Training For Nonprofits & Social Service Agencies
Formerly Toronto Hostels Training Centre, IDEA Training Collaborative offers inclusive, diverse, and equitable training that is both accessible and affordable for individuals supporting vulnerable populations.
IDEA Training Collaborative offers a variety of training courses designed for professionals in shelter services and related social sectors. These courses are available in self-paced, instructor-led, and blended formats, with many aligned to the Toronto Shelter Standards Training Matrix. Each course includes detailed descriptions, learning objectives, and clear outcomes, ensuring participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Sessions vary in length and cost, and are taught by experienced instructors. While primarily targeted at those working in shelters and social services, the courses are also applicable to other sectors with similar needs. Some courses may have prerequisites, depending on the topic.
Use the tabs to filter by delivery type, or use the search bar to find a course by name or keyword.
- An advanced instructor-led workshop for social service professionals focused on supporting individuals with complex needs. Participants strengthen skills in strategic case management, interagency collaboration, advocacy, and trauma-informed decision-making to navigate systemic barriers and deliver effective, client-centered interventions.
- Method: Online, Instructor Led, Live In-Person
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Workers, Frontline staff, human service workers, managers, social service professionals, supervisors
- Cost: $140
- An advanced workshop gives frontline staff practical tools to manage complex, high-pressure client interactions in shelter and community health settings. Through hands-on practice, real-world case studies, and simulations, participants build skills in trauma-informed care, advanced communication, and crisis response—leaving with greater confidence and a practical toolbox for navigating challenging situations.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Support Workers, Frontline staff, managers, Outreach Workers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, Support Staff
- Cost: $140
- An advanced instructor-led workshop that strengthens ethical, defensible documentation practices in social service settings. Participants deepen skills in risk documentation, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approaches, and people-first language through hands-on case note writing, self-reflection, and peer feedback.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that explores mental health, wellness, and illness through an intersectional, person-centred lens. Participants examine how social identities and systemic factors shape mental health experiences and develop culturally responsive strategies to support equity-seeking communities in social service and healthcare settings.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An advanced instructor-led workshop that deepens Motivational Interviewing practice through hands-on application. Participants strengthen skills in strategic reflection, managing resistance, and using MI effectively in brief, time-limited interactions, with a strong focus on case discussion, role play, and real-world counselling challenges.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $142
- An advanced instructor-led workshop for experienced supervisors that strengthens leadership and supervisory effectiveness. Participants develop strategies to improve team accountability, manage change, apply service improvement models, enhance client experience, and handle complaints confidently within complex social and human service environments.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Community Workers, human service workers, managers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, supervisors, Team Leads
- Cost: $140
- An advanced instructor-led workshop that deepens trauma-informed care practice at both the individual and organizational level. Participants learn to design effective interventions for trauma-based behaviours, respond to sensory and communication cues, and apply supervision and organizational strategies that support trauma-informed environments.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Workers, Frontline staff, human service workers, managers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, supervisors, Support Staff
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led, in-person workshop that equips social service staff with practical skills to safely support clients with pets. Participants learn about the human-animal bond, animal health and behavior, relevant legislation, and the connection between animal abuse and domestic violence to promote safer service environments.
- Method: Instructor Led
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that examines how racism, oppression, power, and privilege shape people’s experiences and outcomes in Canada, using an intersectional, real-world lens. Through reflection, discussion, and case studies, participants learn practical anti-racist and anti-oppressive strategies to apply in both personal and professional settings so they can help build safer, more equitable environments for clients, colleagues, and communities.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- A two-day, in-person workshop that builds practical skills to recognize suicide risk, intervene effectively, and develop collaborative safety plans. Participants strengthen confidence, counseling, and listening skills while exploring how personal and community attitudes influence help-seeking and suicide prevention.
