Online Workshop

Fundamentals of the Internal Review Process and Preparing for Social Benefits Tribunal


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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. Other offices may refer to the position as Program Integrity Specialists, Internal Review and Appeals Specialists, Audit and Quality Specialists and Eligibility Review Officers along with many other titles.  This process is both methodical and graduated. It ensures that the OW and ODSP acts are being administered consistently and in a fair manner. A holistic approach to the work includes a person centered approach, accommodation and accessibility acknowledgment and supportive approach of legislation.

This four-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. Technical requirements of the current platform (SAMS) will be reviewed to support the process.

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

  • Building of your toolbox of supports, information, accommodations and resources for all aspects of the position
  • Development of a person-centered approach and supportive role
  • Understanding of the technical processes
  • 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

Four, three-hour workshops over the course of four consecutive days.


Workshop Dates and Registration

All sessions in Eastern Standard Time.


November 18-21, 2024

  • Part 1: Monday, November 18 | 9:00 – 12:00 

  • Part 2: Tuesday, November 19 | 9:00 – 12:00 

  • Part 3: Wednesday, November 20 | 9:00 – 12:00 

  • Part 4: Thursday, November 21 | 9:00 – 12:00 

Register Now

Pricing

  • Members: $395 + HST

  • Non-Members: $515 + HST

  • Non-Member Education Level 1 & 2: $415 + HST

Bring This Workshop to Your Staff

OMSSA can work with you to deliver this workshop to you and your team in an in-person format at a time that works for you. We can also customize the content of each workshop to meet your specific needs. Contact OMSSA's Director, Education Christie Herrington to learn more about bringing this workshop to your staff. 

Technical Requirements

OMSSA will be hosting this virtual workshop using Zoom, an online, interactive platform that you can join straight from your web browser, or by downloading 'Zoom Client for Meetings' on your computer or tablet

Participants will be expected to join the workshop via both video and audio. Participants should therefore have access to a desktop computer, laptop computer or tablet with:

  • a webcam or built-in camera

  • a built-in microphone or a headphone jack where you can plug in a headset or earphones

We strongly recommend that participants use a headset or earphones with a built-in microphone in order to limit background noise. 

System requirements: Click here for more detailed information on system requirements from Zoom.


About the Facilitator

Jennifer Carefoot has been a Caseworker with Prince Edward- Lennox & Addington Social Services (PELASS) since July 2003.  In July 2007, she became the Eligibility Review Officer, which continues to be her main role. In her 20+ years with PELASS, she has worked in the areas of intake, SAMS support, overpayments, and Case Presenting Officer including internal reviews, SBT representation and LTB representation.  She has provided subject expert support to her colleagues in many areas of SAMS and Ontario Works legislation. Jennifer has also been a co-facilitator of workshops at Eligibility Review Officer Conferences. She has a diploma in Social Services Worker, Teacher of Adults Certificate, Correctional Management Certificate, SAIL Train the Trainer Certification and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention: Mental Health Facilitator Certificate.