SayPro Training Curriculum Template

This Training Curriculum Template is designed to help organize and structure a comprehensive training program for SayPro social workers. It includes detailed session topics, clear learning objectives, and suggested activities to ensure the training is engaging, relevant, and effective.

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Training Curriculum Overview

• Title of Training Program:
  • Example: Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed Care for Social Workers
• Duration:
  • Example: 3-Day Training Workshop
• Target Audience:
  • Example: SayPro Social Workers, Social Work Interns
• Training Facilitators:
  • Example: Guest experts, SayPro senior social workers, trainers
• Location:
  • Example: Neftalopolis (in-person) / Zoom (virtual)
• Pre-requisite Knowledge:
  • Example: Basic knowledge of social work practice

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Training Sessions Outline

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Session 1: Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care

• Learning Objectives:
  By the end of this session, participants will:
  1. Understand the core principles of trauma-informed care.
  2. Recognize the importance of understanding trauma in social work practice.
  3. Identify common signs and symptoms of trauma in clients.
• Key Topics:
  • Definition and principles of trauma-informed care.
  • Understanding the impact of trauma on individuals and communities.
  • The connection between trauma and mental health.
• Activities:
  • Case Study: Participants review and analyze a real-life case where trauma-informed care was applied.
  • Group Discussion: Discuss the challenges and ethical considerations of providing trauma-informed care in practice.
  • Role-Playing Exercise: Practicing trauma-sensitive communication with a simulated client.
• Materials:
  • PowerPoint presentation on trauma-informed care principles.
  • Case study handout.
  • Trauma-informed care checklist.

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Session 2: Mental Health Awareness and Crisis Intervention

• Learning Objectives:
  By the end of this session, participants will:
  1. Be able to recognize common mental health conditions in clients.
  2. Understand the basic strategies for crisis intervention.
  3. Develop confidence in managing crisis situations.
• Key Topics:
  • Overview of mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD).
  • Crisis intervention techniques: de-escalation, active listening, and assessment.
  • Creating safety plans and identifying resources.
• Activities:
  • Interactive Q&A: Facilitator-led discussion on recognizing signs of mental health issues in clients.
  • Group Simulation: Practice de-escalation techniques through role-play scenarios.
  • Crisis Intervention Plan Exercise: Working in small groups to create a crisis intervention plan for a hypothetical case.
• Materials:
  • Mental health awareness handout.
  • Crisis intervention checklist.
  • Crisis plan template.

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Session 3: Cultural Competency in Social Work

• Learning Objectives:
  By the end of this session, participants will:
  1. Understand the importance of cultural competency in social work.
  2. Recognize how cultural differences can influence social work practice.
  3. Develop skills for working effectively with diverse populations.
• Key Topics:
  • Cultural humility vs. cultural competence.
  • Cultural considerations in assessment and intervention.
  • Addressing bias and promoting inclusivity.
• Activities:
  • Small Group Discussion: Participants discuss their experiences working with clients from different cultural backgrounds.
  • Cultural Competency Quiz: An interactive quiz on cultural norms and practices.
  • Role-Playing: Practicing culturally sensitive communication in diverse scenarios.
• Materials:
  • Cultural competency checklist.
  • Handouts on cultural practices and traditions.
  • Scenario cards for role-play.

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Session 4: Advocacy and Empowerment in Social Work

• Learning Objectives:
  By the end of this session, participants will:
  1. Learn strategies for advocacy on behalf of clients.
  2. Understand how to empower clients through support and resources.
  3. Develop skills for navigating social and political systems for client benefit.
• Key Topics:
  • The role of social workers in advocacy and systemic change.
  • Client empowerment and strength-based approaches.
  • Collaborative advocacy with other organizations and services.
• Activities:
  • Advocacy Case Study: Reviewing a case in which advocacy resulted in positive outcomes for a client or community.
  • Role-Playing: Participants practice advocating for a client in a simulated meeting with policymakers or service providers.
  • Action Plan Creation: Participants develop an advocacy plan for a client facing systemic barriers.
• Materials:
  • Advocacy tools handout.
  • Empowerment strategies checklist.
  • Action plan template.

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Session 5: Ethical Considerations in Social Work

• Learning Objectives:
  By the end of this session, participants will:
  1. Understand key ethical principles in social work.
  2. Analyze ethical dilemmas commonly encountered in the field.
  3. Be able to apply ethical decision-making frameworks.
• Key Topics:
  • The NASW Code of Ethics and its application in practice.
  • Ethical dilemmas: confidentiality, boundaries, and dual relationships.
  • Ethical decision-making frameworks.
• Activities:
  • Ethical Dilemma Scenarios: Participants analyze and discuss case scenarios that involve ethical challenges.
  • Small Group Discussion: Break into groups to debate possible courses of action for specific ethical dilemmas.
  • Decision-Making Exercise: Applying an ethical decision-making model to a case study.
• Materials:
  • NASW Code of Ethics handout.
  • Ethical decision-making model handout.
  • Case study scenarios.

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Final Session: Training Wrap-Up and Action Planning

• Learning Objectives:
  By the end of this session, participants will:
  1. Review key concepts learned throughout the training.
  2. Create a personal action plan for applying new skills to their practice.
  3. Develop a plan for ongoing professional development.
• Key Topics:
  • Recap of key training highlights and skills learned.
  • The importance of continued professional development.
  • Creating a personal action plan for incorporating training into daily practice.
• Activities:
  • Group Reflection: Participants share key takeaways from the training.
  • Action Plan Worksheet: Participants complete an action plan detailing how they will implement learned skills.
  • Closing Discussion: Final Q&A to address any remaining questions or concerns.
• Materials:
  • Action plan worksheet.
  • Resource list for ongoing professional development.
  • Training feedback form.

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Additional Notes:

• Assessment and Evaluation:
  At the end of each session, consider using short quizzes or reflection exercises to assess learning and reinforce key concepts.
  A post-training evaluation form should be distributed to participants at the end of the course to assess the overall training experience.
• Ongoing Support:
  After the training, ensure participants have access to post-training resources and a peer support network to encourage continued learning and application of skills.

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Training Logistics and Materials Checklist:

• Facilitator Preparation:
  • Prepare presentation slides.
  • Ensure availability of handouts and case studies.
  • Test virtual platform (if applicable).
• Venue Setup:
  • Ensure training room is conducive to group work and interactive activities.
  • Set up technology (projector, microphone, etc.).
• Materials to Distribute:
  • Participant manuals.
  • Resource lists (handouts, reading materials).
  • Post-training feedback forms.

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By using this structured template, SayPro can ensure that training sessions are organized, impactful, and relevant to the needs of social workers. It promotes a consistent approach to training while allowing for flexibility and adjustments as necessary based on feedback and evolving needs.