On Wednesday, March 27th, nearly 70 workforce professionals representing agencies serving job seekers and employers in metro Atlanta came together for our MAX Academy focused on trauma-informed care. This is the third Academy held in partnership with the Professional Excellence Program in the School of Social Work at Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies.
Attendees explored the use of a trauma-informed perspective to support customers who have a history of, or are in the midst of, traumatic experiences. They were asked to deeply consider what background traumas an individual may bring to an interaction and how that might impact their motivation and behavior. With Georgia State University instructor Darrell Green, the group explored three strategies to springboard excellent customer service – serving with (1) genuineness, (2) respect, and (3) empathy.
Green reviewed what is meant by Adverse Community Environments and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and how these situations impact the way our clients see the world around them. Attendees considered the impact of not only ACE but also triggers for reoccurring trauma. They then explored practical ways to better connect with and serve customers who may be affected by one or more ACE.
The group also engaged in a conversation on the critical importance of self care in the midst of serving those around us.
Special thanks to Dr. Deidre Carmichael, Program Director, and Amy Mobley, Program Coordinator, with Georgia State University for their partnership in developing this MAX Academy. Special thanks to our partners at the Atlanta Technical College, Cleveland L. Dennard Conference Center for hosting the program.
ABOUT THE MAX ACADEMY
Launched in 2014, the mission of MAX is to advance economic competitiveness in the Atlanta region by strengthening connections, collaborations, and practices among workforce developers and organizations engaged in workforce development.
The MAX Academy offers professional development and capacity building training workshops to help workforce development professionals develop new skills, learn best practices, and engage in peer-to-peer learning.