Vicarious Trauma

Course Title: Vicarious Trauma: Preventing Burnout in the Workplace

Learning Method: Record asynchronous distance (non-interactive). This course includes a recorded video and access to the presented resources.

Amount of CE Credit Offered: 1 credit (general)

Fees: This course can be purchased individually for $25 or as part of an annual unlimited continuing education subscription available for $99/year.

Posttest: Following the course, the participant will take a 15 question posttest. A score of 70% correct is required to pass and obtain a certificate. If you do not pass the posttest, it can be re-taken after fully reviewing the materials again. 

Certificate of Completion: In order to receive a certificate of completion, you must indicate that you’ve watched the entire video portion of the course, earn a passing grade on the test, and complete the requested course evaluation.

Description of the Course:

This course aims to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the effects of vicarious trauma on the mental health and well-being of social workers, and to equip them with the knowledge and skills to prevent burnout in their workplace.

The course will cover a range of topics, including the definition and symptoms of vicarious trauma, the impact of vicarious trauma on the social work profession, and strategies for self-care and self-awareness to prevent burnout. It will also provide participants with practical tools and techniques to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Through a combination of lectures, group discussions, and interactive exercises, participants will have the opportunity to explore their own experiences with vicarious trauma and to learn from the experiences of their peers. The course will be led by experienced social workers who have firsthand knowledge of the challenges of the profession and who are dedicated to helping participants maintain their mental health and well-being in the face of vicarious trauma.

Overall, this course is intended to provide social workers with the knowledge and skills they need to prevent burnout in their workplace and to continue providing high-quality care to their clients.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the concept of vicarious trauma and its effects on mental health and well-being.
2. Develop strategies for recognizing and managing vicarious trauma in oneself and in others.
3. Learn about the factors that contribute to burnout and how to prevent it.
4. Explore self-care techniques and other interventions for reducing the impact of vicarious trauma and preventing burnout.
5. Discuss the ethical implications of vicarious trauma and burnout in the social work profession.

Target Audience: 

Masters and Clinical level licensees pursuing continuing education.

Content Level:

Both beginning and intermediate-level content are included in this course.

Instructor Bio(s):

Meagan Mitchell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group instruction for over 5 years.

Meagan is an experienced School Social Worker with a demonstrated history of working in education.

Meagan is skilled in Early Childhood Education, Conflict Resolution, Interventions, and Management. Strong community and social services professional with a Masters of Social Work focused in Interpersonal Practice with Children, Youth, and Families in Society from the University of Michigan School of Social Work. 

Course Outline: 

“Vicarious Trauma – Preventing Burnout in the Workplace” covers the effects of vicarious trauma, methods for preventing burnout, the ethical implications of vicarious trauma, and techniques for building support in the workplace.

Effects of Vicarious Trauma: Both identification of trauma and its affects are covered in this section of the course as well as the contributing factors to burnout.

Preventing Burnout: Various self care techniques are discussed that can prevent or minimize the risk of burnout. Specific interventions for individuals exhibiting early signs of burnout are also covered.

Ethical Implications: Social workers who are experiencing vicarious trauma or burnout may struggle to maintain their ethical responsibility to prevent harm to their clients, which can lead to ethical dilemmas. 

Support Systems: A variety of support systems are discussed including Friends and Family, Colleagues and Supervisors, Support Groups, Therapists, and Religious or Spiritual leaders. Each of these can play a critical role in avoiding vicarious trauma. 

Course Creation Date: 7/20/23

Requesting Accessibility Accommodations:

Please email [email protected] to request accessibility accommodations.

ACE Approval Statement: 

Agents of Change, #1919, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 7/26/2023 – 7/26/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1 General continuing education credit. 

System Requirements:

• The most recent version of Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge browser
• Javascript enabled
• PDF plugin
• Graphic and audio output capability
• Broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 5Mbps (recommended)
• TLS 1.2 supported by your web browser