- Method: Instructor Led
- Cost: $285
- A self-paced online course for board members and senior leaders in the not-for-profit and shelter sectors that builds core governance knowledge and practical decision-making skills. Learners explore board roles, responsibilities, and shelter-specific governance challenges, with the option to earn general and shelter-focused governance certificates.
- Method: Self Paced
- This course is for: Board Members, Executive Directors, Governance Professionals, Non-Profit Leaders, Senior Leaders, Shelter Boards
- Cost: $120
- An instructor-led workshop that introduces evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Techniques for community-based social service settings. Participants learn how thoughts influence behaviour and develop practical CBT skills through case examples and role play to support clients experiencing mental health and addiction-related challenges.
- Method: Instructor Led
- Cost: $140
- An advanced instructor-led workshop for social service professionals focused on supporting individuals with complex needs. Participants strengthen skills in strategic case management, interagency collaboration, advocacy, and trauma-informed decision-making to navigate systemic barriers and deliver effective, client-centered interventions.
- Method: Online, Instructor Led, Live In-Person
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Workers, Frontline staff, human service workers, managers, social service professionals, supervisors
- Cost: $140
- An advanced workshop gives frontline staff practical tools to manage complex, high-pressure client interactions in shelter and community health settings. Through hands-on practice, real-world case studies, and simulations, participants build skills in trauma-informed care, advanced communication, and crisis response—leaving with greater confidence and a practical toolbox for navigating challenging situations.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Support Workers, Frontline staff, managers, Outreach Workers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, Support Staff
- Cost: $140
- An advanced instructor-led workshop that strengthens ethical, defensible documentation practices in social service settings. Participants deepen skills in risk documentation, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approaches, and people-first language through hands-on case note writing, self-reflection, and peer feedback.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that explores mental health, wellness, and illness through an intersectional, person-centred lens. Participants examine how social identities and systemic factors shape mental health experiences and develop culturally responsive strategies to support equity-seeking communities in social service and healthcare settings.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An advanced instructor-led workshop that deepens Motivational Interviewing practice through hands-on application. Participants strengthen skills in strategic reflection, managing resistance, and using MI effectively in brief, time-limited interactions, with a strong focus on case discussion, role play, and real-world counselling challenges.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $142
- An advanced instructor-led workshop for experienced supervisors that strengthens leadership and supervisory effectiveness. Participants develop strategies to improve team accountability, manage change, apply service improvement models, enhance client experience, and handle complaints confidently within complex social and human service environments.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Community Workers, human service workers, managers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, supervisors, Team Leads
- Cost: $140
- An advanced instructor-led workshop that deepens trauma-informed care practice at both the individual and organizational level. Participants learn to design effective interventions for trauma-based behaviours, respond to sensory and communication cues, and apply supervision and organizational strategies that support trauma-informed environments.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Workers, Frontline staff, human service workers, managers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, supervisors, Support Staff
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led, in-person workshop that equips social service staff with practical skills to safely support clients with pets. Participants learn about the human-animal bond, animal health and behavior, relevant legislation, and the connection between animal abuse and domestic violence to promote safer service environments.
- Method: Instructor Led
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that examines how racism, oppression, power, and privilege shape people’s experiences and outcomes in Canada, using an intersectional, real-world lens. Through reflection, discussion, and case studies, participants learn practical anti-racist and anti-oppressive strategies to apply in both personal and professional settings so they can help build safer, more equitable environments for clients, colleagues, and communities.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- A two-day, in-person workshop that builds practical skills to recognize suicide risk, intervene effectively, and develop collaborative safety plans. Participants strengthen confidence, counseling, and listening skills while exploring how personal and community attitudes influence help-seeking and suicide prevention.
- Method: Instructor Led
- Cost: $285
- An instructor-led workshop that introduces evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Techniques for community-based social service settings. Participants learn how thoughts influence behaviour and develop practical CBT skills through case examples and role play to support clients experiencing mental health and addiction-related challenges.
