About the Training Series

This self-paced 5-module online training explores how service organizations and practitioners can implement policies and practices to increase inclusivity of immigrant families, and how trauma-informed practice can be tailored to address the unique experiences of immigrant families. It also includes discussion of a model for implementing immigrant specialist navigators within organizations. Module topics are described in depth below. 

This course is intended for leaders, frontline practitioners, and other professionals in organizations that serve immigrant families across a variety of community settings. It is being offered as a Microlearning course via NMSU Global Campus and is available in English and in Spanish. 6 free cultural social work CEUs are available via the NMSU School of Social Work. 

Click the corresponding button below to go to the NMSU Global Campus website where you can enroll in the course.

Enroll (English Version)
Enroll (Spanish Version)

The Modules

1

Module 1: Migration & Trauma

Module 1 covers traditional, contemporary, and cultural conceptualizations of trauma as they relate to immigrant communities and how these conceptualizations guide culturally responsive practices. It also reviews the unique and varied experiences pre-migration, in-transit, post-migration, and in resettlement. It discusses the cumulative effects of migration on mental, behavioral, and physical health, as well as culturally relevant trauma responses and warning signs.
2

Module 2: Historical & Political Contexts

Module 2 provides an overview of migration flows to the U.S. and current relevant immigration policies. It also reviews differences between immigrants, refugees, unaccompanied children, and unaccompanied refugee minors, as well as differences among the various legal statuses in the U.S
3

Module 3: Trauma-Informed Practices & Interventions with Immigrants

Module 3 provides an overview of the core principles of trauma-informed care for immigrants as well as culturally specific practices when working with immigrant populations. It also reviews clinical assessment measures and interventions relevant for use with immigrants.
4

Module 4: Immigrant-Inclusive Organizational Policies & Practices

Module 4 offers recommendations and guidelines for organizational policies and practices to increase inclusivity of immigrant families and their unique needs and experiences.
5

Module 5: Secondary Trauma Among Practitioners Working with Immigrant Populations

Module 5 provides an understanding of how organizations can prevent and mitigate secondary trauma in the workplace, including concrete tools for reducing secondary trauma in organizations working with immigrant communities.

FAQs

What is the training format?

The training series being offered as a Microlearning Course through NMSU Global Campus. The training is a self-paced, asynchronous course with videos and other interactive components as well as knowledge check quizzes at the conclusion of each module.

Who is the training for?

This training is for leaders and frontline practitioners in organizations serving immigrant families across a variety of community settings.

How long does it take to complete the training?

The entire training takes approximately 6 hours to complete, with each module taking between 60-90 minutes to complete.

Can I receive CEUs for completing the training?

This training has been approved for 6 cultural social work CEUs in New Mexico, provided for free by the NMSU School of Social Work. It may count toward CEUs in other states, but participants are responsible for verifying with their respective state board of social work whether it meets their regulatory requirements. All participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Who can I contact with questions?

If you have any questions about the training series or content please contact Sophia Sepp. Her contact info can be found below in the “Meet Our Team” section.

Meet Our Team

This training series has been developed by Dr. Megan Finno-Velasquez, Associate Professor of Social Work at New Mexico State University (NMSU) in partnership with Dr. Tatiana Londoño, Assistant Professor of Social Welfare at UCLA, with contributions from Dr. Anayeli Lopez, Assistant Professor Social Work at NMSU, and community-based partners in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. Learn more about our trainers below. We also thank the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for their generous support of this project!

Megan Finno-Velasquez, PhD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Megan is an Associate Professor of Social Work at NMSU, and the Principal Investigator for this project.
Contact her at:
Email: mfv@nmsu.edu

Tatiana Londoño, PhD

LEAD TRAINING CONSULTANT

Tatiana is an Assistant Professor of Social Welfare at UCLA, and the lead trainer for this project.
Contact her at:
Email: tatiana@luskin.ucla.edu

Sophia Sepp

PROGRAM MANAGER

Sophia is the Program Manager for this training.
Contact her at:
Email: ssepp@nmsu.edu