This continuing education course focuses on developing knowledge and skills for trauma-informed social work practice. The course introduces students to frameworks for understanding trauma. The course utilises a social justice lens as it explores the impact of trauma on a variety of client systems including individuals, families, and communities with a focus on resiliency, coping, and strengths. Students will explore basic principles of a trauma informed approach and examine how they are affected by trauma and how they can experience and reduce vicarious traumatization. Consideration is given to how social service organisations and professionals can reduce re-traumatisation of vulnerable clients who are accessing social services.

This course seeks to:

1. Define what is trauma
2. Identify various types of trauma and differentiate between interpersonal trauma (sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and incest) and other types/situational trauma (crime and violence, natural disaster, and accidents)
3. Critically explore various frameworks for understanding trauma
4. Explain what trauma-informed social work practice is
5. Discuss how a trauma-informed approach fits within the social justice agenda of social work practice
6. Explore trauma-informed approaches for intervening with a variety of client systems affected by trauma
7. Examine strategies social service organisations can adopt to reduce re-traumatisation of vulnerable clients
8. Develop strategies for preventing, addressing, and managing vicarious traumatisation amongst social work professionals
9. Identify how trauma-informed principles can be integrated into social service organisations

Blended format - with face-to-face and online class sessions. Class sessions are three hours each week for the entire semester with lectures, discussions, guest presentations and interactive activities.  

COST: $450.00

TOPICS

1. Trauma-informed principles and strategic planning
2. Organisational systems and trauma-informed services
3. Organisational policies and procedures to reduce re-traumatization of clients
4. Ways to reduce vicarious traumatization
5. Developing a self-care plan when working with traumatized populations

EVALUATION:

• Mid-semester Test 20%
• Class Attendance & Participation 10%
• Pop Quizzes 10%
• Group Presentation 30`%
• Final Paper 30%