Important training modules for staff who work in shelters and 24-hour respite sites.
The City has launched BRASS to enhance workplace safety for all shelter providers and meet its legislative requirement to provide information to workers related to a risk of workplace violence under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. BRASS will allow for increased information sharing across programs about clients with a history of violent behaviour using the City’s Shelter Information Management System (SMIS). The City has made updates to the SMIS Incident Report module to support enhanced documentation of incidents that involve workplace violence and set the foundation for BRASS implementation.
View this recording of the BRASS Implementation Information Session conducted on April 22, 2024, from 2-4 p.m.
This self-paced module outlines the role and responsibilities of a SMIS Access Manager. It will provide users with the most up-to-date business practices concerning SMIS User Access, the appropriate forms one fills out dependent on the nature of the request, how to merge files, the importance of conducting a quality assurance check in the form of biannual audits and more.
Take the SMIS Access Manager Roles and Responsibilities training.
The City is implementing two important changes to the Shelter Management Information System (SMIS):
These changes to SMIS contribute to implementation of the City’s Coordinated Access approach, which works to prioritize, identify and connect people experiencing homelessness with homes that meet their needs, and support improved privacy and information practices. Implementing a By Name List Consent is a mandatory system requirement through Federal Reaching Home and Provincial Homelessness Prevention Program funding.
Take the SMIS Training on Notice of Collection and By Name List Consent
The Shelter Management Information System (SMIS) now provides workers with tools to help service users access housing and identify supports they may be eligible for. These housing-focused changes are part of the Service Triage, Assessment and Referral Support (STARS) tool, which provides a standardized way to understand service users’ support needs and better connect people to available housing opportunities using Toronto’s Coordinated Access system.
Mandatory for: All SMIS users
Module 1 – Personal Information, Living Situation & Contact Information (12 minutes)
Mandatory for: All SMIS users
Module 2 – Client Details (20 minutes)
Mandatory for: All SMIS users
Module 3 – Support Needs & Triage (20 minutes)
Mandatory for: All SMIS users
Module 4 – Income & Identification (6 Minutes)
Mandatory for: All SMIS users
Module 5 – Family Intake (12 Minutes)
Mandatory for: Family or co-ed shelters and outreach programs that serve families
Module 6 – Attachments (20 Minutes)
Mandatory for: All SMIS users
Module 7 – Housing Checklist (30 Minutes)
Mandatory for: Housing workers/counsellors/caseworkers, supervisors, and managers
Module 8 – 14-Day Discharge Window (10 Minutes)
Mandatory for: All SMIS users
Module 9 – Client-Level Report for Case Managers (20 Minutes)
Mandatory for: Housing workers/counsellors/caseworkers, supervisors, and managers
The City’s Toronto Shelter & Support Services (TSSS) division launched the STARS Supports Assessment and Eligibility Verification Form (STARS EVF) on May 22, 2024. The STARS EVF is the method used to connect people to programs available through Coordinated Access (PATHS, Rapid Rehousing and Housing-Focused Client Supports).
Live online trainings are held on a quarterly basis. To register for an upcoming date, click the link:
A pre-recorded training is also available for those who are not able to attend a live training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgxoJVEAotM&ab_channel=thecityoftoronto
Once you have finished the training, please complete the online quiz to receive credit for your participation and obtain your training certificate: https://cotsurvey.chkmkt.com/Quiz_STARS_EVF.
This self-guided information session provides participants an overview of recent changes made to the Incident Report (IR) module in SMIS. The Incident Report module has been updated to support documentation of workplace violence. The information session provides details on the exact changes made to the IR module, a refresher on the definition of workplace violence, and guidance on determining if an incident meets the definition of workplace violence. In addition, the session provides an introduction to the Behavioural Risk Alert Safety System (BRASS) which is an upcoming change to the IR module that will support communicating potential risk of workplace violence across the shelter system.
This training was developed by Toronto Public Health to support staff in homelessness settings learn about Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) measures. The objective of this training is to help employees who work in shelters and 24-hour respite sites to increase their knowledge in IPAC and become familiar with IPAC best practices. This curriculum consists of the following modules that are required to be completed in the prescribed order.
Please review our general IPAC resources and references to supplement the curriculum. Once you complete each module please print the certificate of completion and send it to your Manager/Supervisor.