MSSI Services
Centralized Services & Support
The Kenora Chiefs Advisory participates in the MSSI Cluster Model, and provides centralized Ontario Work services. The program is staffed by knowledgeable personnel to answer your questions.
- Linda Cobiness, Program Manager and Eligibility Review Officer
- Sonya Murray, Family Support Worker and Eligibility Review Officer
- Corrina Gagnon, Evaluation Advisory Committee Member
- Dennise Pemmican, Program Assistant
Each member First Nation has direct access to the following services.
Family Support Worker Services
The FSW program is a new initiative of the MSSI Cluster Model. The FSW mandate under the Ontario Works Program is to assist parents in receipt of financial assistance to pursue adequate support in accordance with child support guidelines, either in court or through obtaining out-of-court settlements.
- Family Support Worker Brochure
- Family Support Worker Poster
- Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility Review Officer Services
The Eligibility Review Officer program is a new initiative of the MSSI Cluster Model. The ERO program is established to investigate the eligibility of present and past applicants and recipients. Upon completion of the investigations, decisions are made regarding ongoing eligibility, overpayments or arrears and where warranted, there may be a referral to the police for legal action.
To report a potential fraud allegation, please call the Welfare Fraud Control Hotline: 1-800-394-7867
Internal Program Reviews
The centralized unit may conduct internal program reviews to ensure program effectiveness of the Ontario Works pilot project.
Staff Development and Training
The MSSI centralized staff will assist each First Nation with the development and maintenance of an Ontario Works training plan. The training plan would include the training of all new social services staff and provide ongoing training for all member First Nation Ontario Works employees.
Technology Systems Coordination
The member First Nations utilize the GWA Calculator provided by A.D. Morrison & Associates to administer the Ontario Works program within their communities. The GWA/OW Calculator is an application specifically written to provide all the tools each First Nation needs to perform complete Ontario Works case management to administer both Financial Assistance and Employment Assistance.
In addition, the member First Nations and MSSI Centralized Services have implemented the DSSAB Module which has the ability to generate information that can be sent from the First Nation to the MSSI Centralize Services on a regular basis to roll-up and analyze reports and perform basic client enquiries.
Ontario Works Discretionary Policies
The MSSI centralized services will assist the member First Nations with setting Ontario Works discretionary and local policies, as needed.
Internal Appeals Process
If an application for financial assistance is denied, the applicant is advised of the decision and the reason for it in writing. The applicant or participant has a right to appeal any decision made that affects their eligibility for or the amount of their assistance.
If an applicant requests an internal review, (Request for an internal review form) the request will be referred to the MSSI Centralized Services who will conduct the internal review process for the member First Nations.
Prior to an appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal, an internal review must be requested and completed or requested and the time passed for the completion of the review.
Regional Initiatives, Labour Market Analysis & Matching
The MSSI centralized services in cooperation with member First Nations will assist in developing partnerships with local and large scale business to access employment and training opportunities.
Coordinated Delivery Options
The MSSI centralized service organizes monthly social services meetings with the member First Nations to share best practices and work collectively to coordinate effective employment strategies to improve Ontario Works program delivery.
