VITA Mens Sana

Training offered to internal staff and external participants

The following training options are offered to internal staff as well as external participants. External participants may register and attend the training mentioned below for a nominal fee. For more information regarding how to register and attend a training course offered by Vita/Mens Sana, please contact Liliana Perez, Payroll & Benefits Administrator at [email protected]

Abuse Prevention

This 2 hour class reviews the policies and procedures based on the Quality Assurance Measures, Abuse Prevention and how to report abuse. Types of abuse and how they present themselves are reviewed with the participants. How to properly ensure there is a clear allegation of abuse by asking open ended questions is reviewed and practiced with the group. Step by Step review of proper reporting of abuse and how to support a member through this process, while not tainting an investigation is the focus of this training. When a staff completes this yearly refresher training, they will feel confident in their knowledge on what to do if they ever were to suspect abuse, observe abuse or have abuse reported to them.

Safe Management Full Basic Program

The Safe Management Group Training Program involves Basic Training, Risk Management, Behaviour Management, Relationship Management and Physical Intervention Skills. The approach of the Basic Training Program relies heavily on the distinction between Prevention and Management of risky behaviours. This program was approved by the Ministry of Community and Social Services in 2003 for agencies serving children and adults with developmental disabilities.This training is valid for 12 months, in which time annual refresher training is required to maintain certification.

Safe Management Refresher

After completing the full basic Safe Management Program,annual refresher training is required to maintain certification. This training is a review of the full course and provides an opportunity for participants to bring forward any questions or difficulties they have been experiencing. This is an opportunity to fine tune techniques and refresh your awareness of the procedures.

Pharmacology

This course is based on the credit course developed for the Developmental Service Worker Program at Humber College in the School of Social & Community Services. This course runs over a period of 3 Saturdays (6 hours per day). This course presents an introductory overview of Pharmacology. Students will gain a basic understanding of medications commonly used in the field of developmental disabilities and/or mental health and will be instructed on how to administer and document medications safely and knowledgeably according to agency policy. Students will learn basic body functions related to the Neurological, Respiratory, Endocrine, Musculoskeletal, Cardiac and Digestive systems, and the specific medications used in the treatments of related disorders. The control of infectious diseases will also be examined. The participant will also learn how to find resource information related to medications.

Back Care

This training reviews proper lifting techniques, back mechanics and exercises necessary to prevent back injury. Topics cover proper lifting techniques of materials such as grocery bags, and boxes. Techniques for lifting and transferring members including proper use of mechanical lifts will be reviewed. This training is approximately 1-1.5 hours in length. Annual refresher training is required to maintain this certification.

First Aid/CPR

This class is run by the Canadian Red Cross and is a review of basic emergency First Aid techniques and adult CPR. This is a full day, mandatory training for all employees working directly with members and will require a refresher recertification every three years.

Quality Assurance Measures (QAM)

This training is offered as a review of the Ontario Regulations 299/10 Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008, Bill 77. This training highlights the segments that front line staff need to be directly aware of and ensure they are supporting and practicing proper procedures. A question and answer period is given at the end of each segment to ensure everyone is knowledgeable and comfortable with the practices now implemented within Vita/Mens Sana.

WHMIS

This 4 hour training is designed to review hazards and provide information on how to ensure the safety of staff and members in all program areas. Prevention and planning is the key to this training. Review of how to read material data safety information sheets and the importance of following guidelines is reviewed.

Fire Safety

This is a 1 hour training offered by the Toronto Fire Fighters. The focus of this training is prevention and how to respond in an emergency fire situation. Review of how to use a fire extinguisher and maintenance of fire extinguishers and alert devises are also reviewed.


Students and volunteers are welcomed at Vita/Mens Sana. As a student/volunteer you will be placed with a full-time mentor, and provided with direct supervision. The mentor will guide you in applying your academic knowledge, while gaining work experience and achieving your career and personal goals. Vita/Mens Sana requires that all students and volunteers submit to the HR department a clear police records check that includes the vulnerable sector, as well as, a ministry required medical form prior to commencement of placement. Students/volunteers work alongside residential staff to assist members with daily living and recreational activities. Students/volunteers are a valuable part of Vita/Mens Sana’s future growth development. To register or find out more information regarding becoming a volunteer or completing your student placement at Vita/Mens Sana, please contact Naomy Nara, Human Resources Recruiter at [email protected]