Self-Paced Courses
Board Governance
Communicable Diseases
Description:
Developed in collaboration with Toronto Public Health, this course covers the fundamentals of communicable diseases and offers recommendations for protecting and promoting the health of both yourself and your clients. Participants will learn how to respond to Public Health alerts in the Shelter Management Information System (SMIS), identify links in the chain of transmission, and practice effective hand hygiene while caring for their hands. The course also covers the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), distinguishing between Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) and Active Tuberculosis Disease, including symptoms and risks. Additionally, participants will become familiar with reportable Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and explore harm reduction and overdose prevention tools and strategies.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the fundamentals of communicable diseases, including transmission and prevention strategies for both staff and clients.
- Respond effectively to Public Health alerts within the Shelter Management Information System (SMIS) and apply appropriate safety measures.
- Learn proper hand hygiene techniques and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the spread of infections.
- Differentiate between Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) and Active Tuberculosis Disease, and explore harm reduction and overdose prevention tools.
Customer Service
Ethical Boundaries
Introduction to Harm Reduction
Introduction to Mental Health
Toronto Shelter Standards
Instructor-Led Courses
Anti-Black Racism
Description:
Anti-Black racism is a pervasive issue that continues to shape policies and practices across multiple sectors in Ontario, with tangible negative outcomes for Black communities in Ontario. This training session delves into the historical context, ongoing prevalence, and lasting impacts of anti-Black racism, using introspective exercises, group discussions, interactive activities, and case studies to deepen participants’ understanding. Participants will also gain practical tools to recognize, confront and address anti-Black racism in their personal and professional environments, empowering them to become active agents of change.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of anti-Black racism, including its historical context.
- Gain awareness of the widespread nature of anti-Black racism across various systems and sectors in Ontario, including education, health, criminal justice, housing, and child welfare.
- Understand the impact of anti-Black racism on the lived experiences and outcomes of Black people.
- Appreciate the rich diversity of Black communities across Ontario and recognize how intersecting identities can compound the effects of anti-Black racism.
- Acquire a set of practical strategies to implement self-awareness and anti-racist practices in both professional and personal spaces.
Learning Outcomes:
- Have a deeper understanding of the construct and historical background of anti-Black racism.
- Be able to identify and discuss the presence of anti-Black racism across multiple systems in Ontario.
- Recognize the personal and societal impacts of anti-Black racism on Black individuals.
- Be more attuned to the diversity of Black communities and the role of intersectionality in exacerbating racism.
- Feel equipped with actionable tools and strategies to challenge anti-Black racism and integrate anti-racist approaches into their everyday lives.
Instructor: Vania Patrick-Drakes
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: All
Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression (ARAO)
Description:
Research studies consistently highlight the pervasive presence of racism and oppression within Canada, leading to disparities in treatment, outcomes, and lived experiences for marginalized communities. Through introspective exercises, group discussions, interactive activities, videos and case studies, this training session explores the concepts of oppression and racism, highlighting inequities on individual, cultural and systemic levels. Participants will gain practical ARAO strategies that can be applied in both personal and professional settings, empowering them to take actionable steps toward fostering more equitable, inclusive, and just environments.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain a deep understanding of the constructs of oppression and racism, with a focus on historical contexts.
- Develop an awareness of how oppression and racism manifest and persist on both micro and macro levels across various systems in Canada.
- Understand the harmful effects of racism and oppression on individuals, organizations, and societies.
- Gain a thorough understanding of privilege and intersectional identities, and how these influence people’s lived experiences, perspectives, and outcomes.
- Acquire practical strategies to incorporate self-awareness and anti-racist, anti-oppressive practices into both professional and personal spaces.
Learning Outcomes:
- Be able to clearly define and explain the constructs of oppression and racism.
- Identify the ways oppression and racism show up at both individual and systemic levels within Canadian society.
- Recognize the wide-ranging impacts of racism and oppression on individuals, organizations, and communities.
- Have a deeper understanding of the concept of privilege and how intersecting identities affect people’s experiences and outcomes.
- Feel empowered to apply anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices in their personal lives and professional environments, using the tools and strategies provided.
