Emergency Support Services training
Last updated on December 16, 2024These courses are for members of the Emergency Support Services (ESS) community, provided at no-cost for ESS team members. The Justice Institute of British Columbia partners with government to deliver courses both online and in person.
On this page
In-person ESS training
There are two ways we facilitate ESS in-person training in our regions.
Community-led learning
Community led learning is an opportunity for local ESS leaders to facilitate in-person deliveries which can be adapted to their own needs.
Course delivery
Courses can be taught in team sessions, working through the content together. Alternatively, each student can work through the content individually, connecting with their community leader to confirm their completion. Organizing and delivery of the training is entirely up to the community and their specific needs.
Course packages will be available January 6th, 2025. Training can be delivered any time after receiving the packages according to community needs. There is no time limit.
Order course packages
To request course packages, a form will be available on January 6, 2025. Communities who inquire through ess@jibc.ca will be instructed to submit their request through the form when it is available in the new year.
Course packages can be requested by ESS Directors, Emergency Program Coordinators (EPC) or other authorized local authorities and first nations leaders responsible for their local emergency program.
Maximum 24 per request, per course (one per student).
Course Materials for Community Led Learning is available for these courses:
- EMRG-1600 Introduction to ESS
- EMRG-1607 Level One ESS
- EMRG-1610 Introduction to Reception Centres
- EMRG-1612 Introduction to Group Lodging
Course Materials packages consist of:
- Participant Guides
- PowerPoint Presentation File
- Course Materials Guide
- Activity Materials
- ESS Course Completion Form
- Student Information Forms
The estimated turnaround time for materials being shipped is 3 weeks from course request. Please consider shipping times when scheduling independent or facilitated training for your ESS community.
Receive credit
To receive credit for these courses a community must send back the required paperwork – there will be instructions on this in the back of the manual.
Once the ESS Course Completion Form is received by JIBC the student will have it recorded on their transcript.
If a student doesn't have a JIBC profile, complete the Student Information Form (included in the package) and send it back. Then, JIBC will create a student profile and number.
If you have any questions please contact ess@jibc.ca
JIBC instructor-led training
These courses are managed and facilitated locally. View the region map (PDF) if you're unsure of your region. If you're interested in attending one of these courses, you must contact your local ESS team.
Communities can now request courses for their ESS teams through our in-person training request form. The request period ends January 17, 2025 at midnight.
ESS online training
We provide two options for online learning. Online and self-led, or virtual classes led by JIBC instructors.
Introductory online courses
These courses are self-led and available year-round through the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC). Click on the course links below to register directly with JIBC.
- Introduction to Emergency Support Services (EMRG-1600)
- Level One ESS (EMRG-1607)
- Introduction to Reception Centres (EMRG-1610)**
- Intro to Group Lodging (EMRG-1612)**
**Prerequisite: EMRG-1600
Virtual classes for ESS responders
These classes are instructor-led, online classes, organized by us in partnership with JIBC. Click the links below to check availability and apply.
ESS director course (EMRG-1681)
Course prerequisites: EMRG–1100 Introduction to EM // EMRG-1600 Introduction to ESS // EMRG-1610 Introduction to Reception Centres // EMRG-1615 Registration and Referrals
Delivery: Online, instructor-led course combining self-directed work and scheduled virtual classroom sessions for 7 hours per week over 3 weeks (equivalent to in-person course)
Students will:
- Engage with other director candidates in activities, discussions, and live virtual sessions, and
- Spend about 7 hours a week on course activities and live virtual classroom sessions
Please note: Students must be able to attend live virtual sessions on Saturday mornings for up to 2.5 hours.
Check the application link for available dates. If your application for the course is approved, you'll receive an email with further information. Please send questions to ess@jibc.ca.
Registration and referrals (EMRG-1615)
The Registration and Referrals (R&R) course has transitioned to include a hybrid online/virtual course facilitated by JIBC instructors.
This course is essential for all ESS workers and volunteers who will be processing digital and/or paper-based registration and referrals. During the course, students will learn foundational policy and procedures of the registration and referral functions; and engage in interactive learning opportunities for applied individual and group practice.
Click below to register directly with JIBC.
Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) training
Training for the Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) tool is available year-round through the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC). Click the course links below to register directly with JIBC. All responders using ERA must complete the required training before access is provided.
ERA Tool for Responders (EMRG-1620)
Course prerequisites: EMRG-1615 Registration and Referrals
This course is for ESS responder (tier 1) users of British Columbia's Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) tool. Participants will learn the evacuee search and registration features of the tool. The course will provide technical training through software simulations, allowing for training to occur before receiving user access to ERA.
ERA Tool for Management (EMRG-1622)
Course prerequisites: EMRG-1615 Registration and Referrals
This course is for ESS supervisor (tier 2), manager/director (tier 3), and local emergency program administrator (tier 4) users of British Columbia's Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) tool. Participants will learn the management features of the tool including responder management, supplier management, community management, and generating reports. This course includes all components of ERA for Responders (EMRG-1620) training.
Introduction to Evacuee Registration and Supports (EMRG-1635)
Course prerequisites: none.
In this course, Emergency Support Services (ESS) responders will learn about registering and supporting evacuees using the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool. Learn the basics of ESS, how to interact with evacuees, and practice using ERA. These concepts will be taught through direct instruction, discussions, roleplays, and scenarios.
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Understand the steps in the registration and support process
- Understand inclusive, empathetic, and evacuee-centred communication
- Register and provide supports to evacuees in the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool with the help of job aids
See the in-person training schedule below for course availability.
Correspondence courses
Correspondence courses are for individuals to complete at their own pace. They're available year-round and are delivered in a manual format. Inside the manual are all of the course readings, activities, and student information sheets. The student information sheets must be completed so JIBC can create profiles for those who do not already have JIBC accounts. To receive credit for these courses, a student has to send back the required paperwork – instructions are provided in the back of the manual.
Courses Available: EMRG-1600, EMRG-1607
If you are interested in correspondence courses please contact ess@jibc.ca.