- Method: Instructor Led
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that introduces evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques for community-based social service settings. Participants learn how thoughts influence behaviour and develop practical CBT skills through case examples and role play to support clients experiencing mental health and addiction-related challenges.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- This CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training (3rd Edition) course equips participants with evidence-based, hands-off strategies to prevent and de-escalate medium to high-risk behaviors. Emphasizing verbal de-escalation, trauma awareness, and safe disengagement techniques, the training aligns with Toronto Shelter Standards and does not include physical holds. Participants complete self-paced modules followed by an in-person session led by CPI Certified Instructors.
- Method: Blended Courses
- Cost: $230
- A two-day instructor-led program that equips frontline workers with practical skills to manage aggressive and violent behaviour safely. Participants learn verbal de-escalation, self-protection, disengagement, and physical intervention techniques within a behaviour management continuum while maintaining dignity, safety, and legislative compliance.
- Method: Blended Courses, Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Workers, Frontline staff, human service workers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, Support Staff
- Cost: $240
- A self-paced online course for board members and senior leaders in the not-for-profit and shelter sectors that builds core governance knowledge and practical decision-making skills. Learners explore board roles, responsibilities, and shelter-specific governance challenges, with the option to earn general and shelter-focused governance certificates.
- Method: Self Paced
- This course is for: Board Members, Executive Directors, Governance Professionals, Non-Profit Leaders, Senior Leaders, Shelter Boards
- Cost: $120
- A self-paced online course for frontline shelter and community-based workers that builds essential knowledge of communicable diseases and infection prevention. Learners develop practical skills in responding to public health alerts, using PPE correctly, and applying evidence-based strategies to promote health, safety, and harm reduction.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $75
- A self-paced online course for frontline social and human service workers that builds practical skills to recognize, challenge, and address anti-Black racism. Participants learn trauma-informed, anti-racist approaches, allyship practices, and strategies to create more equitable and inclusive service environments.
- Method: Self Paced
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Workers, Frontline staff, human service workers, Shelter staff, social service professionals
- Cost: $140
- A self-paced online course for supervisors and people leaders in social and human services that strengthens leadership capacity to confront anti-Black racism. Participants gain trauma-informed, anti-racist strategies to support Black staff and clients, promote allyship and accountability, and foster inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces.
- Method: Self Paced
- This course is for: Human Service Professionals, managers, People Leaders, Senior Leaders, Shelter Leadership, social service professionals, supervisors
- Cost: $140
- A self-paced online course for social and human service professionals that strengthens customer service skills in client-centered environments. Learners develop practical strategies for communication, rapport-building, and managing client dissatisfaction while contributing to a positive, respectful customer service culture within their organization.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $120
- A self-paced online course for housing and homelessness service professionals that builds practical skills for ethical decision-making and maintaining professional boundaries. Learners explore codes of ethics, real-world scenarios, and strategies to navigate complex situations while fostering respectful, professional relationships with clients and colleagues.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $120
- A self-paced online course for helping professionals that builds practical knowledge of harm reduction and substance use. Learners explore stigma, social determinants of health, and evidence-based strategies to support people who use substances, promote overdose prevention, and deliver respectful, client-centered services in workplace and community settings.
