Fundamentals of Trauma-Informed Casework Supervision of Refugee Service Providers
Switchboard is pleased to announce a free online certificate course on Fundamentals of Trauma-Informed Casework Supervision of Refugee Service Providers, which will meet in four 90-minute sessions on Thursdays from August 15 to September 5, 2024:
- August 15, 22, 29, and September 5 from 1:00 – 2:30 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 10 continuing education units/credits that can be applied to your professional licensure.
What will this certificate course cover?
Refugee service providers work in a dynamically evolving and trauma-exposed environment. Casework supervisors, especially those new to their roles, can find it difficult to navigate these challenges while supporting their teams. In this certificate course, you will learn about the widespread impact of trauma in resettlement work and how to recognize the signs and symptoms as they show up in your staff. By completing the course, you will gain a pragmatic framework for building an effective cross-cultural, trauma-informed approach to casework supervision.
Is this certificate course for me?
This course is geared toward managers and supervisors interested in improving their trauma-informed support and supervision skills. The course will be most relevant for casework supervisors and managers who have been in their roles between six and 18 months. Participants are expected to bring a foundational skillset in case management and a basic understanding of their core roles and responsibilities as supervisors. This course will not cover the basics of case management.
Why should I participate?
Upon completing this course, learners will be able to:
- Describe three key fundamentals of casework supervision in the context of services for newcomers
- Describe potential impacts of trauma in casework and apply practical skills in trauma-informed supervision
- Apply practical skills in culturally aware supervision, including strategies that consider socio-cultural context
- Apply practical skills in supportive supervision, including strategies for staff care and self-care
Eligibility
The course is open to 50 staff members who serve ORR-eligible populations, including at state agencies, resettlement agencies and affiliates, and ethnic community-based organizations. Applicants must currently supervise at least one caseworker, case manager, or similar position. Applicants are expected to seek full support from their supervisor/director for course participation prior to submitting an application.
Format
This course is designed to be completed by individual participants. Multiple staff members from the same organization may individually apply for the course. In a combination of four live workshops and independent activity, the total time commitment will be approximately 10 hours over four weeks from August 15 to September 5, 2024. The synchronous sessions will not be recorded to provide all learners with maximum comfort and interactivity.
- Course Schedule: Synchronous Zoom sessions will be held once a week on Thursdays:
Thursday, August 15, 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET
Thursday, August 22, 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET
Thursday, August 29, 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET
Thursday, September 5, 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET - Commitment to attend all four synchronous sessions is required.
- 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 instructor in the course’s online course player.
- Independent activity includes pre-readings, reflections, discussions, and assignments, accessible within the online course player.
- Optional virtual office hours will be offered to course participants.
Submit your application by Friday, July 19, and set a tentative hold on your calendar. Accepted learners will be notified by Thursday, July 25.