Professional Development and Continuing Education

Date: May 1-May 30, 2025
Virtual, Self-Paced Webinars
CE Credit: 8

In recognition of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (May 5–11, 2025), we’re excited to offer a FREE, self-paced webinar series designed to support perinatal social workers and health professionals like you!

You can earn up to 8 FREE CEUs by completing both parts of this powerful learning experience—centered on COVID-19, vaccine confidence, maternal mental health, and culturally responsive care in Black communities.

Register Here

Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025| 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Virtual)
Howard University School of Social Work
CE Credit: 2

Facilitator: Ta'Wane Watkins, LCSW, LICSW
Jaxcyn Therapy Group, Founder

Register Here

Overview: 

This training equips social work professionals with practical tools to support Black men facing trauma through a culturally grounded approach. Participants will examine the effects of racial trauma, systemic barriers, and societal pressures on mental health and well-being. The workshop highlights strategies for fostering resilience, strengthening coping skills, and applying interventions that reflect the lived experiences of Black men. With a focus on empowerment, healing, and strengths-based techniques, this program offers actionable methods to build trust, deepen therapeutic connections, and enhance support in clinical practice.

Objectives:

• Understanding the Impact of Racial Trauma: Explore the ways racism, discrimination, and systemic inequality contribute to trauma in Black men.
• Identifying Coping Strategies and Resilience-Building Technique: Discover real-world examples of resilience strategies that Black men use to navigate trauma.
• Exploring Culturally Competent Approaches to Therapy: Explore frameworks that consider community support systems, historical trauma, and societal pressures.
• Promoting Healing and Growth through Strengths-Based Approaches: Learn how to foster empowerment, healing, and personal growth in Black men who have experienced trauma.

Why Attend?

This training is ideal for Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors, Social Work Educators, Community Advocates and, Behavioral Health Practitioners to understand the nuances of trauma specific to Black men and providing a more inclusive, empathetic, and effective therapeutic space.

Date: Thursday, May 22| 12:00 PM-1:00 PM (Virtual)
AIDS Education & Training Center Program (AETC) MidAtlantic
CE Credit: 1.5

Speaker: Erica J. Friedman, Ph.D.
CEO and Founder of Deviate to Elevate, LLC

Register Here

Overview: 

This Interactive training will introduce the attendees to some best practices that incorporate a Trauma-Informed lens when provide HIV Care to their patients. The speaker will create a safe space welcoming peer discussion on trauma, how it shows up in patient care, and ways to navigate it best with their patients. 

Objectives 

• Understand trauma, its effects, and its unique impact on people with HIV, including HIV-related sources of trauma.
• Explore the relationship between trauma and health outcomes, including its influences on mental and physical health, healthcare engagement, substance use, and access, with a focus on people with HIV.
• Learn Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Principles and how to apply them to service delivery to promote safety, trust, choice, empowerment, and collaboration, while addressing HIV-specific needs.

Date: May 30-31| 8:30 AM (In-Person)
Howard University School of Social Work
CE Credit: 10.5

Rebuilding & Reclaiming Black Families

Join the ABSW Metro DCE Chapter at Howard University, School of Social Work for a conference event focused on strengthening and supporting Black families. This in-person event will feature insightful discussions, engaging workshops, and networking opportunities. 

Learn from experts in the field and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for rebuilding and reclaiming our communities. 

Register Here

Rescheduled Date: August 9, 2025
Time: 10-6pm (EST)
Location: Laurel, MD (In Person)
Earn 7.0 CE credits
Register Here 

Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025| 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Virtual)
Facilitator: Gloria Cain, MSW, Ph.D.
CE Credit: 2

In the face of the ongoing opioid crisis, this professional development training provided participants with an opportunity to expand their toolkits, deepen their understanding, and enhance their capacity to serve individuals affected by Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).

During this 2-hour session, attendees explored the clinical and diagnostic elements that define OUD. The training covered essential fundamentals—from examining underlying causes and identifying early signs and symptoms to understanding the risk factors contributing to the disorder. The webinar was designed to equip participants with up-to-date treatment approaches and intervention strategies to support those in need effectively.

By the end of the training, participants were able to:

• Define and Understand OUD: Gained an in-depth understanding of the clinical and diagnostic aspects of opioid use disorder.
• Apply the Person in Environment Model: Learned holistic strategies that considered both the individual and their broader environment.
• Recognize Early Warning Signs: Identified key indicators of opioid use, allowing for earlier and more effective intervention.
• Utilize Screening Tools Effectively: Became proficient in using current screening instruments to detect OUD.
• Implement Intervention Strategies: Discovered and applied proven methods to support individuals and connect them to critical treatment options.
• Adopt Prevention Techniques: Acquired strategies aimed at reducing risk factors associated with opioid misuse.

Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025| 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM (In-Person)
3 CE Credits
Facilitators:

Janice Edwards, PhD, LICSW, LCSW-C, ACSW, BCD
Brittany "Flo" Flournoy, LCSW-S, LICSW, CCM, PMH-CJ
Jasalynne Northcross, MSW

Overview:

An engaging and transformative workshop that offered a decolonized, relational cultural perspective of the clinical supervision process utilizing the Black Perspective. This session explored practitioners’ ethical dilemmas in social work practice through Afrocentric and relational cultural frameworks and gained critical insights into the clinical supervision process. Our facilitators aimed to embolden clinical supervisors and those preparing for clinical supervision with the Black Perspective to utilize culturally intelligent approaches, foster authenticity, self-awareness, and mutual growth within the supervisory alliance. 

Workshop Objectives:

1. Participants identified and solved ethical dilemmas in social work practice using the lens of the Black Perspective.

2. Participants demonstrated an understanding of the working alliance formed through the clinical supervision process.

3. Participants explored the relational cultural theory and Afrocentric frameworks of practice that are effective clinical supervisory methods. 

4. Participants engaged in a reflective and relational practice, emphasizing the critical roles of authenticity, self-awareness, and cultural intelligence in forming a strong supervisory alliance.

Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025| 10 AM - 12:30 PM (Virtual)
CE Credit: 2.5

Facilitator: Kendra Sims, MSW, LCSW

A workshop designed specifically for social work professionals seeking to thrive in their roles while managing the challenges of compassion fatigue and burnout. This session provided practical tools to recognize and address the effects of secondary trauma, vicarious trauma, and countertransference.

Workshop Objectives:

-Understand the key differences between compassion fatigue and burnout, including their signs and symptoms.
-Learn professional strategies to respond to and mitigate secondary trauma, vicarious trauma, and countertransference.
-Discover effective prevention and management techniques for compassion fatigue and burnout.
-Explore the critical role of consultation, organizational support, and available resources in maintaining professional resilience.

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

Facilitators:

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

Course Overview:

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

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

Objectives:

• Defined and understand the components of Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Developed an awareness of the importance and evidence for the use of MI
• Gained knowledge of the Transtheoretical Model stages of change
• Applied 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, 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

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: 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.

Video Recording

https://howard.zoom.us/rec/share/JpFgNUvTvBvxZ4Rt_XJa01UhybwAJgOfvRFkHBCkvoMzjbWND2hU8iLVbXh2ScOD.NJlDrRtNTvawOk6l 
Passcode: mp=1!k8E

*CE Certificates No Longer Available (Live Participation Required)

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.

Video Recording-

https://howard.zoom.us/rec/share/Tk-nfnTkcjCF5B1o4-k-v-4qyN1nQKQcgVHAfrA0xDCYStHrIAAqjLLbkAkFSTyz.73pZadRHLwCQV7Iu 
Passcode: Uc6V0V*#

*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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