1.2.3 Increase referrals from Ontario Works to Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Service System Manager to increase employment outcomes and address labour market needs.

Communication tools have been improved to better explain Ontario Works participation requirements to recipients and increase their contact rate with Employment Ontario, particularly under the Early Connections to Employment Services initiative.

Targeted outreach is underway with long-term Ontario Works recipients, including a client survey to better understand barriers and support needs related to financial independence and employment.

New digital dashboards were developed and introduced to staff to improve identification, tracking and follow-up on referrals to employment services. These tools support more coordinated service delivery between Ontario Works and Employment Ontario and enhance the ability to monitor outcomes while supporting informed planning and continuous service improvement.

In an effort to enhance service coordination knowledge across the network due to the number of new staff and providers, Income and Support Services staff will be working with Employment Services in Q3 to develop in-service training/ best practices for working with Ontario Works clients.