MWDA's Advanced General Assistance Webinar Training

Sponsored by: Maine Welfare Directors Association
Date: 3/11/2025
Location: Remote Access only, Live Webinar via Zoom
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $25.00 - Member; $40.00 - Non-member

Training for: General Assistance, MWDA

Who Should Attend:
The training is designed for people who have completed General Assistance Basics and are seeking certification. This is requirement 2 of 2 to receive certification in the Fundamentals of General Assistance Administration.

Objective:
Participants will be introduced to challenging General Assistance Scenarios.

A prerequisite of GA Basics needs to have been completed to register for this training.

Agenda:

9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.   --  Introductions
Ryan Gorneau, Assistant Director of Social Services, City of Portland

9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.  --  Disconnects
Paige Kombakis, Social Services Regional Coordinator, Cumberland County

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.  --  BREAK

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  --  De-escalation Training
Alexis Petterson, LCSW, MHRT/CSP, Manager of Crisis Services for Community Health and Counseling in Bangor

12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.  --  BREAK

12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.  --  Fair Hearings
Rindy Fogler, General Assistance Caseworker, Bangor Public Health & Community Services, and MWDA Board Members

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.  --  GA Scenarios
Stacey Parra, Deputy GA Administrator, Town of Union & Jamie Longley,
General Assistance Manager, City of Auburn

2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.  --  Questions & Answers
MWDA Board Members
 

Confirmation and Zoom Link:
Confirmation and Zoom Link Registrants will receive their Zoom link and meeting details directly from MMA Zoom no later than 24 hours in advance. An official workshop confirmation from MMA will follow with further instructions and access to meeting materials. Please reach out to [email protected]  if you have not received your link the day prior to the training. 

Questions/Cancellations:
Cancellations must be submitted using this Cancellation form to cancel your registration for an event. Cancellations received on/after March 7, 2025, will be charged a $15 cancellation fee. If you have any questions, please contact the Educational Services Office at (800) 452-8786 or (207) 623-8428. 

Certificate of Attendance:
Participants will receive an evaluation survey link following the webinar, and a certificate of attendance will be emailed one week after the event. 

Membership:
Join MWDA! Visit www.mainewelfaredirectors.org  to download a membership application or call the Educational Services Office at (800) 452-8786 or (207) 623-8428.

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