Instructor-Led Certificate Course Announcement Enhancing Services for LGBTQ+ Newcomer Clients

Switchboard is pleased to announce a free online instructor-led certificate course, Enhancing Services for LGBTQ+ Newcomer Clients, which will meet in four 90-minute sessions twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from November 12 to 21, 2024.  

 November 12, 14, 19, and 21, from 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET 

This course is among the first National Association of Social Workers-accredited Switchboard courses! Upon successful completion of the course requirements, you will earn 6 continuing education units/credits that can be applied to your professional licensure.

What will this instructor-led certificate course cover? 

This course is designed to build and improve the skills of service providers working with LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise identifying within the queer community) ORR-eligible clients, who often encounter many complex challenges throughout their migration and resettlement journeys. This course will equip service providers to become effective allies to LGBTQ+ newcomers in practice, enhancing their cultural sensitivity and ability to provide trauma-informed care. Participants will have the opportunity to practice applying their skills through hands-on engagement with real-life case scenarios. The course will also delve into specific strategies for vulnerable sub-groups, including LGBTQ+ youth, transgender and gender non-conforming newcomers, and those seeking gender-affirming care.  

Is this certificate course for me? 

This course is geared toward enhancing the expertise of caseworkers and service providers in serving LGBTQ+ newcomers. No prior experience working with LGBTQ+ clients is required. We welcome those who identify as LGBTQ+ themselves as well as allies. Live sessions of this course will cater to a spectrum of knowledge and experience by engaging participants of all identities in social learning.  

Why should I participate? 

Upon completing this course, learners will be able to:    

Explain topics relevant to serving LGBTQ+ clients, including key terminology and principles of allyship and inclusivity  

Describe the landscape impacting LGBTQ+ individuals in various U.S. states or regions and the social implications of LGBTQ+ identities in the context of newcomers’ home countries or primary cultures  

Analyze how factors like race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, and LGBTQ+ identity intersect at a micro level, generating deeper insights into the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ individuals  

Apply practical skills in serving LGBTQ+ clients  

Eligibility: The course is open to 50 caseworkers and other service providers who directly serve ORR-eligible populations, including at state agencies, resettlement agencies and affiliates, and ethnic community-based organizations. Applicants are expected to seek full support for course participation from their supervisor or director prior to applying.  

Format: This instructor-led certificate course is designed for individuals; however, multiple staff from the same organization are welcome to apply. With a combination of four live Zoom sessions and independent activity, the total time commitment will be approximately 10 hours over two weeks from November 12 to 21, 2024. The live sessions will not be recorded in order to provide all learners with maximum comfort and interactivity.

Course Schedule—live Zoom sessions will be held twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays:  

1. Commitment to attend all four live sessions is required.  
2. Attendance and active participation are expected of accepted learners, including participation in breakout activities and discussions, as well as written dialogue exchanges with fellow learners and the course instructors in the course’s online portal
3. Independent activity includes pre-readings, reflections, discussions, and assignments, accessible within the online course player, estimated at one hour weekly. 
4. Optional virtual office hours will be offered to course participants.  

Submit your application by Tuesday, October 29, and set a tentative hold on your calendar. Accepted learners will be notified by Tuesday, November 5.