- Method: Self Paced
- This course is for: Counselors, Executive Directors, Frontline Workers, Healthcare providers, Management, Shelter staff, Social workers
- Cost: $120
- A self-paced online course for service providers that builds practical skills to recognize mental health concerns and support individuals effectively. Learners explore common mental health disorders, trauma- and anti-oppressive approaches, stigma, and intervention strategies, while developing tools for self-care and holistic, client-centered practice.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $140
- A self-paced online course that builds essential computer and internet skills for job seekers. Learners gain confidence using Google for research, email communication, online job applications, and navigation, developing practical digital literacy skills to support effective job searching and everyday online tasks.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $75
- A self-paced online course for social and human service professionals that strengthens customer service skills in client-focused environments. Learners build practical strategies for communication, rapport-building, and managing client dissatisfaction while contributing to a positive, customer-oriented service culture within their organizations.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $120
- A self-paced online course that helps job seekers build confidence and prepare for interviews using a growth mindset. Learners develop practical skills for answering challenging questions, improving body language and etiquette, and navigating each stage of the interview process with professionalism and clarity.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $75
- A self-paced online course that guides job seekers through building a professional resumé and navigating online job search tools. Learners develop practical skills to customize resumés, use job websites effectively, assess job fit, and confidently manage the online application process.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $75
- This interactive train-the-trainer certificate program prepares professionals to deliver effective housing support training. Participants build expertise in tenant rights, housing systems, budgeting, and advocacy while developing strong facilitation, communication, and teaching skills to empower others in housing and homelessness services.
- Method: Train The Trainer, Instructor Led, Live In-Person
- Cost: $350
- This second‑level hoarding support training course gives housing, shelter, and mental health staff practical tools to apply harm reduction, structured decluttering strategies, and trauma‑informed communication with people experiencing hoarding challenges. Participants practice methods like the Three‑Box Method, zone‑based organization, LEAP, and motivational interviewing to reduce safety risks and support manageable, person‑centred change in real‑world settings.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person
- This course is for: hoarding, Mental Health
- Cost: $140
- This two‑day MHFA certification training course builds practical skills to recognize, support, and respond to people experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. Participants learn an evidence‑based Mental Health First Aid framework, practice real‑world conversations, and leave prepared to respond confidently in both crisis and non‑crisis situations at work and in the community.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person
- Cost: $310
- Trauma‑Informed Care Essentials is a one‑day, instructor‑led training course for shelter and social service staff that introduces key trauma‑informed care concepts, mental health, and social determinants of health while building practical skills to recognize trauma, respond to triggers, and create safer, more supportive service environments.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An advanced workshop gives frontline staff practical tools to manage complex, high-pressure client interactions in shelter and community health settings. Through hands-on practice, real-world case studies, and simulations, participants build skills in trauma-informed care, advanced communication, and crisis response—leaving with greater confidence and a practical toolbox for navigating challenging situations.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Support Workers, Frontline staff, managers, Outreach Workers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, Support Staff
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that introduces evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques for community-based social service settings. Participants learn how thoughts influence behaviour and develop practical CBT skills through case examples and role play to support clients experiencing mental health and addiction-related challenges.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that builds practical understanding of psychosis for community mental health and social service workers. Participants learn to recognize symptoms, challenge stigma, apply trauma-informed and evidence-based interventions, and support recovery through empathetic, nonjudgmental engagement in social service settings.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An advanced instructor-led workshop that deepens trauma-informed care practice at both the individual and organizational level. Participants learn to design effective interventions for trauma-based behaviours, respond to sensory and communication cues, and apply supervision and organizational strategies that support trauma-informed environments.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Workers, Frontline staff, human service workers, managers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, supervisors, Support Staff
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that builds a practical understanding of trauma-informed service in shelter settings. Participants explore how trauma impacts behaviour, relationships, and mental health, and develop strategies to provide empathetic, trauma-sensitive support that fosters safety, trust, and healing for service users and teams.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Workers, Frontline staff, human service workers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, supervisors, Support Staff
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that equips shelter staff with practical strategies to support families experiencing homelessness. Participants build skills in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and harm reduction approaches while addressing systemic factors and aligning daily practice with the Toronto Shelter Standards.
