while establishing an income level above the amount of assistance issued by Ontario Works. You should not hesitate to take a job that does not fully support you and your family. Once you've received assistance for three consecutive months you become entitled to the Earnings Incentive.

Either way you look at it, working will earn you more income than not working while you are receiving Ontario Works. The earnings incentive is explained in full detail at the time of application or ask your Case Worker if you are already a participant.

NOTE: You must be in receipt of Ontario Works for three consecutive months before the Earning Incentive can be applied. This program is not available to persons who are self employed.

Extended Employment Health Benefits

Participants who become ineligible for Ontario Works due to their employment income may continue to receive the Ontario Works drug card and other health related, discretionary benefits such as vision and dental costs, for a maximum period of six months or until the health benefits from the employer begins, if applicable.

The level of education needed to satisfy most of today's job requirements is getting higher and higher. Ontario Works will support you while you obtain your high school diploma, improve your language skills and upgrade your reading, writing and math.

All persons entering the Ontario Works Program who have not yet completed their high school education will be required to complete a Literacy Assessment. The results of this assessment will assist you and your Case Worker in determining whether or not basic education should be an activity included in your Action Plan.

NOTE: The Literacy Assessment is used as a tool for determining appropriate direction of your Action Plan. Your results have no bearing on eligibility to the Ontario Works program. All results from this assessment are confidential.

You may be eligible for employment related funds if you have incurred additional costs (such as transportation and child care), due to your participation in training program.

If attending college or university is in your future, Ontario Works can assist with incidental fees associated with getting you enrolled and attending, with employment related funds . Please refer to the Students section of the Other sources of Income Support page for detailed information on other programs and funding which may be available to you. Make attending post secondary a reality! Speak with your Case Worker for assistance on planning your academic goals.