NASW-Michigan launches intensive training to address substance use

    National Association of Social Workers – Michigan Chapter

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August 10, 2020                                                                                                                        Tess Francke

248.514.7113

tess@piperandgold.com

National Association of Social Workers-Michigan launches 

intensive training to address substance use disorder crisis in Michigan

The Substance Use Disorder Supervision Institute prepares social workers to assess, 

diagnose and treat people battling SUD

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-Michigan) is launching its second cohort of the Substance Use Disorder Supervision Institute, a revolutionary training for Michigan social workers to better support residents facing substance use disorder (SUD). In its first training cohort earlier this year, NASW-MI was able to successfully train and certify social workers to help support thousands more people across Michigan communities.

The training will prepare social workers from various specializations and backgrounds to provide better clinical supervision and to better assess, diagnose and treat adults and adolescents battling co-occurring disorders. Participants will be prepared to sit for the certified clinical supervision exam to earn their certified clinical supervision certification from the Michigan Certification Board for Addictions Professionals. 

SUD Supervision Institute was made possible by a grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.

“The SUD Supervision Institute creates an opportunity to expand the reach and impact of social work on those facing SUD by increasing the number of certified supervisors in Michigan and, in turn, optimizing social work services and abilities,” said Dr. Maxine Thome, executive director of NASW-Michigan. “We want to prepare social workers as they face new, unexpected challenges brought on by the COVID-19 health pandemic which has made people more likely to relapse and overdose, and caused a loss of staff in treatment centers.”

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the coexistence of a mental health disorder and SUD is referred to as “co-occurring disorders.” SUD affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to the inability to control their use of a drug or medication, including alcohol and tobacco. A recent study found 30% of Michigan counties have high overdose mortality rates and low capacity to treat substance use, deeming them “high risk.”

The second cohort starts in August and will feature online, recorded sessions as well as digital Q&A sessions. Workshops will focus on pharmacological interventions, evidence-informed practices and agency implementation. 

Open to all Michigan social workers, the training platform is completely virtual and learn-at-your-own-pace to accommodate precautions set in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides social workers with 30 continuing education credits that include three ethics and two pain management credits, and 30 education contact hours required for  the Michigan Credentialing Board of Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) Certified Clinical Supervision Certificate.

Participating social workers will learn to navigate the various challenges in today's society and better understand the ethical dilemmas and the complexities people with substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders face.

“Social workers are often fierce but under-resourced advocates,” Thome said. “They are social justice warriors in the fight to right emotional wrongs of implicit bias, systemic oppression and trauma. NASW-Michigan supports them in finding resources and tools to continue that work.” 

To learn more and register for future cohorts please visit here. 

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The Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) represents the 28,000 social workers in the state of Michigan and has over 6,000 members. NASW-Michigan helps shape legislation that affects the health, welfare and education of all people. The chapter works with several allied organizations to promote causes and services that improve society. NASW-Michigan members serve as experts in several areas of social work including addictions and substance use, women’s issues and schools.