Instructor: Vania Patrick-Drakes
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: All
Introduction to Case Management
Description:
Case management plays a vital role in the helping professions, ensuring that service users receive the necessary services and access to the right resources to meet their unique needs and overcome challenges. This workshop is designed to equip people who work in the social services sector with essential skills and knowledge to effectively support service users through change. This workshop is suitable for both new and experienced “helpers”, as well as students and professionals in related fields who want to enhance their case management abilities. Whether participants are working in child welfare, mental health, healthcare, housing, or any other social service setting, the workshop provides valuable insights applicable across various domains.
Learning Objectives:
- Define case management and its role in the social services sector.
- Identify key principles and best practices for effective case management.
- Apply assessment and planning strategies to develop individualized service plans.
- Utilize problem-solving and advocacy skills to support service users in accessing resources.
- Enhance communication and collaboration with service users and interdisciplinary teams.
Learning Outcomes:
- Gain a clear understanding of the case management process and its impact on service delivery.
- Develop practical skills to assess needs, create action plans, and monitor progress.
- Strengthen their ability to navigate systems and advocate for service users.
- Improve their professional confidence in managing diverse and complex cases.
Instructor: Michelle Lewis
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: All
TSS Training Matrix: Client Support Staff (M), Supervisory / Management (R)
Advanced Case Management
Description:
Building on foundational case management principles, this advanced workshop is designed for social service professionals seeking to enhance their ability to support individuals with complex and multifaceted needs. Participants will develop strategic, evidence-informed approaches to case management, focusing on navigating systemic barriers, fostering interagency collaboration, and implementing client-centered interventions in resource-limited environments.
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze complex client needs and develop advanced case management strategies.
- Implement effective interagency collaboration techniques to improve service coordination.
- Apply advocacy skills to address systemic barriers and resource limitations.
- Utilize trauma-informed and ethical decision-making frameworks in case management.
- Evaluate case management outcomes and adjust interventions for long-term client success.
Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate the ability to develop and implement comprehensive case management plans for individuals with complex needs.
- Effectively navigate interagency relationships to enhance service delivery.
- Apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills to resolve case management challenges.
- Strengthen their professional confidence in managing high-risk, multifaceted scenarios.
Instructor: Michelle Lewis
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: All
Prerequisite: IDEA TC recommends that participants complete the Introduction to Case Management course before registering for the Advanced Case Management course.
Introduction to Counselling Skills
Description:
This workshop is designed to introduce participants to essential counselling skills for working with clients in various community settings, including the housing system. The session will cover foundational communication techniques and effective counselling strategies. Participants will learn the importance of building rapport, active listening, and maintaining boundaries, while developing an understanding of how to support clients through various challenges. The session also includes case discussions and role plays to help participants apply these skills in real-world scenarios.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain a brief overview of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
- Understand the four main components of DBT.
- Explore select adapted DBT skills from each component, aimed at providing frontline workers with practical tools for client support.
- Learn how to effectively use worksheets with marginalized populations to promote emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
Learning Outcomes:
- Participants will gain foundational skills in counselling that can be applied in a variety of community-based settings.
- Participants will be able to effectively use basic communication techniques to build trust and rapport with clients.
- Participants will have practical tools and strategies for working with clients facing a range of challenges, particularly in the housing sector.
- Participants will feel more confident and capable of applying their new skills in real-world situations.
Instructor: Priyan Ramanihar
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: All
TSS Training Matrix: Client Support Staff (M)
Cognitive Behavioural Techniques (CBT) in Social Services
Description:
This workshop serves as an introduction to evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Techniques (CBT) applicable in various community-based social service settings. Participants will gain insight into how thoughts influence behaviour and how cognitive-behavioural interventions can be powerful tools for helping clients address issues such as addiction, depression, and anxiety. Through active learning, case examples, and role play, participants will not only explore the theory behind cognitive-behavioural approaches, but also develop practical skills to incorporate these techniques into their own practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the fundamental principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and how thinking patterns affect behavior.
- Learn how CBT interventions can be applied to help clients manage challenges like addiction, depression, and anxiety.
- Gain hands-on experience with CBT techniques through case examples and role play.
- Develop the ability to integrate CBT strategies into your work with clients in social service settings.
Learning Outcomes:
- Participants will be able to recognize the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in clients.
- Participants will acquire practical tools to apply CBT interventions in their work with individuals facing mental health or addiction challenges.
