I read an interesting article recently, from the Journal of Social Work Education, the title was “An Evaluation of Prepracticum Helping Skills Training for Graduate Social Work Students.” The abstract is reproduced below: “Although foundational practice classes play a key role in helping prepracticum students develop counseling skills, we know little about the effectiveness of…
Tag: professional development
Review of LivingWorks suicideCare Seminar
The LivingWorks suicideCare course is a one day training focused on advanced suicide risk and case management. According to LivingWorks, the following learning outcomes are expected: Building on the principles and practice of suicide first aid Understanding helper issues associated with ongoing care; and Demonstrating a working knowledge of intervention strategies The training identifies a…
Professional Development for Helpline Workers
As helpline workers, one of the most important duties we have outside of our actual work on the lines is to continue regular training. Training can help reinforce existing skills in areas such as emotional support, suicide risk assessment and crisis intervention, but also teach you skills in areas you may not have experience in…
Suicide Intervention Response Inventory (SIRI)
The Suicide Intervention Response Inventory is designed to assess the ability of paraprofessionals (as well as professionals) to recognize and respond to suicidal statements. (Neimeyer R.A. & Maclnnes, 1981) It is comprised of 25 segments, each of which represents an excerpt from a counselling session, and two potential responses. The test-user must rank the responses…
Online Counselling and Suicide Intervention Specialist (OCSIS) Review
The Online Counselling and Suicide Intervention Specialist (OCSIS) course is an online, self-study 40-hour course designed to teach basic suicide intervention skills and focusing on online and chat environments, offered by the QPR Institute. Given the changes in help-seeking behaviour, with more people, especially youth moving online (Horrigan & Rainie, 2006) it’s important that helplines…