THE DSSAB - READY AND EXCITED TO MOVE INTO THEIR NEW BUILDING
by Sherry Aalto
Just exactly how exciting is it going to be for the 145 staff members of the DSSAB to move into their new office building, located at the 231 May Street South? Well, with the building facing all three streets, one can enjoy an abundance of natural light streaming in through the large windows, and also being able to see activities of people passing by in the streets, not to mention all the wonderful pallets of calming colour schemes and natural wood columns, one will get the feeling of spaciousness, warmth and connection to the community.
According to Melissa Harrison, Chief Administrative Officer and William (Bill) Bradica, Director, Corporate Services, (of the District Of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board) the anticipation is almost overwhelming. Never before have the different departments of the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board been all under one roof. The staff working for Ontario Works, Child Care, Social Housing and Administration, will more than likely find servicing
clients much more effectively because, beginning February 22, 2012, they can offer enough physical space when receiving clients in the bright reception area. There is also a play area for children, family interview suites, single interview suites, training rooms, consultations rooms, especially designated wickets for clients to make payments for Housing and Ontario Works, along with availability to
efficient and modern technological amenities for job searches, creating a resume` and completing applications on-line. This very much need newly constructed building is designed for an anticipated minimum 50 years of operating sustainability and with the incorporated feature to expand, based on the wood frame construction, this will be home for a very long time for the DSSAB.
There is a lot on site that is offered by the DSSAB, from 5 training rooms for one-to-one training, larger training rooms that can accommodate 20 clients at a time for their 8 week Life Skills Training
Program, Computer Training, a Computer Research Area, Hairdressing Room for clients who need to look their best before attending an interview for employment and hot lunches supplied for clients in training sessions. Everything will be client comfort based and staff comfort based to provide the best service possible to the client.
Programs available are numerous. Currently addressing over 400 walk-ins per day and being in three different locations, Royal Edward Arms, where the property management services are conducted, Employment Resource Center, at the Victoriaville Mall where clients can inquire about all kinds of training programs, educational programs and others services, then there is the Whalen Building, located on North Cumberland Street, where there is the occupancy of three floors to address client services, Ontario Works, Housing and Child Services, along with other programs.
While the board, considering additional staff as part of the 2012 budget, the foresight in design to accommodate expansion, was definitely well thought out. The decision to expand, will be made in
February 2012, following recommendations, preceded by a review, based on services in support of the programs. The, soon to be, geographically integrated services under the one roof of the new building, will operate most efficiently and effectively in providing a faster 'turnaround' time for clients. The front line reception, or what is now referred to as intake workers, will be a staff of ten, consisting of two staff located at reception, another staff supporting the client using wickets for services and other workers for more complex intake issues, and two resource intake workers, because when the clients are coming in, they need help to figure out what they need and what services are available to them. Clients will be able to sit with one intake worker, where intake of information will direct the client in determining what their needs are and help the client navigate the system and also refer them to the right programs and services that they need, both internally as well as external, community partners providing other services. An intake centre with 5 staff, will also manage over 400 phone daily calls.
The reception area will accommodate more than thirty visiting clients and just off to the one side will be a resource and reference area where there will be twelve computer stations for clients to come in and perform their job searches, complete their applications on-line for Ontario Works, (access for on-line application launched in 2011) and for Child Care, (on-line access for applications will launch in the spring of 2012). Also, a client can improve their computer skills or create a resume`, access to photocopiers, telephones, and clients may use the telephone number and address of the DSSAB for contact information, if they are in transition or do not have a telephone. Also located in the same area will be the job postings and message board. There is a four day mandatory 'turnaround' time to determine eligibility for Ontario Works, which is still a long time to wait when you have nothing. There is some help provided until eligibility is determined, but with the new model of the soon to be, integrated-operations, determination time could be even sooner to get the help needed.
Considering that there will be three 1-800-numbers in operation at the new location, along with current volumes for services conducted each day, involving the administration and maintenance for just over 2,500 property units, and then taking into account the just over 400 calls each day that require immediate attention, one could say that those who work at the DSSAB, have their work cut out for them. The staff have a sense of professionalism that they will be bringing to the new building, and the pride in the services and programs for the clients and for the staff, is something that everyone can be proud of.
Location of the new structure was critical as demographic studies showed that more than 65% of clients that utilize these services and programs, are within walking distance of the new location and for others, a short trip on the public transit system. The new site was also considered for the closeness in proximity to our City Hall. There will also be Braille Signage and Bilingual Signage, with accessibility throughout the building.
The 54,000 square foot structure is an investment for the its member municipalities, as staff and services have had costly moves a number of times since opening its doors. In 2006, the DSSAB was put on notice for relocating their services out of the Hydro Building, as the building was going to be used for other purposes. The DSSAB, where they are currently located, until February 17, 2012, saw the need to have a place of their own. Now with the new site as their home, a little less than half of the total project cost of $13.5 million dollars, is actually being financed over a twenty year period at a very favourable finance rate of 2.3 percent, which over a period of time, is a huge saving and investment. Bearing in mind, the project was constructed under budget costs, some studies for retrofitting were investigate along with other possible options, but were not feasible, especially over a long period of time.
Mr. Bob Katajamaki, the newly elected Chair and representative, for the unincorporated areas, which lie outside of our city, imparts that, the DSSAB also services the entire district of Thunder Bay, representing 15 member municipalites, an area of over 103,000 square kilometres. The new position will be challenging and rewarding at the same time. The DSSAB helps many, many people and their families.
There are many persons whom work behind the scenes that one may never hear, so if you know of someone who has been in real need of these services and received good care and direction, be proud of what Thunder Bay has available to offer in the way of help. It is of utmost importance to make sure every person has the opportunity to be recognized for their full potential and supported to achieve self-sufficiency. A good sense of worth has no price tag!
