Course Overview
The Excellence in Tribal Case Management Program advances Tribal TANF case managers’ capacity to serve their communities by providing knowledge, practical skills and proven tools for effective, culturally grounded service delivery. Through a dynamic blend of facilitated discussions, applied practice and real-world strategies, participants will deepen their case management expertise while enhancing their ability to communicate with clarity, foster meaningful engagement and build lasting partnerships with clients.
Format
The program consists of seven modules delivered over nine training days, organized into three consecutive days each month across a three-month period. This structure offers a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience that promotes professional excellence, personal growth and lasting community impact.
Module 1: Interactional Helping Skills (one day)
This module will help attendees strengthen engagement and manage emotional dynamics in client interactions.
After attending this training, participants will be able to:
- Examine the four phases of the casework process
- Connect with clients by tuning into self and others
- Recognize the influence of cultural context in communication
- Clarify purpose and role during client interviews
- Understand the stages of change in voluntary relationships
Module 2: Motivational Interviewing and Coaching Skills (two days)
Attendees will learn motivational interviewing and coaching techniques to promote collaboration.
After attending this training, participants will be able to:
- Define motivation and recognize resistance
- Understand the cycle of change and use “change talk”
- Apply OARS principles of motivational interviewing
- Strengthen active and reflective listening skills
Module 3: Strength-Based Assessment and Case Management (one day)
Attendees will explore assessment strategies to identify client strengths and develop effective case management plans.
After attending this training, participants will be able to:
- Maintain a strengths-based, family-focused approach
- Respect and maintain professional boundaries
- Assess client and family needs
- Use assessment outcomes to inform goal planning
Module 4: Strengthening Pathways to Community and Family Resilience (two days)
Attendees will learn to identify and address barriers that affect clients using a strengths-based and culturally responsive approach.
After attending this training, participants will be able to:
- Understand mental health, substance use and family violence dynamics
- Work with clients experiencing co-occurring disorders
- Develop safety plans and respond to crisis situations
- Recognize community and family responses to trauma
- Understand mandatory reporting requirements
Module 5: Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed Case Planning (one day)
Attendees will gain practical tools to de-escalate crises, manage trauma-informed cases and build client trust and safety.
After attending this training, participants will be able to:
- Recognize what leads to a crisis
- Apply de-escalation and intervention strategies
- Address violence, domestic abuse and suicide risk
- Prevent compassion fatigue and manage stress
- Incorporate wellness and self-care into daily practice
Module 6: Mental Well-being in Tribal Communities (one day)
Attendees will deepen their understanding of mental health and trauma in Native communities through the lens of cultural context.
After attending this training, participants will be able to:
- Explore mental well-being and the ACEs study
- Recognize prevalent issues such as depression, anxiety and substance use
- Apply culturally grounded approaches to support clients
- Promote recovery and self-care for service providers
Module 7: Wellness in the Workplace and Graduation Ceremony (one day)
Attendees will learn how to enhance personal wellness, resilience and balance to strengthen effectiveness in the workplace.
The program concludes with reflective exercises that highlight key insights and skills gained, celebrating each learner’s growth, commitment and ongoing contributions to Native communities.
After attending this training, participants will be able to:
- Recognize signs and symptoms of stress
- Understand the link between wellness, self-esteem and productivity
- Identify habits that contribute to health risks
- Learn relaxation and stress management techniques
- Reflect on personal and professional growth throughout the program