- Method: Online, Instructor Led, Live In-Person
- Cost: $140
- An advanced instructor-led workshop that deepens practice in substance use and addiction support. Participants explore advanced assessment tools, evidence-based treatment models, trauma-informed care, and integrated approaches to addressing co-occurring mental health conditions while strengthening advocacy within complex service systems.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that builds a foundational understanding of substance use and addiction for social service professionals. Participants explore current trends, harm reduction approaches, and the intersection of mental health and substance use, gaining practical strategies to engage and support individuals affected by addiction.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that provides health and social service professionals with a practical understanding of privacy and consent obligations. Participants learn to apply PHIPA and FIPPA requirements, manage personal and health information ethically, and navigate real-world privacy challenges while maintaining confidentiality and compliant service delivery.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Frontline staff, Healthcare Professionals, human service workers, managers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, supervisors
- Cost: $140
- This second‑level hoarding support training course gives housing, shelter, and mental health staff practical tools to apply harm reduction, structured decluttering strategies, and trauma‑informed communication with people experiencing hoarding challenges. Participants practice methods like the Three‑Box Method, zone‑based organization, LEAP, and motivational interviewing to reduce safety risks and support manageable, person‑centred change in real‑world settings.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person
- This course is for: hoarding, Mental Health
- Cost: $140
- This two‑day MHFA certification training course builds practical skills to recognize, support, and respond to people experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. Participants learn an evidence‑based Mental Health First Aid framework, practice real‑world conversations, and leave prepared to respond confidently in both crisis and non‑crisis situations at work and in the community.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person
- Cost: $310
- Trauma‑Informed Care Essentials is a one‑day, instructor‑led training course for shelter and social service staff that introduces key trauma‑informed care concepts, mental health, and social determinants of health while building practical skills to recognize trauma, respond to triggers, and create safer, more supportive service environments.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An advanced workshop gives frontline staff practical tools to manage complex, high-pressure client interactions in shelter and community health settings. Through hands-on practice, real-world case studies, and simulations, participants build skills in trauma-informed care, advanced communication, and crisis response—leaving with greater confidence and a practical toolbox for navigating challenging situations.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Support Workers, Frontline staff, managers, Outreach Workers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, Support Staff
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that introduces evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques for community-based social service settings. Participants learn how thoughts influence behaviour and develop practical CBT skills through case examples and role play to support clients experiencing mental health and addiction-related challenges.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that builds practical understanding of psychosis for community mental health and social service workers. Participants learn to recognize symptoms, challenge stigma, apply trauma-informed and evidence-based interventions, and support recovery through empathetic, nonjudgmental engagement in social service settings.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An advanced instructor-led workshop that deepens trauma-informed care practice at both the individual and organizational level. Participants learn to design effective interventions for trauma-based behaviours, respond to sensory and communication cues, and apply supervision and organizational strategies that support trauma-informed environments.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Workers, Frontline staff, human service workers, managers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, supervisors, Support Staff
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that builds a practical understanding of trauma-informed service in shelter settings. Participants explore how trauma impacts behaviour, relationships, and mental health, and develop strategies to provide empathetic, trauma-sensitive support that fosters safety, trust, and healing for service users and teams.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Workers, Frontline staff, human service workers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, supervisors, Support Staff
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that equips shelter staff with practical strategies to support families experiencing homelessness. Participants build skills in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and harm reduction approaches while addressing systemic factors and aligning daily practice with the Toronto Shelter Standards.
