Advanced Harm Reduction is an interactive training that connects core concepts like trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and crisis intervention to real-world situations encountered when working with individuals with a history or current experience of substance use. Harm Reduction is a care philosophy aimed at minimizing the physical and social consequences of substance use, focusing on policies, programs, and practices that reduce the negative health, social, and legal impacts associated with substance use, policies, and laws. Grounded in justice and human rights, it emphasizes positive change, supporting individuals without judgment, coercion, or requirements to stop using drugs to receive care.
This course goes beyond the basics of harm reduction, addressing stigmatizing, harmful, and counterproductive communication that can occur in practice. Participants will learn to identify and mitigate biases and discrimination, using communication techniques designed to foster positive and non-judgmental interactions. This interactive training offers practical tools applicable to a wide range of circumstances in the human services sector, particularly when working with vulnerable populations.
Learning Objectives for Participants:
- Build upon the foundational concepts of Introduction to Harm Reduction learned in IDEA TC’s self-paced training.
- Gain a deeper understanding of personal and broader communication biases that may hinder support, coordination, and cooperation with program users.
- Practice and refine approaches to complex situations through role-playing and scenario-based exercises.
- Learn effective communication techniques that foster deeper, more meaningful therapeutic relationships with program users and drive more significant, positive change.
Learning Objectives for Managers:
- Improve communication and relationship dynamics between staff and program participants.
- Enhance the wellness and health outcomes of program participants through improved support practices.
- Increase self-awareness among staff and improve their ability to recognize and manage biases in communication.
- Practice new techniques for common operational tasks such as wellness checks and intake procedures.
- Align staff approaches with current best practices in working with vulnerable populations.
- Empower staff with the confidence and tools to handle complex situations more effectively.
Instructor: Michelle Lewis
Mode(s): Live Online or Live In-Person
Length: One (1) day
Cost: $140 per person
Target Group: This course is ideal for frontline staff working in shelters, respite centers, and residential settings, but the techniques and approaches taught can be applied by anyone interacting with at-risk populations. Anyone involved in face-to-face conversations with vulnerable individuals will benefit from this training.
Toronto Shelter Standards Training Matrix: Client Support Workers and Supervisors/Managers (M – 6 months); Board Members (R)