Advancing Skills in Individual and Group Supervision

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This workshop teaches new supervisors and updates those who are experienced about the range of skills involved in individual and group supervision in an array of service contexts. Supervisors are guided in structuring regularly scheduled supervisory sessions in accordance with the learning styles of supervisees and the appropriate use of individual versus group meetings. Emphasis is placed on supporting staff in self-assessment with careful attention to diversity, inclusion, and equity issues within the service context.

Learning Objectives (Supervisory Best Practices):

  1. Structure regularly scheduled supervisory sessions in accordance with the learning styles of supervisees
  2. Support supervisees in self-assessment and planning to advance their practice strengths, address challenges, and develop as professionals
  3. Teach supervisees to use an “evidence-informed” approach to empirically evaluating practice
  4. Model the behavior of striving for professional competence through ongoing education, supervision, and self-care
  5. Structure group supervision sessions focused on common practice themes and situations (e.g., ethical dilemmas)
  6. Utilize social work group facilitation skills to promote group process during group supervision

Celebrating Freedom on Juneteenth

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From the Office of Dean Heller

Dear Colleagues,

Sunday is Juneteenth, the day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Also known as America’s Second Independence Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s. Last year, it was made a federal holiday by President Biden, and this year the Connecticut legislature also designated Juneteenth an official holiday.Juneteenth graphic

Recognition of Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when Union troops enforced the Emancipation Proclamation in the last slave-owning community in the U.S., is welcome but long overdue. At the School of Social Work, we honor Juneteenth as part of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism (DEI/AR). We join with the University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Provost’s Office in celebrating the history and culture of Black and African American communities. We also acknowledge the ongoing struggle for freedom and fight to end anti-Black racism and oppression in all its forms.

During the 2021-2022 academic year, our faculty and staff met regularly to discuss how we would implement DEI/AR as part of our Strategic Plan. We are finalizing a definition of anti-racism for our School and developing concrete steps that we will take to support the aspirations and empowerment of our Black and African American students, staff, faculty and communities. This commitment is not only in keeping with the ethics of our profession, but it’s an imperative in this era of resurgent white supremacy.

To respect and highlight Juneteenth, I encourage everyone to explore the resources that the UConn Library has compiled in honor of the holiday, and to explore educational and cultural events in your community.

 

In solidarity,

Nina Rovinelli Heller, PhD
Dean and Professor
Zachs Chair in Social Work

Working with Neurodiverse Adults and Couples

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Laurel L. Shortell, MSW, LICSWRegister Now for CE programs now
Wed, Jul 20, 2022
6:00 – 8:00 pm
2 CECs

$40  – UConn SSW Alumni and Current Field Instructors
$50  – All Others

Webinar link will be emailed when your registration is complete

Individuals with Asperger / autism profiles live in a world that is designed for those who intuitively recognize non-verbal signals and who understand the nuances of social interaction. This can lead to unintended misunderstandings and challenges, even in therapeutic contexts dedicated to fostering well-being and mental health.

This webinar is intended to increase awareness of how neurodiverse adults and couples may experience and make sense of social interactions and how recognizing these perspectives can improve a clinician’s ability to understand and communicate effectively. Neurodiverse clients already navigate a world that is predominantly neurotypical. The therapeutic relationship should be a safe haven from such pressures and expectations, instead offering understanding and support.

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Understand differences that neurodiverse individuals may encounter in a predominantly neurotypical world.
  • Recognize behaviors and conversational styles that may have different meanings when working with clients on the autism spectrum.
  • Identify approaches that can help neurodiverse clients feel more understood and supported in the therapeutic setting.

Dr. Cristina Mogro-Wilson Named Editor-in-Chief of Families in Society Journal

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SOCIAL CURRENT® ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF DR. CRISTINA MOGRO-WILSON OF UCONN SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF FOR FAMILIES IN SOCIETY JOURNAL

Dr. Mogro-Wilson to Succeed Dr. Sondra Fogel, Who Helmed FIS For the Past Seven Years

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Social Current, formerly the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities and the Council onFaculty member Cristina Wilson Accreditation, today announced the selection of Dr. Cristina Mogro-Wilson to serve as Editor-in-Chief of the Families in Society (FIS) journal, which was previously led by Dr. Sondra Fogel, who served as Editor-In-Chief for the past seven years.

Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services has been a core journal in social work research for over 100 years. Launched in 1920 by Mary E. Richmond, a pioneer in the field and the founder of social casework, the journal built a knowledge base for the first systematized approaches to the practice of social work and has been stewarded over the years by the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities. Families in Society is published in partnership with SAGE Publishing.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mogro-Wilson, whose work as a recognized Latina scholar and expert in health disparities and culturally-responsive practice and education in racial minority populations will greatly inform the future direction of FIS,” noted Dr. Jody Levison-Johnson, president and CEO of Social Current. “Addressing the challenges that families face today, including socio-economic disparities, racism, substance misuse and behavioral health disorders, requires an evidence-informed approach that is grounded in social change through the lens of advancing equity. Dr. Mogro-Wilson’s body of work is uniquely attuned to addressing these vital issues and aligns closely with Social Current’s commitment to advancing equitable solutions to society’s toughest challenges through collaboration, innovation, policy and practice excellence.”

