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Switchboard is pleased to announce a free online certificate course on Fundamentals of Trauma-Informed Casework Supervision of Refugee Service Providers that will run from March 30 to April 20, 2023.   

What will this certificate course cover? 

Refugee service providers work in a dynamically evolving and trauma-exposed environment. For casework supervisors, especially those new to their roles, it can be 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 case work 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, participants will be able to:    

• Describe 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 of any ORR-funded organization, including state agencies, resettlement agencies and affiliates, and ethnic community-based organizations.  

Participants 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 March 30 to April 20, 2023.  

Live webinar workshops will be held weekly on Thursdays. Commitment to attend all four live workshops is required:    

Thursday, March 30, 1:00–2:30 PM ET 
Thursday, April 6, 1:00–2:30 PM ET 
Thursday, April 13, 1:00–2:30 PM ET 
Thursday, April 20, 1:00–2:30 PM ET

Attendance and active participation is expected of accepted participants, which includes participation in breakout activities and discussions, as well as written dialogue exchanges with course participants and instructors.   

Independent activity for course participants includes reflections, discussions, and assignments as assigned by course instructors. 
Optional virtual office hours will be offered to course participants.  

Submit your application by Friday, March 10 and be sure to tentatively reserve the live session dates above. Accepted participants will be notified by Wednesday, March 15.