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September 8, 2022

Top Stories 

View Our 2022 Forum Program and Register Before September 16

Registration for OMSSA's 2022 Forum closes on September 16. Register today and save your virtual seat for our Forum.


Coming to you virtually over two mornings, on September 20 & 21, OMSSA's 2022 Forum will focus on the issue of workplace mental health and the types of changes affecting human services workplaces. We will discuss a number of workplace mental health topics that are relevant to all OMSSA members, such as: burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma, self-care, and more. 


We hope to navigate these challenges in-depth while hearing from experts about possible solutions around coping with change, managing anxiety and fatigue, and building psychologically healthy and safe workplaces.

OMSSA is Pleased to Announce Our Day 1 Opening Keynote, Françoise Mathieu


OMSSA welcomes back mental health expert Françoise Mathieu as our 2022 Forum Day 1 opening keynote speaker.  


This forward-looking keynote will set the stage for the two mornings of OMSSA's 2022 Forum and focus on the issue of workplace mental health and the types of changes affecting us all. 

OMSSA is Pleased to Announce Our Day 2 Opening Keynote, Marci Gray


OMSSA welcomes back Psychotherapist and DEI Consultant, Marci Gray, as our 2022 Forum Day 2 opening keynote speaker.  


As OMSSA Members you may be familiar with the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues, what about the impact of how mental health stigma intersects with racial stigma? Staff who both identify as racialized and are struggling with their mental health must overcome the “dual stigma” where these two identities intersect. In addition, they must also overcome multiple barriers to seeking help.


In this keynote, Psychotherapist and DEI Consultant, Marci Gray, will outline ways in which leaders and managers can view racism through the lens of workplace psychological health and safety. This framework will be introduced, and emphasis will be placed on how to ensure the overall well-being of racialized staff.

OMSSA is Pleased to Offer Several Great Breakout Sessions


We've added several great breakout sessions to the 2022 Forum program. Visit our 2022 Forum website to learn more about these great sessions and panelists:


  • Identifying and Providing Support for Anxiety, Acute Stress, and Trauma in Colleagues and Staff
  • Enhancing Remote and Hybrid Workplace Communications
  • Practical Strategies for Healthier Workplaces
  • Mental and Emotional Preparedness While Working with Service Users in Crisis
Visit our Website
Register Today

One Week Left to Submit Your 2022 Awards Nomination

OMSSA's Awards and Recognition Program recognizes individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to both OMSSA and their communities, recognizing their commitment to planning, managing and delivering quality human services in Ontario.


Tell us about the excellent work happening in your community and the dedicated individuals who have championed human services throughout their careers before our nominations deadline of September 16, 2022. 


To submit a nomination:

  • Download one of our Award nomination forms
  • Fill out the form to provide details about your nominee
  • Send your completed form back to us as a PDF by email at info@omssa.com by the nomination deadline


OMSSA encourages nominations that reflect the diversity of its membership, in particular from individuals from racialized groups and Indigenous Peoples to ensure that our awards are reflective of the racial diversity of the populations its members serve. 

Save the Date for OMSSA's 2022 Policy Conference

Save the date for OMSSA's 2022 Policy Conference! OMSSA is pleased to host Members on December 7 & 8 for our first in-person event in three years!*


OMSSA’s 2022 Policy Conference brings human services leaders and policy experts, together with provincial leaders, stakeholder organizations, and other subject matter experts with the goal of discussing policy priorities into 2023 and beyond. Conference topics will consider the year ahead, bringing together experts who can provide insights into topics such as child care and early childhood education, housing and homelessness, income and employment assistance, human service integration, and much more! 


Registration is now open! Take advantage of our Early Bird rates until November 23rd. Register five or more people and receive a 20% discount!


*We will be monitoring both the municipal and provincial public health guidelines to ensure a safe in-person event. 

Reserve your room ahead of the 2022 Policy Conference!


OMSSA's 2022 Policy Conference is taking place at the Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. OMSSA has negotiated a rate for attendees of $219 CAD per night. 

Visit our Website
Register Today
Reserve Your Room

Policy Monitor

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  • The Government of Canada announced an investment of $100 million to develop and implement Canada's first federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan. 

OMSSA Updates

The Latest from OMSSA's Blog: Bruce County Launches Affordable Housing Toolkit for Developers


Read our latest blog post from Tania Dickson, Housing Services Manager with Bruce County, about the launch of the first phase of their Affordable Housing Toolkit earlier this year. The toolkit offers a wealth of information and data to assist property owners and developers appreciate the need for affordable housing. The toolkit outlines the need for diverse development opportunities, including medium and high-density units, to support everyone‘s various housing needs. Learn more about Bruce County's toolkit.

Read the blog post

If you would like to contribute to OMSSA's Knowledge Exchange blog, please contact OMSSA's Communications and Member Engagement Manager, Rob Kirsic, at communications@omssa.com.

Register for OMSSA's Fall 2022 Professional Development Opportunities


OMSSA has some valuable professional development opportunities coming up for human services staff at all levels, providing skills and competencies designed to improve service quality, build organizational capacity, enhance service system management and further service integration. Visit our website to view the full calendar and see what's coming up in September and October or see our full list of available online workshops.

View our calendar

In the News

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Member Stories:

Waterloo Region staff to present comprehensive plan to address homelessness, in short and long term (paywall)

Human Services Headlines:

25% discount for licenced home daycares by Waterloo Region

Hastings County lays out housing and homelessness goals for the next 10 years

32,000 new homes needed in Niagara over next decade, housing industry observer says

Ontario extending $10/day child-care opt-in deadline to get more operators to apply

Sector News and Resources

OMSSA would like to congratulate Rod Sutherland who served as Director, Human Services with the City of Kawartha Lakes on his retirement. OMSSA would also like to congratulate Cheryl Faber on her appointment as Director, Human Services with the City of Kawartha Lakes. 

Communities across the world are already feeling the impact of increasing climatic events. Engineering firm GHD has developed a model estimating the future economic impact of water risk. For Canada, their model projects that droughts, floods and storms could result in a total loss of $108 billion to Canadian GDP between 2022 and 2050. Read their findings here

The Ontario Ombudsman, Paul Dubé, released his 2021-2022 Annual Report. The report highlights various services provided by the province and the common concerns and issues received by the office from Ontario residents. Read the report here

Good People with Mark Sakamoto investigates the homelessness crisis in Hamilton, Ontario before looking to Medicine Hat, Alberta for innovative solutions. Watch the episode here

Job/RFP Opportunities

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Executive Director - Red Door Family Shelter

KCI TalentApply by September 9

Compliance Analyst

County of Simcoe | Apply by September 9

Information Technology Support Technician

District of Parry Sound | Apply by September 12

Maintenance Services Supervisor

District of Nipissing | Apply by September 12

Manager, Housing Development

City of London | Apply by September 13

...and many more

Virtual Training

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OW Directives and SAMS Training: Disposition of Assets: Impact on EligibilitySeptember 15-16

Mental Health First Aid | September 20-21

Understanding Client Behaviours: What Research Tells UsSeptember 22-23

Improve Your Listening Skills with the 4-Step Empathy LoopSeptember 27

Re-imagining Employment: Exploring Pathways for 21st Century WorkSeptember 28-29

...and many more

The Ontario Municipal Social Services Association

30 Duncan Street, Suite 606

Toronto, ON M5V 2C3

416-479-1491

www.omssa.com

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