Continuing Education Course Catalog

"But you speak so well for a _____!" Everyone of us has experienced something said to us, or an interaction focused on us and at least one of our identities, that has made us pause and say "ouch!" internally. These small, often unintentional interactions are a form of discrimination called microaggressions, and research has shown that these small injustices can add up, and result in poorer mental health, lower self-esteem, and overall negative outcomes. That said, because of their implicit nature, we ALL are capable of microaggressing others at some point, whether we realize it or not. Participants in this workshop will identify what microaggressions are, how they are connected to unconscious bias, what to do when we mess up and perpetuate a microaggression, and how to better engage microaggressions in the workplace, the classroom, and the world at large.

Course created 2/4/2022

This workshop will provide an introduction to Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and its uses in client lead healing related to trauma and a myriad of other presenting problems. Learners will explore an overview of the EMDR process and how it fits within a larger collaborative clinical framework. Case studies will explore how the process is client lead and allows for self determination within the goal development and healing process.

Course created 10/21/2021

This webinar on emerging telemental health practice addresses: 1) ethical and legal concerns related to digital mental health interventions, 2) access to care and quality of care issues, and 3) core evidence informed practice skills and interventions for telemental health practice.

Course created on 2/7/2022

This course will serve as an introduction to the foundations of sport social work. It will explore how social work and sport have worked in parallel to combat racism, oppression, inequality, and discrimination which has been an integral part of our society's history and development. The course will examine the intersection of the history of social work and the professionalization of athletics. Foundational knowledge of understanding sport social work practice will include identifying the role of sport social workers, defining sport social work practice, and looking at Social Work's Values and Ethics and CSWE competencies through a sport social work lens. With the role of social workers being to serve and advocate for vulnerable populations, athletes will be identified and defined as a vulnerable population and key human development theories will be applied to sport social work. Finally, evidence-based practices will be discussed throughout the course, but specifically, research trends, the current state and future directions of sport social work will be analyzed.

Course created 9/9/2021

This course was developed to meet the Michigan human trafficking training requirements for healthcare professionals.

U.S. law defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor or services against their will. The one exception involves minors and commercial sex. Inducing a minor into commercial sex is considered human trafficking regardless of the presence of force, fraud or coercion. Although Social Impact Organizations typically are not the first place victims and survivors of human trafficking turn to for support, it is incumbent on organizations to use social work ethics to provide a culture and an atmosphere that intentionally supports victims and survivors.

This webinar will begin with an understanding of the types and venues of human trafficking in the United States, how to identify victims of human trafficking in health care and community settings, an awareness of warning signs of human trafficking in health care settings and community organizations for adults and minors, as well as how to report suspected human trafficking. Focusing primarily on macro practices, we will discuss how to cultivate trauma-informed care and practices into social impact organizations, and the manifestation of complex trauma in clients. This webinar will explore ways for practitioners to nurture an organizational culture that supports victims and survivors, whether they make their experiences known or not. We will use the voices of survivors and victims to inform practices that support and empower clients.

Course updated 4/26/2022

This course serves as an introduction to autism spectrum disorder and neurodiversity, with an emphasis on how we, as social workers, can better serve this population. The course includes a brief history of autism, current prevalence rates and diagnostic criteria, as well as current interventions. Adverse effects, such as bullying and suicidality will be covered, in addition to common comorbidities, and a brief overview of racial and ethnic disparities. Perspectives from autistic self-advocates will also be discussed.

Course created on 7/13/2022

Social impact organizations secure resources through a variety of methods, including fees, grants, contracts, financial gifts, in-kind (non-cash) contributions, and investments. This course focuses on developing resources through fundraising and grant writing. Using a lens of social justice and ethics, participants will explore the tensions and paradoxes associated with fundraising and grant writing.

Course created 10/29/2021

The idea of creating a strategic plan for an organization can be daunting - especially for those who are newer to the work, or those who work in smaller social impact organizations. This course will lay out the basic information, a "beginner's guide," so that you can feel confident that you can successfully navigate a strategic planning process.

Course revised 7/19/2023