- Participants will feel more confident in using CBT techniques as part of their professional toolkit to improve client outcomes.
Instructor: Priyan Ramanihar
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: All
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Frontline Workers
Description:
This workshop focuses on select Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills adapted for use in brief interactions with clients by frontline workers. Participants will learn effective methods for utilizing these skills, particularly in the areas of distress tolerance and emotional regulation. The course will include activities and worksheets designed to help integrate these skills into day-to-day practice with marginalized populations.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain a brief overview of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
- Understand the four main components of DBT.
- Explore select adapted DBT skills from each component, aimed at providing frontline workers with practical tools for client support.
- Learn how to effectively use worksheets with marginalized populations to promote emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
Learning Outcomes:
- Participants will understand the foundational principles of DBT and how to apply them in a brief, frontline context.
- Participants will be able to implement DBT skills effectively to help clients manage distress and regulate emotions.
- Participants will gain confidence in using DBT worksheets as a tool in their work with marginalized populations.
- Participants will be equipped with practical skills that can enhance their client interactions, focusing on emotional resilience and distress tolerance.
Instructor: Zanna Seipp-Katz
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: Frontline Staff
Introduction to Documentation Skills
Description:
Accurate, clear, and ethical documentation is a vital skill for social service professionals, ensuring accountability and continuity of care. This interactive workshop provides a comprehensive foundation in documentation and case note reporting, equipping participants with the skills necessary to write concise and professional records in community and healthcare settings. Emphasizing anti-oppressive and strength-based approaches, this workshop ensures that documentation practices align with principles of equity, inclusion, and client-centered care. Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies to improve their documentation practices, ensuring compliance, professionalism, and enhanced service delivery.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the legal and ethical requirements of documentation, including compliance with PHIPA.
- Differentiate between subjective and objective case note writing to enhance clarity and accuracy.
- Apply anti-oppressive and strength-based approaches to documentation that uphold client dignity and autonomy.
- Identify and utilize various case note formats, such as DAP, SOAP notes and narrative documentation.
- Develop effective, concise, and professional documentation practices to improve service delivery and interagency communication.
Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate the ability to write clear and accurate case notes.
- Apply strength-based and anti-oppressive principles to documentation practices.
- Enhance their confidence in documenting complex cases while maintaining ethical and professional standards.
- Improve efficiency and effectiveness in record-keeping to support continuity of care.
Instructor: Michelle Lewis
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: All
TSS Training Matrix: Client Support Staff (M – 3 months), Dietary Staff (R), Cleaning & Maintenance Staff (R), Supervisory/Management (M – 3 months)
Advanced Documentation Skills
Description:
Learning Objectives:
Learning Outcomes:
Instructor: Michelle Lewis
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: All
TSS Training Matrix: Client Support Staff (M – 3 months), Dietary Staff (R), Cleaning & Maintenance Staff (R), Supervisory/Management (M – 3 months)
Advanced Mental Health: Exploring Intersectional Approaches to Mental Healthcare
Description:
This workshop explores the concept of mental health, wellness, and illness through a person-centred intersectional lens. By focusing on the experiences of equity-seeking groups, the session examines the historical and current challenges these communities face, considering the etiology of mental health concerns from a social determinants of health perspective. Participants will learn how social identities intersect and influence mental health experiences, with an emphasis on culturally safe and inclusive approaches to engaging diverse groups in conversations about mental wellness. This workshop is ideal for community-based helpers working in the social services or healthcare sectors.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop an understanding of how intersectionality impacts mental health, including the influence of social identities on experiences and access to care.
- Explore how race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and ability shape mental health outcomes and treatment access.
- Examine strategies for providing culturally responsive and inclusive mental health care.
- Identify and address barriers marginalized communities face in accessing mental healthcare, such as stigma, discrimination, and systemic inequalities.
- Learn practical techniques for incorporating intersectional perspectives into mental health assessments, treatment plans, and interventions.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand how intersectionality impacts mental health and influences access to care and treatment outcomes.
- Analyze how factors such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status intersect to shape mental health experiences.
- Apply strategies for providing culturally responsive and inclusive mental health care.
- Recognize barriers marginalized communities face in accessing mental health services and develop strategies to address them.
- Integrate intersectional perspectives into mental health assessments, treatment plans, and interventions to better meet diverse needs.