“As a Latina social worker, I value social justice and am committed to advancing equity,” noted Dr. Mogro-Wilson. “I look forward to working with the FIS team of scholars to increase the vitality and relevance of FIS though diverse representation in advisory board members, peer reviewers, manuscript authors, and – importantly - the readership. The art, science, and practice of social work are such important elements of the discipline because they can strengthen families and communities and help all people achieve their full potential. That’s why inclusiveness, transparency, and authenticity in FIS scholarship will help advance transformational research and practice, which in turn supports efforts to ensure everyone experiences well-being and opportunity.”

Dr. Mogro-Wilson received her MSW from the University of Michigan, with a focus on practice with children, youth, and families in 2003, followed by her PhD from the University at Albany, School of Social Welfare in 2007. Most recently, she has served as Assistant Professor in Residence at the UCONN Health Center in the School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics from 2007-2009, transitioning to the School of Social Work (SSW) tenure-related tracks, achieving tenure in 2015 as an Associate Professor in SSW. As of August 2022, Dr. Mogro-Wilson will be a full Professor at SSW.

She served as the director for the Puerto Rican and Latin@ Studies Project (PRLSP) from 2015-2017, leading them to sustainable achievements in the acquisition of research grants and the development of a bilingual/bicultural MSW program. The PRLSP has been referenced and used as a model in various arenas such as the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and different social work programs throughout the nation.

From 2019-2022, she served as research director for the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) with a focus on supporting design and implementation of applied qualitative and quantitative research projects; the development of research proposals to secure private, state, and federal funding to sustain and grow the UCEDD's research and evaluation agenda; and the development of policy analysis related to programs demonstrating the full inclusion of people with disabilities in education, work, and community life.

Dr. Mogro-Wilson’s publishing experience includes serving as an editorial advisory board member and more recently as an associate editor for Families and Society and Journal of Social Work Education (JSWE), which is the flagship journal for CSWE. She co-edited a special issue of JSWE on Teaching, Field Instruction and Administration in the Time of Pandemic or Natural Disaster, with Danielle Parrish and Nalini Negi during the COVID pandemic, co-authoring an editorial on the hidden cost of caregiving during the pandemic. As a Graduate Faulty Representative and member of the National Nominating Committee and Council on Publications for CSWE from 2018-2021, she also worked to ensure anti-racist and diverse representative content in CSWE publications.

“We are confident that Dr. Mogro-Wilson will build on the legacy launched by FIS founder Mary E. Richmond and the many who have helmed the journal since,” added Dr. Levison-Johnson. “A special thank you goes out to Dr. Sondra Fogel who has stewarded FIS for the past seven years, mentoring Dr. Mogro-Wilson and other scholars in the pursuit of academic excellence in the field of social work practice, policy, and research.”

For more information on a subscription to Families in Society, please contact Kirstin Anderson at kanderson@social-current.org.

Power, Passion and Purpose – In-person

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Jennifer Berton, PhD, LICSW, CADC-II

PostponedRegister Now

Classroom location, directions and parking details will be included in your email confirmation

Trainings on clinician burnout typically focus on balance and self-care, which may increase healthy habits, but often won’t alleviate burnout. This in-person workshop goes to the heart of the three most common causes of burnout, a lack of power, passion, and purpose, and how to build each one.

Learning objectives:

  • explore and evaluate traditional clinical burnout prevention techniques
  • examine the concept of power, what it is and how to build it in oneself and in the workplace
  • investigate passion by remembering early passion for work and how to reignite it
  • consider one’s purpose and how to increase its value to promote job satisfaction

Adolescent Addiction – In-person

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Jennifer Berton, PhD, LICSW, CADC-II

Tuesday, August 13, 2024Register Now for CE programs now
9:30 am – 4 pm
5 CECs

Registration Fee: $125
UConn SSW Alumni and Current Field Instructors receive a 10% discount

Classroom location, directions and parking details will be included in your email confirmation

Historically mislabeled as a difficult population, this workshop explores the characteristics of adolescent addiction, the recovery pitfalls, and effective treatment interventions that will engage your young clients.

Adolescent Addiction is a distinct problem, with biopsychosocial elements unique to this age group, which indicates there are unique treatment implications. This training explores the unique elements of adolescent addiction and discusses the best ways to both prevent and treat it. While the majority of the training addresses substance use, other addictions – gambling, sex, internet, fitness – will be included.

