Child welfare professionals frequently experience emotional stress as a result of the nature of their work. One of the types of stress often experienced is secondary traumatic stress (STS), which is a normal human and universal response to abnormal events. However, serious and harmful side effects of STS can be avoided if symptoms are recognized and strategies are employed to decrease stress levels.
This workshop educates child welfare professionals on the primary and secondary traumatic stress aspects of child welfare work. It provides information and training on the nature of traumatic stress as well as individual coping skills and social support strategies that, if implemented, may reduce the negative impact on work performance and individual worker well-being.
After attending this training, participants will be able to:
- Manage STS in an effort to mitigate its negative impact
- Develop an individualized coping skills program
- Understand the importance of establishing social support for healing of STS
- Identify resources for research and other information about STS
As a result of this workshop, child welfare professionals will have the knowledge and skills needed to manage the traumatic stress they face at their jobs.