Instructor: Michelle Lewis
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: All
Prerequisites: IDEA TC recommends that participants complete the Introduction to Mental Health self-paced course before registering for the Advanced Mental Health.
TSS Training Matrix: Client Support Staff (M – 3 months) or Introduction to Counselling Skills
Navigating Privacy and Consent
Description:
This workshop is designed for health service professionals who handle personal and personal health information during the provision of their services. Participants will review the legal requirements and best practices related to privacy and consent, with a specific focus on the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). The session will include interactive discussions and activities, allowing participants to apply privacy and consent concepts to real-life scenarios. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to navigate privacy laws confidently and ethically while providing high-quality, confidential care.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the key principles and legal requirements of privacy legislation in the context of social services.
- Learn how to collect, use, and disclose personal and personal health information ethically and legally.
- Explore best practices for obtaining and documenting informed consent in social service settings.
- Identify common privacy and consent challenges and how to address them in compliance with privacy laws.
- Apply privacy and consent concepts to real-life scenarios through interactive discussions and activities.
Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate knowledge of privacy legislation and how they apply to the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information in social services.
- Effectively navigate privacy and consent processes to ensure compliance with relevant laws.
- Apply best practices for obtaining informed consent and protecting client confidentiality in service provision.
- Develop strategies to address privacy and consent issues, ensuring ethical and legal practice in client interactions.
Instructor: Michelle Lewis
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: All
Introduction to Substance Use and Addictions
Description:
This workshop provides social service professionals with a foundational understanding of substance use and addiction, with a focus on current issues and trends affecting individuals and communities. Participants will explore the complex nature of substance use, the impact of addiction on physical and mental health, and the broader social determinants influencing addiction patterns. The workshop will address emerging topics such as the opioid crisis, harm reduction, approaches, and the intersection of mental health and substance use. Through case studies, real-world examples, and discussions on best practices, participants will leave with practical knowledge to engage effectively with individuals struggling with addiction.
Learning Objectives:
- Define substance use and addiction, understanding the spectrum from use to dependency.
- Identify current trends and challenges in substance use, including the opioid crisis and emerging substances.
- Understand harm reduction strategies and how they apply to social service practice.
- Recognize the intersection of mental health and addiction, particularly in co-occurring disorders.
- Discuss the social and cultural factors influencing substance use and addiction patterns.
Learning Outcomes:
- Gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of substance use and addiction.
- Apply harm reduction strategies to support individuals with substance use challenges.
- Recognize signs of co-occurring mental health and addiction issues and respond accordingly.
- Demonstrate increased cultural sensitivity when addressing substance use in diverse populations.
Instructor: Michelle Lewis
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: All
Advanced Substance Use and Addictions
Description:
Building upon the foundational knowledge from the “Introduction to Substance Use and Addictions” workshop, this advanced course delves deeper into the complexities of addiction, exploring sophisticated therapeutic approaches, assessment tools, and emerging treatment models. Participants will examine the latest research on substance use disorders (SUD), advanced harm reduction strategies, and the role of trauma-informed care in addiction treatment. The workshop will also focus on the integrated care model, addressing co-occurring mental health conditions, and how to navigate complex social service systems to support individuals effectively.
Learning Objectives:
- Apply advanced assessment tools to diagnose substance use disorders and identify co-occurring mental health issues.
- Explore emerging, evidence-based treatment models for substance use and addiction. Integrate trauma-informed care principles into addiction treatment strategies.
- Address cultural and systemic barriers to effective addiction treatment.
- Advocate for systemic change in addiction policy and treatment access.
Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate advanced skills in assessing and diagnosing substance use disorders and mental health co-morbidities.
- Implement evidence-based therapeutic approaches to treat addiction, including MAT, CBT, and DBT.
- Incorporate trauma-informed interventions in addiction treatment and support.
- Engage in effective advocacy and policy initiatives to improve services for individuals living with addiction.
Instructor: Michelle Lewis
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: All
Prerequisites: IDEA TC recommends that participants complete the Introduction to Substance Use and Addictions course before registering for the Advanced Substance Use and Addictions.
