Certificate for new supervisors: Supervisor training for health and human services professionals

Individual module overview

Module 1: Essential skills for the new supervisor with Susan Geary, PhD

October 5, 2026  | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET

Building a solid foundation on which to incorporate good supervisory practices is the first step in providing effective supervision to staff members. 

This training will focus on the multi-faceted role of the supervisor. First time supervisors, team leaders with supervisory responsibilities and experienced supervisors will find this training very useful.  

Learning objectives:

• Explore the difference between being a supervisor, manager, and leader
• Discuss some of the challenges in making the transition to supervision, as well as ways to ease that transition
• Learn how to set goals and clarify expectations with staff members so that they know what is expected of them
• Be able to delegate work so that their staff not only learn and grow but also complete the task effectively
• Explore their style as a supervisor and the impact of that style on others
• Examine best practices in giving feedback and coaching employees to maximize performance
• Explore a key time management tool that can free up the time required to supervise effectively

Module 2: Leadership and motivation with Susan Geary, PhD

October 13, 2026 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET

Engaged and inspired employees will work up to 30 per cent harder than their counterparts. 

This webinar will look at how supervisors can use their leadership skills to encourage such exemplary performance.

Learning objectives:

• Understand what leadership is and why it is important
• Learn how to inspire staff members by helping them see the connection between their role and the vision and values of the organization
• Identify ways to motivate people and reenergize staff – even those that are worn down 
• Be able to communicate with people who have different temperaments in the workforce
• Use an easy-to-follow model of change that ensures that people are on-side and committed to change
• Build a high-performing team to increase the productivity and satisfaction of the group

Module 3: Holding difficult conversations with Marion Langford, M.Ed.

October 22, 2026 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET

Being able to address issues with individuals is a key supervisory skill. This webinar walks through a complete “how-to” for preparing and conducting any difficult conversation. 

Participants will gain a tool kit of questions and guidance addressing aspects for framing the issue along with setting boundaries and accountability in these conversations. 

Learning objectives:

• Create clear expectations for the conduct of conversations of this kind 
• Cultivate a practice that will build a bridge to understanding another person  
• Recognize the different stress responses during difficult conversations, and strategies to address them  
• Identify the clear and compelling reasons the conversation is required 
• Practice how to open this type of conversation 
• Identify the questions and the feedback that will improve understanding and options to resolve issues

Module 4: Cultivating your credibility and influence as a supervisor with Marion Langford, M.Ed.

October 27, 2026 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET

One of the key challenges in any supervisory role is to engage people in such a way that staff choose to trust and respect you. 

This webinar focuses on what you can do as a supervisor to create the conditions for a beneficial and positive working relationship with others.  

Learning objectives:

• Identify the key practices and skills to effectively building trust and influence 
• Lead meetings and projects in such a way that there is real engagement and commitment to outcomes  
• Get clear about how values and needs are addressed in decisions   
• Understand how to communicate all decisions effectively (including the ones you didn’t make, but are yours to implement)  
• Recognize the necessity and the how-to of apologies for repairing relationships (and how doing so demonstrates your commitment to being accountable, and having integrity) 

What our learners have said about this program

"This program provided practical, evidence-informed leadership strategies that I can immediately apply in my professional practice. The sessions on building credibility, effective communication, accountability, and leading with empathy were engaging, relevant, and impactful. I highly recommend this program to leaders who want to strengthen their influence and create psychologically safe, high-performing teams." 

- Nimota Raji Gambari, MSW, BSW, RSW, Certificate for new supervisors, facilitated by Dr. Susan Geary and Marion Langford, summer 2026.

"As a leader with extensive experience in organization and people management, I found this program to be immensely beneficial. It has been a great way to sharpen my toolkit of leadership. The program offered new ways of communicating as well as great opportunities for self-evaluation. It was also great connecting with others in other sectors and to share in learning and development."

- Debra Forrester, Manager, Region of Peel, Certificate for new supervisors, facilitated by Dr. Susan Geary and Marion Langford, summer 2026.

"Susan and Marion are wonderful facilitators! I've learned several practical tools to use as a leader and have appreciated the connections I've built with others in the class. I would very much recommend this course to anyone in a leadership position or hoping to enter one. Thank you!"

- Attendee, Certificate for new supervisors, facilitated by Dr. Susan Geary and Marion Langford, summer 2026.

"Best program I have engaged in recently and it's very timely. thank you so much to both Susan and Marion for facilitating this program. I will DEFINITELY recommend this program for all individuals in leadership/management. Both Old and New!"

- Attendee, Certificate for new supervisors, facilitated by Dr. Susan Geary and Marion Langford, summer 2026.

"The Certificate for new supervisors is a great training to build confidence and practice the much needed practical skills in becoming a great people leader."

"Very applicable to the work that I do and has provided valuable tools to look back on as a new manager."

"Love the practical tools!"

"Marion was wonderful. I loved her style, knowledge, and examples."

"Susan was WONDERFUL! I loved all of the real-life examples she brought into the conversations. The day was engaging, and I got a lot out of today with tangible skills I can bring back to use with my team as a new manager/leader."

Accessibility

We strive to ensure our online learning programs are easy for everyone, everywhere. If you have any accessibility requirements (automatic transcripts, closed-captioning, ASL interpreters, advanced access to program materials), please email Mary Anne Van Rooyen at mvanrooyen@sickkidscmhlearning.ca to let us know how we can best support your learning experience.

Please note: Once the online registration is complete, any modifications to a registration must be done by contacting Mary Anne Van Rooyen via email at mvanrooyen@sickkidscmhlearning.ca

Photography is being used  for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted in the content is  a model, except where indicated.

If registration has closed and you're still interested in joining this course, please contact Mary Anne at mvanrooyen@sickkidscmhlearning.ca