Recognizing and Mitigating Vicarious and Collective Trauma

Please note: This training can be found on our Benchmark Learning Management System. To register, create your account or log in here, then either search for your desired training under “Available Training” or return to this page and click "Register" below to be taken directly to the event page. For more information or help, please refer to this page.

Description:

This training is provided in partnership with the Virginia CIT Coalition (VACIT). 

Supporting staff who are exposed to traumatic events, directly or indirectly, requires an understanding of the impact of vicarious and collective trauma. This professional development session will focus on recognizing and understanding vicarious trauma within the context of campus safety, student support, and organizational well-being. Participants will explore common symptoms and risk factors associated with vicarious trauma, as well as protective strategies that can help staff across a variety of roles maintain their well-being and effectiveness.

Participants will examine five categories of safety that support trauma-informed practice across departments and services within organizations that serve individuals and families experiencing trauma and adversity. Exposure to trauma, adversity, and chronic stress can affect emotional regulation, complex thinking, communication, and collaborative decision-making. The session will introduce practical skills designed to promote safety, strengthen collaboration, and improve interactions among colleagues and with the individuals they serve.

Developing a trauma-informed organization requires more than individual awareness and commitment. Sustainable trauma-responsive practice depends on organizational policies, structures, and practices that support staff in applying trauma-informed principles in their daily work. Participants will explore how effective supervision, thoughtful incident-response protocols, and trauma-responsive leadership can strengthen organizational resilience, improve staff support, and enhance the capacity to respond effectively to individuals impacted by trauma.

Who Should Attend:

This training is intended for K-12 staff, IHE personnel, school resource officers and other law enforcement, first responders, school and campus security personnel, prevention providers, school administration, treatment professionals, counselors, student conduct professionals, and other interested school or community personnel.

Partial In-Service Credit:

Five (5) hours of Partial In-Service Credit (PIC) for law enforcement will be available for this program. Credit for school and campus security officers will be available. 

Travel, Lodging, and Meals:

Participants are responsible for transportation, meals, lodging arrangements, and related expenses.

Training Time and Details:

Training begins at 9:00 am and concludes at 4:00 pm. A one-hour lunch will be on your own.

Cost and Registration:

There is no cost to attend this training; however, pre-registration is required.

Please note that the DCJS registration system does not have the capacity to sort eligible from ineligible registrants. Therefore, anyone who registers will receive a confirmation. It is the responsibility of the DCJS-assigned course coordinator to review the roster and make a final determination on acceptance into the course. Denied registrants will be notified via the email address provided during registration.