Trauma-Sensitive Practices
Description:
This workshop provides an in-depth exploration of trauma-sensitive practices and how they can be effectively applied in various settings, with a focus on understanding the psychological, emotional, and physical impacts of trauma on individuals. Key components of the workshop include the impacts on individuals and the community, and the importance of creating environments that promote healing, safety, and empowerment for those affected by trauma.
Learning Objectives:
- Key misconceptions about what trauma is and how it can affect different people of all ages
- How a person with trauma can have difficulty interpreting information that is bombarding their senses
- How self-talk can leave a person who has experienced trauma with a feeling of inescapability and helplessness
- What happens to the various parts of the brain and nervous system when a person is dealing with stress
- Important aspects of the fight, flight, freeze and dissociation spectrum
- How a person will behave when they are experiencing learning brain vs. learning brain
- How we can work with ourselves and others within our “Window of Tolerance”
- How trauma can affect memory and the executive functioning network
- Identify ACE’s (Adverse Childhood Experiences) play a role in adult behaviours and strategies to limit the potential of negative or harmful behaviours
- The 4 R’s of Trauma: Realize – Recognize – Respond – Resist
Learning Outcomes:
- Determine the different types of trauma people may be experiencing
- Inspect the language we use with ourselves and others when thinking and talking about the issue of trauma
- Identify key elements of trauma and how to use trauma sensitive practices in their professional and personal lives
- Assess how and when to use different strategies by working within the Window of Tolerance in terms of dysregulation, hyperarousal and hypoarousal
- Understand how to look at potential trauma in others by putting on our Trauma Sensitive Glasses
- Understand the Stress Response on a biological and social basis
- Practice strategies to work with people with trauma based on the 5 Pillars of Trauma Sensitivity – safety, choice, trust, empowerment, and collaboration
- Recognize the range of causes and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Support someone who has experienced trauma in the distant and recent past
- Employ a trauma sensitive mindset to combat traditional mindsets of judgement, obedience, individual deficiencies, deficit based/reactive, power over, and punitive approaches
Instructor: Stephen Lister
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: All
Understanding and Supporting Psychosis
Description:
This comprehensive workshop for community mental health and social service workers provides an in-depth exploration of psychosis, focusing on its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Participants will learn evidence-based strategies to support individuals experiencing psychosis in social service settings. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will enhance their ability to assess, support, and intervene with empathy and professionalism. The workshop emphasizes trauma-informed care, destigmatization, and creating an empowering, non-judgmental environment. Participants will leave with practical tools to promote recovery, resilience, and community integration for individuals affected by psychosis.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations, delusions, and impaired functioning.
- Challenge stigma and misconceptions about psychosis, while developing skills for nonjudgmental support and advocacy.
- Understand the etiology of psychosis, including genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors.
- Explore the prevalence and societal impact of psychosis, and understand the challenges faced by individuals and their caregivers.
- Learn risk factors for psychosis, appropriate assessment techniques, and the importance of early detection and intervention. Gain knowledge of evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches like CBT for psychosis (CBT-p) and ACT and their role in recovery.
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of psychosis, and use appropriate assessment techniques.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the social stigma surrounding psychosis and apply strategies for nonjudgmental, supportive engagement with affected individuals.
- Apply evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches in the treatment and recovery of individuals with psychosis.
- Recognize the societal impact of psychosis and advocate for early detection, intervention, and improved outcomes for individuals and their families.
Instructor: Michelle Lewis
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: All
Understanding and Supporting Hoarding: A Trauma-Informed Approach
Description:
Learning Objectives:
- Gain a deeper understanding of Hoarding Disorder, related co-morbitities, and how trauma, attachment challenges, and other factors contribute to hoarding behaviours.
- Understand the safety and health risks associated with hoarding.
- Learn assessment and treatment strategies to inform a coordinated plan of action to address hoarding.
- Learn organizational and evidence-based informal counselling techniques to work with clients who hoard, including motivational interviewing, CBT, and mindfulness.
- Increase knowledge of community resources available for supporting individuals with hoarding challenges.
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop a greater understanding of the factors contributing to hoarding and its impacts on safety and health.
- Acquire practical tools and evidence-based techniques to address hoarding in a supportive, trauma-informed and person-centered manner.
- Become familiar with community resources and organizational strategies to support individuals affected by hoarding
Instructor: Dana Kamin
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $110 per person
Target Group: All