Professional Development and Continuing Education

Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025| 10 AM - 11:30 AM (Virtual)
CE Credit: 1.5

Facilitator:

Dr. Gloria Cain, MSW, Ph.D.
Dr. Coudre L. Snell DSW, LISCW

Register Here

Course Overview:

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the motivational Interviewing technique used in clinical social work to help clients find the motivation to change their behaviors.

Participants will delve into the foundational process of motivational Interviewing (MI), emphasizing the tenants of the MI process (engaging, foucsing, evoking, and planning)and the OARS communication skills. Through interactive discussions and reflective exercises, participants will emerge equipped with a deeper understanding of how to effectively apply motivational Interviewing as a intervention in ways that honor and uplift Black and African American communities.

This course is ideal for social workers, counselors, healthcare professionals, community organizers, and anyone involved in supporting individuals and communities impacted mental health diagnoses.

Objectives:

• Define and understand the components of Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Develop an awareness of the importance and evidence for the use of MI
• Gain knowledge of the Transtheoretical Model stages of change
• Apply MI skills and techniques in practice

Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 10AM (Virtual)
Facilitator: Kevin Carter, MSW, Senior Research and Practice Fellow, Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation, Drexel University
CE Credit: 2

Course Overview:

A comprehensive exploration of the distinctive challenges and opportunities inherent in applying a grief and trauma informed perspective within Black and African American communities.

Participants learned the foundational principles of grief care, emphasizing their integration with the six core tenants of the School of Social Work’s Black Perspective. Through interactive discussions and reflective exercises, participants were equipped with a deeper understanding of how to effectively apply grief and trauma informed practices in ways that honor and uplift Black and African American communities.

Objectives:

• Gained foundational knowledge of the intersecting nature of grief and trauma in the African American community.
• Acquired tools to understand relationship between practitioner grief and trauma and their impact on serving others.
• Normalized the connections between loss, grief and change in all areas of practice in social work.
• Resource the unique strengths of Black and African American communities to cope with grief, loss and trauma.

Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 10AM (Virtual)
CE Credit: 3  
Facilitators:
Dr. Sheryl Neverson, Ph.D., LCSW-C, LICSW
Howard University School of Social Work Adjunct Faculty
Senior Vice President of Clinical Strategy, Volunteers of America

Nicholette Smith-Bligen, MSW
Sr. Director of the Technical Assistance Unit, Casey Family Programs

Course Overview:

This course focused on understanding and addressing cultural biases and stereotypes in social work practice. Participants explored how personal and systemic biases impact their work and learn strategies to recognize and mitigate them. The course covered key concepts of cultural competence and provided techniques for creating inclusive, culturally sensitive practices. 

Objectives:

• Defined cultural biases and stereotypes.
• Identified biases in social work through case studies and reflection.
• Developed strategies to challenge personal biases and promote cultural humility.
• Enhanced cultural competence in everyday practice.
• Engaged in interactive activities to practice empathy, active listening, and bias recognition.

Date: Friday, October 4 at 10:00AM-2:00PM (In-Person)
Louis Stokes Library, Howard University 
CE Credit: 4
Panelists:

• Dawn Hobdy, MSW
• Melanece Wesley, MSW
• Robert Cosby, Ph.D., MSW, MPhil

Course Summary:

Attendees explored how emerging technologies were reshaping the future of social work education and practice. Our expert panel delved deep into the ethical complexities of integrating AI, presenting case studies, AI tool evaluations, and policy reviews. Participants learned how to navigate the balance between innovation and integrity, gaining an understanding of how AI could influence ethical decision-making in academics, practice, and policy. This was an essential opportunity to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. (4 CE credits)

Course Objectives:

• Master Ethical Guidelines for AI in Social Work: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical framework governing the use of AI in social work, including its application in education, practice, policy, and research.
• Critically Evaluate AI’s Impact: Analyze the benefits, risks, and ethical implications of AI technologies in social work, with a focus on safeguarding client well-being and maintaining professional integrity.
• Address AI-Driven Inequities: Discuss strategies to combat AI-related inequalities in client care and service delivery, ensuring that AI advancements promote social justice and cultural competency.
• Navigate Ethical Decision-Making with AI: Enhance decision-making skills by applying ethical principles to AI use in social work, ensuring that technology aligns with core social work values.
• Prepare for the Future of AI in Social Work: Explore and assess the long-term implications of AI in social work, equipping practitioners with the knowledge and strategies needed to responsibly integrate emerging technologies into their practice.

Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 10:00AM (Virtual)
Facilitator: Kendra S. Sims, LCSW, MSW
Dangerfield Institute of Urban Problems and Guardians of Love Foster Family Agency
CE Credit: 3 

This course delved into strength-based, trauma-informed care, equipping participants with the skills to understand and address the complex interplay between reasons, feelings, and behaviors resulting from trauma exposure. Participants learned to assess the historical causes of trauma and developed effective strategies to support children and adolescents who had experienced trauma.

A key component of the course was the exploration of the cognitive triangle, which enabled participants to understand and utilize various treatment modalities effectively. Additionally, the course emphasized the importance of considering diversity factors that impact clients, ensuring a holistic and inclusive approach to trauma-informed care. 

Course Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of trauma, including a working definition and the four types of trauma.
• Explore the neurology of trauma, focusing on brain development in children and adolescents.
• Examine the distinction between discipline and abuse, understanding the critical transition points.
• Analyze the long-term and short-term mental health effects of early onset trauma.

