Switchboard's free online self-paced course, Introduction to Strengths-Based Services, introduces a strengths-based approach to services that recognizes clients as capable, resourceful, and resilient. 

You will learn how to incorporate these principles into your work to empower clients to achieve their goals as they build a life in the United States.   

Course Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to: 

  • Describe a strengths-based approach to service delivery and how it benefits you and your clients
  • Apply strengths-based strategies during client meetings to empower clients and foster collaboration
  • Identify client strengths and community resources to help clients overcome challenges and achieve their goals


Who Is the Course for? 

This course is designed for social workers and other professionals who provide services to newcomers, including:  

  • Newcomer service providers

  • Caseworkers and case managers

  • Employment specialists 


Approximate time to complete: 60 mins

Need support? Email [email protected]

This is an ASWB ACE-approved course worth 1 continuing education (CE) unit. 

This is an independent, asynchronous, pre-recorded course that learners will navigate via Thinkific course player. Registration is free and ongoing. For ADA accommodations, please contact [email protected], attn: Tigest Coleman. All learners are required to have a computer system and an internet connection sufficient to play online course videos.   

Course Curriculum

    1. How to Navigate this Course

    2. Welcome to the Course

    1. Lesson 1: Describing a Strengths-Based Approach

    2. Lesson 2: Strengths-Based Principles

    3. Module 1 Knowledge Check

    4. Module 1 Objective Check-In

    5. Module 1 Conclusion

    1. Lesson 1: Introduction to Strengths-Based Strategies

    2. Lesson 2: Open-Ended Questions

    3. Lesson 4: Goal Anchoring

    4. Lesson 5: Community Resource Mapping

    5. Lesson 6: Self-Reflective Activities

    6. Lesson 7: Case Scenario 2

    7. Module 2 Knowledge Check

    8. Module 2 Objective Check-In

    9. Module 2 Conclusion

    1. Lesson 1: Common Client Barriers

    2. Lesson 2: Limited English Proficiency

    3. Lesson 3: Credentialing and Skill Development Needs

    4. Lesson 4: Child Care

    5. Lesson 5: Transportation

    6. Module 3 Knowledge Check

    7. Module 3 Objectives Check-In

    8. Module 3 Conclusion

    1. Course Conclusion

    2. Course Satisfaction Survey

    3. Course Outro & Next Steps

About this course

  • Free
  • 27 lessons
  • 60 minutes of video content
  • Level: Introductory
  • 1 CE

Jenna Christie-Tabron

EdD, LMSW, MFT, LMFTA

Jenna is Switchboard’s Senior Training Officer. She is a licensed social worker and associate family therapist who has nearly a decade of experience in treating adults and adolescents facing various individual and family challenges. Jenna has worked as a trauma-focused clinician, advocate, educator, and consultant in the psychiatric, health care, judicial, and education systems. Originally from The Bahamas, she returned to her homeland in 2016 to serve adolescents in the Ministry of Social Services and help launch a mental health initiative for survivors who were displaced after a natural disaster. In 2022, she returned to the U.S. to begin her work with the IRC as the Intensive Case Management Supervisor for the Phoenix office. Jenna holds a BA in Psychology from East Carolina University, a master’s in Family Therapy from Drexel University, a Master of Social Work from the University of Central Florida, and a Doctor of Education degree with a specialization in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Photo of course instructor: Jenna Christie-Tabron LMSW, MFT

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Course Completion

ASWB CE Information

Social workers must attend the entire course and complete a course evaluation to be eligible for CE credit. Social workers will be required to get 100% on a post-test in order to receive CE credit, but they may retake the test as many times as necessary to get this score. Certificates of completion will be issued within 1 business day of course completion. 

Introduction to Strengths-Based Services, course #6728, is approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to be offered by Switchboard TA as an individual course. 

Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE course approval period: xx/xx/26-xx/xx/28. Social workers completing this course receive 1 general continuing education credit. 

This course is free to register; there is no penalty or cost for discontinuing the course. To unenroll, you may simply leave course uncompleted, but will receive no credit for the portions of the course you have fulfilled. This course was last updated March 27, 2026.  

Grievance Policy: Switchboard TA’s grievance policy ensures timely, ethical, and transparent resolution of complaints—including those related to course content, instructors, certificates, or other concerns—with oversight by the designated social work consultant and CE director to safeguard fairness and objectivity. Participants may request a copy of the full grievance policy or submit a grievance at any time using the contact information provided.