This learning program strengthens targeted Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills that direct-service staff use when working with children, youth, and families. Building on the foundational MI courses, this course reinforces identifying and responding to ambivalence, change talk and sustain talk. Participants learn to recognize mixed feelings, reasons for change, and reluctance — and to respond in ways that highlight motivation. Through interactive practice, learners recognize the impact of MI-consistent and MI-inconsistent responses, demonstrate how MI fits into a full conversation and practice implementing a complete MI dialogue.
Who Should Attend?
Direct service staff at contracted Family Services providers (Prevention services) who are participating in the MI Connect Initiative.
Course Benefits
Learners will:
- Develop the ability to identify ambivalence, sustain talk and change talk in parent or caregiver statements.
- Recognize sustain talk as an opportunity to deepen understanding and support families in moving toward their goals.
- Strengthen their capacity to form MI-consistent responses that reinforce and amplify change talk.
Course Prerequisites
Prior to attending this course, learners are required to have completed all components of Foundations of Motivational Interviewing: Communicating to Build Partnerships, Foundations of Motivational Interviewing: Practicum and MI Skills Check.
Course Components
Once enrolled in the course, learners will complete
- An online pre-test.
- A two-hour, instructor-led training.
- An online post-test.
Completion of all components is necessary to receive a Certificate of Completion.
Continuing Education Units
The New York City Administration for Children’s Services is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW 0402. This course is 2.0 contact hours/.2 CEUs. CEU credit is contingent upon completion of all course components.
Registration
Register for this course by logging in to Cornerstone, browse for the course name and complete all information. For more information about the ACS Workforce Institute, please contact the Help Desk at WIhelpdesk@acs.nyc.gov or call (212) 748-1898.