About this Online Workshop

The position most often referred to as Case Presenting Officer (CPO) is comprised of duties including the Internal Review (IR) and Appeal (SBT) processes. This process is both methodical and graduated. It ensures that the OW and ODSP acts are being administered consistently and in a fair manner.

This five-part, online, interactive workshop will provide you with the fundamental tools required to review casefile decisions at Internal Review and to prepare arguments to defend your offices decisions at the Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT). It will teach you to apply reason when reviewing decisions and give you an understanding of the interface between policy, directives, and legislation.

You will be encouraged to discuss specific cases and to investigate how the directives involved are supported by legislation to design arguments and facts to be included in your submissions to the SBT. Lastly, this workshop will review the different directions of the SBT including Interim Assistance, and the need for reconsiderations.

NOTE: This is an interactive, virtual workshop, which is different from a webinar. Participants will be expected to participate through voice and video, and to engage with each other and the facilitator in large and small group discussions, to learn from each other and practice skill development.

Learning Objectives

• A fundamental understanding of the appeal process
• The timelines involved in both the IR and SBT processes
• The application of reason when completing reviews of case file decisions
• The difference between mandatory and discretionary benefits and the appeal process
• The benefit of a cooperative client centered approach to all levels of the appeal process
• The benefits of strong collateral relationships with representatives of your local legal clinics
• Tips on preparing arguments and submissions for SBT
• The use of witnesses or witness statements at SBT
• How Interim Assistance will affect your office and the appellant
• Where you can find previous SBT decisions on similar matters

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is designed primarily for Case Presenting Officers, Eligibility Review Staff, and Managers. Caseworkers would benefit from this workshop by gaining an understanding of the appeal process while enhancing their ability to reach fair and correct case decisions. 

Format and Duration

Five, three-hour workshops over the course of five consecutive days.