Preferred registration deadline: July 10th

3 CEs

Human service organizations frequently serve individuals who have experienced significant trauma, yet many systems unintentionally replicate the dynamics of trauma through hierarchical decision-making, crisis-driven operations, and cultures of blame. Leaders in behavioral health and social service organizations play a critical role in shaping organizational environments that promote safety, resilience, and learning.

This workshop explores the role of leadership and management in developing trauma-informed organizations. Participants will examine how trauma affects not only clients but also staff, teams, and organizational culture. The workshop will introduce core principles of trauma-informed systems and explore how leadership practices can either reinforce or disrupt patterns of organizational trauma. Drawing on the facilitator’s experience implementing trauma-informed organizational change within a children’s psychiatric hospital, the session will highlight practical strategies for leaders seeking to improve workplace culture, staff well-being, and service delivery. Participants will also review several evidence-supported frameworks used to guide trauma-informed organizational change and discuss common challenges associated with implementation. Through case discussion, interactive exercises, and leadership self-assessment activities, attendees will develop strategies for integrating trauma-informed principles into leadership decision-making, policy development, and organizational practices.

This is an in-person workshop that will be held on Washington University’s Danforth Campus. The exact location and directions will be emailed to registered participants before the course date.

General Admission: $65**
**Eligible discounts can be applied during checkout.

Class size is limited to 30.

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Course Outline

Content Level: Intermediate

Target Audiences: Social workers, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, behavioral health administrators, nurses, school social workers, nonprofit leaders, healthcare managers, and other professionals working in mental health, healthcare, or human service organizations.

Agenda:

• Introductions with Overview - 15 mins
• Understanding Trauma in Organizations - 35 mins
• Leadership Roles in Trauma-Informed Organizations - 35 mins
• Frameworks for Trauma-Informed Organizational Change - 35 mins
• Trauma-Informed Leadership in Practice - 30 mins
• Leadership Self-Assessment and Organizational Application - 20 mins
• Discussion and Reflection - 10 mins

Learner Outcomes

• Describe how trauma impacts organizational culture, workforce well-being, and service delivery within behavioral health and human service systems.
• Analyze leadership behaviors and organizational practices that contribute to either trauma-reactive or trauma-informed organizational environments.
• Apply trauma-informed principles to leadership decision-making and organizational change initiatives within behavioral health or social service settings.

Course Completion Requirements:

The Brown School is an approved provider of Social Work CEs in Missouri and Illinois. To earn credit, attendees must arrive at the scheduled time, attend the entire course, and complete an online course evaluation. You may still qualify for partial Social Work Missouri and Illinois CEs if you miss part of the training. CE Certificates will be available online within 10 business days of course completion by visiting your learner profile at https://ce.wustl.edu/portal/logon.do?method=load&parentSite=brown.  You will receive an email notification with specific instructions for accessing the online certificate when it is available.

For more information about CEs, accessibility, refund/cancellation policy, our grievance policy, or other inquiries, please visit our About Us page or email brownprofdev@wustl.edu.