- Method: Online, Instructor Led, Live In-Person
- Cost: $140
- An advanced instructor-led workshop that deepens practice in substance use and addiction support. Participants explore advanced assessment tools, evidence-based treatment models, trauma-informed care, and integrated approaches to addressing co-occurring mental health conditions while strengthening advocacy within complex service systems.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that builds a foundational understanding of substance use and addiction for social service professionals. Participants explore current trends, harm reduction approaches, and the intersection of mental health and substance use, gaining practical strategies to engage and support individuals affected by addiction.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that provides health and social service professionals with a practical understanding of privacy and consent obligations. Participants learn to apply PHIPA and FIPPA requirements, manage personal and health information ethically, and navigate real-world privacy challenges while maintaining confidentiality and compliant service delivery.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Frontline staff, Healthcare Professionals, human service workers, managers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, supervisors
- Cost: $140
- Trauma‑Informed Care Essentials is a one‑day, instructor‑led training course for shelter and social service staff that introduces key trauma‑informed care concepts, mental health, and social determinants of health while building practical skills to recognize trauma, respond to triggers, and create safer, more supportive service environments.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An advanced workshop gives frontline staff practical tools to manage complex, high-pressure client interactions in shelter and community health settings. Through hands-on practice, real-world case studies, and simulations, participants build skills in trauma-informed care, advanced communication, and crisis response—leaving with greater confidence and a practical toolbox for navigating challenging situations.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Support Workers, Frontline staff, managers, Outreach Workers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, Support Staff
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that introduces evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques for community-based social service settings. Participants learn how thoughts influence behaviour and develop practical CBT skills through case examples and role play to support clients experiencing mental health and addiction-related challenges.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that builds practical understanding of psychosis for community mental health and social service workers. Participants learn to recognize symptoms, challenge stigma, apply trauma-informed and evidence-based interventions, and support recovery through empathetic, nonjudgmental engagement in social service settings.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An advanced instructor-led workshop that deepens trauma-informed care practice at both the individual and organizational level. Participants learn to design effective interventions for trauma-based behaviours, respond to sensory and communication cues, and apply supervision and organizational strategies that support trauma-informed environments.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Workers, Frontline staff, human service workers, managers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, supervisors, Support Staff
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that builds a practical understanding of trauma-informed service in shelter settings. Participants explore how trauma impacts behaviour, relationships, and mental health, and develop strategies to provide empathetic, trauma-sensitive support that fosters safety, trust, and healing for service users and teams.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Workers, Frontline staff, human service workers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, supervisors, Support Staff
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that equips shelter staff with practical strategies to support families experiencing homelessness. Participants build skills in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and harm reduction approaches while addressing systemic factors and aligning daily practice with the Toronto Shelter Standards.
- Method: Online, Instructor Led, Live In-Person
- Cost: $140
- An advanced instructor-led workshop that deepens practice in substance use and addiction support. Participants explore advanced assessment tools, evidence-based treatment models, trauma-informed care, and integrated approaches to addressing co-occurring mental health conditions while strengthening advocacy within complex service systems.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that builds a foundational understanding of substance use and addiction for social service professionals. Participants explore current trends, harm reduction approaches, and the intersection of mental health and substance use, gaining practical strategies to engage and support individuals affected by addiction.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $140
- An instructor-led workshop that provides health and social service professionals with a practical understanding of privacy and consent obligations. Participants learn to apply PHIPA and FIPPA requirements, manage personal and health information ethically, and navigate real-world privacy challenges while maintaining confidentiality and compliant service delivery.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Frontline staff, Healthcare Professionals, human service workers, managers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, supervisors
- Cost: $140
- An advanced instructor-led workshop that deepens Motivational Interviewing practice through hands-on application. Participants strengthen skills in strategic reflection, managing resistance, and using MI effectively in brief, time-limited interactions, with a strong focus on case discussion, role play, and real-world counselling challenges.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- Cost: $142
- An instructor-led workshop that provides a practical overview of Ontario’s criminal justice system. Participants learn key legal processes, roles, and terminology, explore alternative justice and diversion options, and build confidence navigating the system to better support clients involved in legal proceedings.
- Method: Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Workers, Frontline staff, human service workers, managers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, supervisors
- Cost: $140
- A two-day instructor-led program that equips frontline workers with practical skills to manage aggressive and violent behaviour safely. Participants learn verbal de-escalation, self-protection, disengagement, and physical intervention techniques within a behaviour management continuum while maintaining dignity, safety, and legislative compliance.
