This learning program strengthens targeted Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills that help direct-service staff engage and effectively partner with children, youth and families. Building on the foundational MI courses, participants learn to maintain a collaborative stance, reinforce strengths and autonomy, and use affirmations, summaries and reflection to support meaningful change. The training also builds awareness of MI-inconsistent approaches and how they can heighten defensiveness and reduce engagement.
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:
- Demonstrate a collaborative stance that reinforces strengths, honors autonomy and supports change through affirmations, summaries and reflections.
- Identify MI-consistent strategies that enhance engagement and help families progress toward their goals.
- Recognize MI-inconsistent approaches — such as advice-giving or persuasion — and understand how shifting away from them strengthens partnership and reduces defensiveness.
- Practice applying MI skills in conversations to engage, collaborate with and encourage positive change within families.
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.