Adolescent Addiction is often guided by cultural, political, and social forces. Adolescents my be judged for wanting attention, submitting to peer pressure, or making “stupid” choices, depending on the culture in which the teen is a member. The degree that the addiction is accepted is often based on these influences. This training includes a discussion of these influences, not only in understanding how teen addiction develops, but also how recovery can be sabotaged or supported by these influences.

Participants will:
• learn the differences between the adult and adolescent brain
• explore the principles of addiction and how it affects the adolescent brain
• review updated assessment tools for this subpopulation
• Learn strategies to create improved treatment plans that address the adolescent’s unique needs

Faculty News: Associate Professor Ann Marie Garran

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From the Office of Dean Heller

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to share some wonderful news with you. Associate Professor Ann Marie Garran has been chosen to receive the prestigious Faculty Excellence in Graduate Teaching award. This award is given by the UConn Foundation Alumni Relations Office in recognition of excellence in instruction and for significant contributions to the intellectual life of the University through teaching. The School of Social Work has not had an awardee since 2000, so this is an important celebration for all of us.

Ann Marie is consistently evaluated highly by her students, and as importantly, she is frequently sought out as a mentor. Her scholarship focuses heavily on pedagogy and the intersection with anti-racist practices, and she has provided numerous workshops for faculty here at the School and as a consultant across the country.

Most recently, Ann Marie published the third edition of her book Racism in the United States: Implications for the Helping Professions. She has served on the School’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-racism committee. Her research interests include power, privilege, and oppression as it pertains to social work education, including field instruction and advising.

Please join me in celebrating her achievements. Ann Marie will receive a monetary award and be recognized along with other award recipients in a ceremony this fall and we will share those details when they are available.

Congratulations for well-earned recognition of your considerable talents in the classroom and beyond, Ann Marie.

 

In solidarity,

Nina Rovinelli Heller, PhD
Dean and Professor
Zachs Chair in Social Work

 

Honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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From the Office of Dean Heller

Dear Colleagues,

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. First established as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week in 1978, the observance was expanded to a month by Congress in 1992. At the School of Social Work, we take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students, staff, faculty, and members of our community.

The past few years have been especially challenging for AAPI communities who have faced harassment and attacks across our nation. As a School that values diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism, we oppose this bigotry and stand in solidarity with AAPI communities. We know they make UConn and the School of Social Work stronger.

Our support of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month aligns with the mission of our profession and the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. These ethical standards include social justice, dignity and worth of the person, and the importance of human relationships.

All month long, let’s make a commitment to honoring the rich heritage and cultural experiences of AAPI communities. Throughout U.S. history, AAPIs have contributed to and shaped American culture, science, medicine, literature, art, government, politics and so much more. Today, AAPIs are the fastest growing racial group in the country. Read the history and take part in events in your local area.

In solidarity,

Nina

Nina Rovinelli Heller, PhD
Dean and Professor
Zachs Chair in Social Work

 

Trauma-informed Care in the Age of COVID-19

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William C. Gilbert, PhD, LCSW, AADC
Saturday, June 11, 2022Register Now for CE programs now
10 am – 12 pm
2 CECs

$40  – UConn SSW Alumni and Current Field Instructors
$50  – All Others
Webinar link will be emailed when your registration is complete

Trauma affects many of the clients we serve and is the catalyst for many mental illnesses. Now, our country is faced with a new universal stressor: COVID-19. The pandemic has caused the loss of lives, businesses, and has changed the “normal” way of life for many. The trauma experienced because of COVID-19 has created problems on micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

The first hour of this webinar will explore our current understanding of trauma reactions including polyvagal theory and the work of Bessel van de Kolk. The second hour will apply the ideas discussed to the current trauma experienced as result of COVID-19.

By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

  • describe the current theories on trauma reactions
  • understand how these theories are applicable to the COVID-19 pandemic to micro, mezzo, and macro systems
  • apply the information shared to your work with clients

Honoring Arab American Heritage Month

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From the Office of Dean Heller

Dear Colleagues,

April is Arab American Heritage Month, an opportunity for the School of Social Work and the University to celebrate the cultures and achievements of Arab American communities. Nearly 4 million Arab Americans can trace their roots to 22 countries across the Middle East and North Africa. Despite a history of exclusion, today, Arab Americans reside in all 50 states, representing a wide range of faiths, races, and languages. In 2021, President Joe Biden officially recognized April as National Arab American Heritage Month.

Highlighting this occasion is part of the School of Social Work’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We stand in staunch opposition to all forms of systemic racism, including policies and practices that oppress our Arab American neighbors. As a school community, we are called to promote teaching, scholarship, and community/professional action that reflects this commitment to justice. The Code of Ethics for our profession emphasizes the inherent dignity and worth of the person, and in that spirit, we will work to ensure a sense of belonging for Arab Americans throughout our school and campus community.

Please join me in commemorating Arab American Heritage Month! Learn more here.

In solidarity,

Nina Rovinelli Heller, PhD
Dean and Professor
Zachs Chair in Social Work