- Method: Blended Courses, Instructor Led, Live In-Person, Online
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Workers, Frontline staff, human service workers, Shelter staff, social service professionals, Support Staff
- Cost: $240
- This CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training (3rd Edition) course equips participants with evidence-based, hands-off strategies to prevent and de-escalate medium to high-risk behaviors. Emphasizing verbal de-escalation, trauma awareness, and safe disengagement techniques, the training aligns with Toronto Shelter Standards and does not include physical holds. Participants complete self-paced modules followed by an in-person session led by CPI Certified Instructors.
- Method: Blended Courses
- Cost: $230
- A self-paced online course for social and human service professionals that strengthens customer service skills in client-centered environments. Learners develop practical strategies for communication, rapport-building, and managing client dissatisfaction while contributing to a positive, respectful customer service culture within their organization.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $120
- A self-paced online course for frontline shelter and community-based workers that builds essential knowledge of communicable diseases and infection prevention. Learners develop practical skills in responding to public health alerts, using PPE correctly, and applying evidence-based strategies to promote health, safety, and harm reduction.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $75
- A self-paced online course for board members and senior leaders in the not-for-profit and shelter sectors that builds core governance knowledge and practical decision-making skills. Learners explore board roles, responsibilities, and shelter-specific governance challenges, with the option to earn general and shelter-focused governance certificates.
- Method: Self Paced
- This course is for: Board Members, Executive Directors, Governance Professionals, Non-Profit Leaders, Senior Leaders, Shelter Boards
- Cost: $120
- A self-paced online course for service providers that builds practical skills to recognize mental health concerns and support individuals effectively. Learners explore common mental health disorders, trauma- and anti-oppressive approaches, stigma, and intervention strategies, while developing tools for self-care and holistic, client-centered practice.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $140
- A self-paced online course for frontline social and human service workers that builds practical skills to recognize, challenge, and address anti-Black racism. Participants learn trauma-informed, anti-racist approaches, allyship practices, and strategies to create more equitable and inclusive service environments.
- Method: Self Paced
- This course is for: Case managers, Community Workers, Frontline staff, human service workers, Shelter staff, social service professionals
- Cost: $140
- A self-paced online course for housing and homelessness service professionals that builds practical skills for ethical decision-making and maintaining professional boundaries. Learners explore codes of ethics, real-world scenarios, and strategies to navigate complex situations while fostering respectful, professional relationships with clients and colleagues.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $120
- A self-paced online course that builds essential computer and internet skills for job seekers. Learners gain confidence using Google for research, email communication, online job applications, and navigation, developing practical digital literacy skills to support effective job searching and everyday online tasks.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $75
- A self-paced online course for social and human service professionals that strengthens customer service skills in client-focused environments. Learners build practical strategies for communication, rapport-building, and managing client dissatisfaction while contributing to a positive, customer-oriented service culture within their organizations.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $120
- A self-paced online course that helps job seekers build confidence and prepare for interviews using a growth mindset. Learners develop practical skills for answering challenging questions, improving body language and etiquette, and navigating each stage of the interview process with professionalism and clarity.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $75
- A self-paced online course that helps learners build practical time management skills to increase motivation, set meaningful goals, and prioritize tasks effectively. Participants develop habits grounded in self-awareness, responsibility, and a growth mindset to better manage time and achieve personal and professional goals.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $75
- A self-paced online course that guides job seekers through building a professional resumé and navigating online job search tools. Learners develop practical skills to customize resumés, use job websites effectively, assess job fit, and confidently manage the online application process.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $75
- A self-paced online course that builds a clear understanding of Toronto’s Shelter Standards and how they guide effective shelter operations. Learners explore service delivery, client rights and responsibilities, health and safety, case management, and administrative practices to support compliant, high-quality shelter services.
- Method: Self Paced
- Cost: $75
- This interactive train-the-trainer certificate program prepares professionals to deliver effective housing support training. Participants build expertise in tenant rights, housing systems, budgeting, and advocacy while developing strong facilitation, communication, and teaching skills to empower others in housing and homelessness services.
- Method: Train The Trainer, Instructor Led, Live In-Person
- Cost: $350