Volunteer TrainingAbout our training DRUG ARM trains all volunteers who work in our programs. It is part of our duty of care, to both clients and the volunteers, to prepare volunteers to work in this challenging area. The courses are skills based, and are designed to help volunteers develop their knowledge and skills to assist our client groups. They also provide volunteers with skills that may be useful in every day life. Where are courses held? Training courses are held at locations close to the region their program services. Your State office will have details of upcoming courses. When are courses held? Courses usually run several times a year. Your State office will have more information: dates for the next courses are given below. Who can do the courses? Participants should be 18 years of age, be prepared to volunteer regularly for at least six months, and be 2 years free from drug use or associated addictive episodes (including alcohol). What is in the courses? The course contents and competencies addressed are modelled on the Certificates III and IV in Community Services (Alcohol & Other Drugs). The courses are not, however, currently accredited. A short overview of the areas covered in training for CAFSS and Outreach (SOS/MOSHPIT) programs is given below. Training for other programs incorporates some of these units as well as additional materials specific to those programs. Courses currently run either over 2 consecutive weekends, or as a concentrated course for 5 days across 3 weeks. Participants attend sessions which include lecture-style presentations, group discussions, role plays, practical exercises and other-format presentations (eg videos, special presenters). For some sessions, volunteers from different program areas will train together. This is useful to help understand the other, inter-related programs DRUG ARM operates. It is important to note that these courses are a beginning. Volunteers are encouraged to take up opportunities for further training, and to keep developing their knowledge and skills base. Volunteers are periodically offered additional specialised workshops. Are there resources to help? A significant amount of information is provided in the course work books, but they are not designed to be stand alone text books – they are a guide to assist learning. Further materials are available through our Resource Centre. How do I join a course? Phone your State Office and request a Training Enrollment Form and send it in to to enrol. Qld: (07) 3620 8800 SA: (08) 8373 5364 NSW: (02) 9755 0596 Outreach (SOS) Course Outline Introduction to DRUG ARM briefly looks at the host organisation, its core values, the specific program being entered, and how it works within the organisation and the community. Values & Communications examines participants’ own values, identifies how values impact on behaviour and judgement, and discusses the importance of non-judgemental support. Specialist communication skills are discussed and practiced, eg active listening, ‘talking down’ aggressive situations, communicating in challenging situations. Crisis & Intervention discusses what a crisis may be, the principles and practice of crisis intervention, and examines particular types of crises encountered by our services, eg homelessness, abuse and suicide. Strategies for assessing situations and providing support are discussed and practiced. Confidentiality and mandatory reporting issues are also covered. Drugs In Perspective discusses what constitutes a drug, and what effect drugs have on the body and general health & well-being of individuals. It also examines legal aspects of working in the AOD field, how interventions may work and what assistance is available for those seeking treatment. Outreach Policy & Procedures examines the details of policy and procedures governing outreach work, addressing issues of workplace health and safety, reporting procedures, safety measures and behavioural expectations. Dual Diagnosis gives an understanding of the difficult area of crossover between Mental Health issues and Alcohol and Other Drug use, relevant for at least 50% of homeless clients. Strategies for working with these challenging clients are practiced. Cultural Awareness allows volunteers insight into other cultures encountered in outreach, and examines practices which allow better communication across cultural challenges as well as specialist services to assist across language barriers. Youth Culture is designed to look at issues specific to young people in general and at risk, and encourages practices which increase effective communication and connection with young clients. Sexual Health Issues examines specific sexual health issues encountered by Outreach clients, how they affect practice and what services are appropriate and helpful to address the issues. Universal Precautions & Outreach Operations looks at the very practical aspects of Outreach