Online Workshop

OW Directives and SAMS Training: Emergency Assistance: Supporting Stability Supports

Group of people sitting on soft with emergency supplies

About this Online Workshop

In this workshop, we will examine the application of OW Directives, OW Regulations, Clearinghouses and SAMS technology related to Emergency Assistance. 

The learning will be facilitated through hands-on case studies and SAMS environment, bringing together legislative knowledge and technical skills. Additionally, the training will review the concepts of Stability Supports and links to the importance of Emergency Assistance along with changes in eligibility criteria.

The case studies will focus on multi-dimensional applications that will allow participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the workshop with on-the-job applications. 

Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to assess eligibility for Emergency Assistance, complete an application in SAMS and manage ongoing cases. In all case studies, our facilitators will show and/or add correct data within SAMS training technology, which will be discussed throughout the workshops.  


NOTE: This is an interactive, virtual training 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

After completing this training, learners will be able to display the following competencies:
  • Build an understanding of Stability Supports Concepts carried throughout all curriculum specifically related to Emergency Assistance 
  • Gain an understanding of the relevant Directives on Emergency Assistance 
  • Develop a greater knowledge of eligibility criteria and documentation processes under Emergency Assistance 
  • Understand the differences between regular Ontario Works and Emergency Assistance 
  • Navigate SA Extranet for a better understanding of Emergency Assistance for Vulnerable Ontarians: Temporary Changes Q&A 
  • Review of calculations for Emergency Assistance & Additional Benefits 
  • Learn about the process for Emergency Assistance application in SAMS
  • Understand the transition to/from Emergency Assistance to Ontario Works   

Who Should Attend?

Any staff or manager in a human, social, or community services organization


Format and Duration

Two, three-hour and one two-hour online workshops over the course of one week.


Workshop Dates and Registration

All sessions in Eastern Standard Time.


April 9 – 11, 2025

  • Part 1: Wednesday, April 9 | 9:00 – 12:00
  • Part 2: Thursday, April 10 | 9:00 – 12:00
  • Part 3: Friday, April 11 | 10:00 – 12:00
  • Registration Cut Off: Monday, April 7

Register Now

Pricing

  • Members: $525 + HST

  • Non-Members: $683 + HST

  • Non-Member Education Level 1 & 2: $546 + HST

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

Kirby Steinhoff has been in the employment and social services field for over 10 years, starting as a frontline crisis counsellor in a domestic violence shelter transitioning to Ontario Works case management with Norfolk County and is currently employed with Halton Region as an Integrated Case Manager. Kirby has worked as a trainer and policy developer within Halton Region and is considered a subject matter expert and has trained both front-line and supervisory staff on various SAMS modules and directives, while with Halton Region.

Kirby has completed an Undergraduate degree from Western University in Women’s Studies and Feminist Research, a diploma in Human Resources from Fanshawe College and Master of Arts in Labour Studies from McMaster University with research focused on social policy, inclusion and contemporary work.