Item - 2013.AU13.12
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on November 13, 14, 15 and 18, 2013 without amendments and without debate.
- This item was considered by the Audit Committee on October 31, 2013 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on November 13, 14, 15 and 18, 2013.
AU13.12 - Toronto Employment and Social Services - Review of Employment Services Contracts
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted on Consent
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on November 13, 14, 15 and 18, 2013, adopted the following:
1. City Council request the General Manager, Employment and Social Services to review the performance outcome criteria specified in contracts with providers of employment services, with a view to ensuring they are realistic, measurable and achievable.
2. City Council request the General Manager, Employment and Social Services to conduct thorough reviews of agencies not meeting performance outcomes in order to develop adequate Action Plans to improve future outcomes. For agencies consistently unable to meet performance outcomes, consideration be given to seeking alternate methods or providers for the service.
3. City Council request the General Manager, Employment and Social Services to conduct an independent evaluation of the Division’s employment assistance programs and report back on their effectiveness in assisting participants to sustain long term employment.
4. City Council request the General Manager, Employment and Social Services to review the referral process in order to improve the acceptance rate of participants into employment assistance activities. At a minimum, pre-screening tools provided by agencies should be used by Employment and Social Services caseworkers.
5. City Council request the General Manager, Employment and Social Services to ensure client service plans are updated on a timely basis for employment assistance activities and status changes.
6. City Council request the General Manager, Employment and Social Services to explore the opportunity to automate updates on employment assistance activities within the new provincial information system to be implemented for the Ontario Works program.
7. City Council request the General Manager, Employment and Social Services to explore how Toronto Employment and Social Services can efficiently analyze annual financial statements submitted by agencies.
8. City Council request the General Manager, Employment and Social Services to revise administrative controls to ensure payments for funeral services are properly authorized and in compliance with legislation and corporate policies.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/au/bgrd/backgroundfile-62705.pdf
AU13.12 - Toronto Employment and Social Services - Review of Employment Services Contracts
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
Committee Recommendations
The Audit Committee recommends that:
1. City Council request the General Manager of Employment and Social Services to review the performance outcome criteria specified in contracts with providers of employment services, with a view to ensuring they are realistic, measurable and achievable.
2. City Council request the General Manager of Employment and Social Services to conduct thorough reviews of agencies not meeting performance outcomes in order to develop adequate Action Plans to improve future outcomes. For agencies consistently unable to meet performance outcomes, consideration be given to seeking alternate methods or providers for the service.
3. City Council request the General Manager of Employment and Social Services to conduct an independent evaluation of the Division’s employment assistance programs and report back on their effectiveness in assisting participants to sustain long term employment.
4. City Council request the General Manager of Employment and Social Services to review the referral process in order to improve the acceptance rate of participants into employment assistance activities. At a minimum, pre-screening tools provided by agencies should be used by Employment and Social Services caseworkers.
5. City Council request the General Manager of Employment and Social Services to ensure client service plans are updated on a timely basis for employment assistance activities and status changes.
6. City Council request the General Manager of Employment and Social Services to explore the opportunity to automate updates on employment assistance activities within the new provincial information system to be implemented for the Ontario Works program.
7. City Council request the General Manager of Employment and Social Services to explore how Toronto Employment and Social Services can efficiently analyze annual financial statements submitted by agencies.
8. City Council request the General Manager of Employment and Social Services to revise administrative controls to ensure payments for funeral services are properly authorized and in compliance with legislation and corporate policies.
Origin
Summary
A review of contracts with various providers of services to the Toronto Employment and Social Services Division (TESS) was included in the Auditor General’s Audit Work Plan.
TESS maintains contracts with a number of third-party organizations to prepare Ontario Works recipients for employment opportunities. This audit reviewed agreements between TESS and various service providers. Specific objectives of the audit included ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and corporate policies and procedures, review of payments to providers for compliance with terms in service agreements and assessing the effectiveness in achieving contract objectives established by TESS.
The implementation of the eight recommendations contained in this report will improve financial controls over purchasing, contract management and payment processing. These improvements will contribute to Ontario Works recipients receiving the appropriate support to help them become and stay employed.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/au/bgrd/backgroundfile-62705.pdf