Mental Health, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-Informed Care
| Course Code | SSWR-211 |
|---|---|
| Lecture hours per week | 3 |
| Lab hours per week | |
| Course Availability | Open |
| Description | This course equips Social Service Worker students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to engage in mental health, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care in diverse, complex frontline settings. Grounded in anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, and strengths-based frameworks, students will critically examine the continuum of mental health, the impacts of systemic oppression, including racism, colonization, poverty, and ableism, on well-being, and the barriers to accessing equitable care. Through case studies, collaborative learning, and self-reflective practice, students will develop competencies in crisis intervention, care coordination, and ethical service provision. Emphasizing person-centred approaches, this course fosters harm reduction and trauma-informed practice skills to promote safety, trust, and empowerment in client interactions. Additionally, students will explore the significance of self-care and community care in mitigating the effects of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma in social service work. By the end of the course, learners will be prepared to provide inclusive, respectful, and effective support that upholds the dignity, autonomy, and self-determination of individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. Prerequisites
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