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]

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 3: Collaborative Problem Solving

    4. Lesson 4: Goal Anchoring

    5. Lesson 5: Community Resource Mapping

    6. Lesson 6: Self-Reflective Activities

    7. Lesson 7: Case Scenario 2

    8. Module 2 Knowledge Check

    9. Module 2 Objective Check-In

    10. 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
  • 28 lessons
  • 60 minutes of video content
  • Level: Introductory

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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