Date: Thursday, October 24 at 10:00AM-12:00PM 
In Collaboration with the Chesapeake Center for ADHD, Learning and Behavioral Health
CE Credit: 2

Facilitators

• LaRhonda Gough, LCSW-C
• Shana Gage, MD
• Peter Fitts, LCSW-C

Registration Opens 9/30/24

Register Here

Course Overview:

Debunk common myths surrounding ADHD within the Black community and gain insights into effective treatment approaches. Participants will explore the symptoms, diagnosis, and prevalence of ADHD, both in the general population and specifically within the Black community.

Objectives: 

• Understand the impact of these myths, including underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, and stigma within the Black community
• Explore how implicit racial bias affects ADHD diagnosis and treatment in schools and healthcare settings
• Gain a psychiatric perspective on ADHD as a medical condition with a neurological basis
• Discuss the effectiveness of common ADHD medications and address misconceptions about medication use within Black families
• Develop culturally competent social work approaches to treating ADHD, including addressing cultural barriers and reducing stigma

Video Recording-

https://howard.zoom.us/rec/share/QUbQcHubneP6WY8JCtBdUR3Ou-njLXtHU6OF49_b_kpxKyCVCKqyCUbN_FyLpUah.R4S9k5udHojV_TMo?startTime=1729778538000
Passcode: ub&rQ6RQ

*CE Certificates No Longer Available (Live Participation Required)

Date: April 18, 2024
Facilitator: Toni Cole, DBH, LCSW, MSW
CEO, Behavioral Health Solutions 360, Inc.
CE Credit: 3 

Behavioral Health in the Black Community: A Strengths-based Perspective provided a comprehensive overview of the resilience of Black people against institutionalized racism and social constructs designed to upend their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. The course explored the best practices and innovative approaches utilized by healthcare professionals who treat patients from Black and other marginalized communities of color. It examined the vital role of family and community in shaping racial identity, as well as the historical role of the Black Church and its inherent strengths offered to the community it serves. Finally, the course explored ways in which the Black community is returning to its roots by integrating a holistic, Afro-centric health approach to self-care. 

Course Objectives:

• Highlight the Resilience of the Black Community’s Approach to Behavioral Health
• Explore Resources Used by the Black Community to Combat Institutionalized Racism in Healthcare
• Promote Behavioral Health and Holistic Approaches to Care

Video Recording-

https://howard.zoom.us/rec/share/wRLan0kWHUCiLd20JhIbkgAHUm7ukMkLe40PLh1ucG5MY_fSyAOAOI1V6tNY0oSj.R8vLBayE70BrSi07 
Passcode: +T2fpNp+

*CE Certificates No Longer Available (Live Participation Required)

Date: May 16, 2024 10-11:30am
Facilitator: Dr. Michele L. Shropshire, LCSW, M.S.Ed.
CE Credit: 1.5

This course aimed to give social workers the fundamental know-how to successfully negotiate the growing nexus between social work practice and technology. The basic concepts of artificial intelligence (AI) were covered, along with the possible advantages and ways it could improve social work services. Identifying and integrating popular and next-wave AI tools and technologies into professional practice received particular focus. Social workers thoroughly evaluated the impact of technology on client engagement, case management processes, and decision-making in social work, ensuring a holistic understanding of its implications. The course also addressed critical considerations, including potential risks, challenges, and ethical concerns associated with using technology in social work, and highlighted the need for progressive research in this growing area of social work. 

Course Objectives:

1. Understand the concepts of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in social work.
2. Explore the potential benefits and opportunities that technology presents for social work practice.
3. Identify specific AI tools and technologies relevant to social work.
4. Evaluate the impact of technology on client engagement, case management, and decision-making processes in social work.
5. Analyze potential risks and challenges associated with using technology, particularly in social work.
6. The importance of social workers developing research in the use of technology in the profession.

Video Recording

https://howard.zoom.us/rec/share/Ohassg1xKWh7rGUDH7lV1RcHj4nwTEVlOSCoosgadPH8HQmdI9zHGn-z7lS7clw.qygw3lLTnX9fregn 
Passcode: WFYqC?7s

*CE Certificates No Longer Available (Live Participation Required)

Narrative Healing: Empowerment Through Storytelling- March 21, 2024 

Professional development course presented in collaboration with Presidential Consultants, the Danya Institute, and Howard University School of Social Work. Training provides a holistic understanding of the lived experience narrative and learn to harness its transformative potential. Explore how stories drive community dynamics and develop the skills to connect deeply, promote mental well-being, and foster resilience in the communities we serve. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your professional practice and create a meaningful impact through the personal narrative. 

Facilitator(s):

Kami J. Anderson, Ph.D., Director of Learning Design and Senior Trainer, Presidential Consultants

Deborah Nixon Hughes, LCSW-C, Project Director, Central East Technology Transfer Center (PTTC), The Danya Institute

Video Recording- 
https://howard.zoom.us/rec/share/LjD310F-lavRXHKkEdhv88UO8EjMg3KmeZIGr6zly8V5VvYBZR9n6h7rrmbnnl8I.eTPjO5JCzmBfQDAN  
Passcode: z*UBAq+8

*CE Certificates No Longer Available (Live Participation Required)

Looking for a co-sponsor? The School of Social Work offers continuing education certificates and evaluations to programs that meet the eligibility standards established by the DC Board of Social Work. For more information, please contact Kathelon.Toliver@howard.edu or submit application. 

We are actively seeking dynamic speakers to contribute their expertise and knowledge to our professional development course offerings. We offer courses through a strength-based lens and offer a range of topics in technology, environmental justice, ethics, political considerations, health and wellness, gun violence, gerontology, informed-trauma, and more to support the social work profession. If you are interested in leading and/or facilitating a training, please contact Kathelon.Toliver@howard.edu or submit application to provide your credentials and interests. 

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