operations – what equipment is needed, how it is used, health & safety issues, data collection and reporting. CAFSS Course Outline Introduction to DRUG ARM looks at the host organisation, its core values, the specific program being entered, and how it works within the organisation and the community. Values & Communications examines participants’ own values, identifies how values impact on behaviour and judgement, and discusses the importance of non-judgemental support. Specialist communication skills are discussed and practiced, eg active listening, ‘talking down’ aggressive situations, communicating in challenging situations. Crisis & Intervention discusses what a crisis may be, the principles and practice of crisis intervention, and examines particular types of crises encountered by our services, eg homelessness, abuse and suicide. Strategies for assessing situations and providing support are discussed and practiced. Confidentiality and mandatory reporting issues are also covered. Drugs In Perspective discusses what constitutes a drug, and what effect drugs have on the body and general health & well-being of individuals. It also examines legal aspects of working in the AOD field, how interventions may work and what assistance is available for those seeking treatment. Motivational Interviewing looks at the techniques of motivational interviewing and how to apply them effectively to assist clients to make change in their lives. MI is the basic counselling methodology used in HART. Dual Diagnosis gives an understanding of the difficult area of crossover between Mental Health issues and Alcohol and Other Drug use, relevant for at least 50% of homeless clients. Strategies for working with these challenging clients are practiced. Cultural Awareness allows volunteers insight into other cultures encountered in outreach, and examines practices which allow better communication across cultural challenges as well as specialist services to assist across language barriers. Youth Culture is designed to look at issues specific to young people in general and at risk, and encourages practices which increase effective communication and connection with young clients. CAFSS Policy & Procedures examines the details of policy and procedures governing this support work, addressing issues of workplace health and safety, reporting procedures, safety measures and behavioural expectations. CAFSS Operations covers the mechanics of providing support to clients: full client assessments, telephone support skills, rapport building, treatment planning, case management skills, referrals and follow up. These are very practical sessions. Upcoming Course Dates Please select the state in which you want to attend training New South Wales Queensland South Australia New South Wales Newcastle: SOS only Friday 3 September 2010: evening Saturday 4 September 2010: all day Saturday 11 September 2010: all day Please contact the New South Wales State office for further details. Sutherland: SOS only Please contact the New South Wales State office for further details. Western Sydney: CAFSS Friday 2 July 2010: all day Saturday 3 July 2010: all day Friday 9 July 2010: all day Saturday 10 July 2010: all day Friday 16 July 2010: all day Please contact the New South Wales State office for further details. Western Sydney: SOS Friday 2 July 2010: evening Saturday 3 July 2010: all day Saturday 10 July 2010: all day Please contact the New South Wales State office for further details. Wollongong: SOS only Please contact the New South Wales State office for further details. Download a Training Enrolment Form here Queensland Brisbane SOS: ***PLEASE NOTE NEW DATES!!!*** Saturday 26 June 2010: all day Friday 2 July 2010: evening Saturday 3 July 2010: all day Please contact the Queensland State Office for further details Brisbane CAFSS***PLEASE NOTE NEW DATES!!!*** Saturday 26 June 2010: all day Friday 2 July 2010: all day Saturday 3 July 2010: all day Thursday 8 July 2010: all day Friday 9 July 2010: all day Please contact the Queensland State Office for further details Bundaberg: SOS only Please contact the Bundaberg office for further details Toowoomba SOS Saturday 17 April 2010: all day Sunday 18 April 2010: all day Please contact the Toowoomba office for further details Download a Training Enrolment Form here South Australia DRUG ARM South Australia is offering training for both Outreach and CAFSS volunteers. The next courses are: Outreach (SOS) (Southern, South Western, Western, Northern, Gawler, North Eastern Suburbs, and City) Friday 9 July 2010: evening Saturday 10 July 2010: all day Saturday 17 July 2010: all day CAFSS Friday 9 July 2010: all day Saturday 10 July 2010: all day Tuesday 13 July 2010: all day Thursday 15 July 2010: all day Saturday 17 July 2010: all day Please contact the South Australia State office for further details on all training on (08) 8373 5364. Download a Training Enrolment Form here |
