StreetWorks Outreach Worker Certification Training

The StreetWorks Outreach Worker Certification Training is designed for: 

  • Staff from StreetWorks Member and Partner Agencies who have been hired as StreetWorks Outreach Workers (OWs). 
  • Staff from StreetWorks Member and Partner Agencies who supervise StreetWorks OWs.

This training is required for all StreetWorks OWs before they are certified to provide outreach on behalf of StreetWorks and carry the StreetWorks GreenBag. It includes classroom training on best practices for working with young people and field experiences that prepare OWs for outreach work in multiple communities. It also provides Supervisors with the tools and experience necessary to understand the role of OWs, equipping them to provide more relevant support.

It includes classroom training on best practices for working with young people and field experiences that prepare OWs for outreach work in multiple communities. It also provides Supervisors with the tools and experience necessary to understand the role of OWs, equipping them to provide more relevant support.

Training

The training process includes (on this page):

CLASSROOM 101: Foundational Principles

The Classroom 101 training occurs over four days and includes 20 hours of training covering the foundational principles that inform safe and effective work with youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness and/or exploitation. The concepts introduced in the classroom prepare trainees for their fieldwork. 

POST CLASSROOM 101: Paperwork Training

Trainees are introduced to Zarks, Calendars, and Youth Contact Forms. 

FIELD EXPERIENCE 101: Observation and Exploration

Trainees observe the work of peers and partners in the StreetWorks collaborative and explore resources available to youth in their community. Trainees complete three shadow shifts with experienced StreetWorks Outreach Workers. If possible, shadow shifts are completed with different Outreach Workers so that the trainee can learn a variety of styles and approaches to the work. Trainees also complete seven site visits to programs and settings in their community that provide resources and support to youth. 

Fieldwork gives trainees a chance to observe how the principles discussed in the classroom work in the community, in different situations, and with different people. It also gives trainees an opportunity to see how different OWs complete their required paperwork. 

The trainee completes a trainee logbook and field experience journal detailing their observations during their shadow shifts and site visits. They are designed to facilitate discussion between the trainee and their supervisor during one-on-ones and observations from the fieldwork will inform their next classroom session. 

OPIOID OVERDOSE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE TRAINING

StreetWorks’ Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response training covers drugs and the function they serve, focusing on opioids. The training discusses common myths, correcting misinformation, and examining the dangers of stigma. It explores harm reduction as reducing both the social and physical harm of a behavior; participants will learn steps to implement harm reduction practices on an individual and community level. Participants will also learn how to recognize and reverse an opioid overdose, including hands-on practice with using naloxone (in-person only). Lastly, the training offers resources and information on legal rights.

CLASSROOM 201: Reflection and Advanced Learning

The Classroom 201 training occurs over three days and includes 12 hours focused on combining the foundational learning from classroom 101 with the observations trainees have collected in the community during their fieldwork. Trainees will have the opportunity to reflect and consult on their learning and field experiences. While new material will be introduced in 201, the focus of the second classroom is to dive deeper into the complexities of the earlier foundational principles, explore how the principles work practically and realistically, and test the trainee’s understanding through problem solving exercises. 

POST CLASSROOM 201: Additional StreetWorks OW-specific training

Trainees complete the StreetWorks Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response Training, which includes three parts:

  1. A comprehensive overview of safer use tips for people who are using substances, resources for ongoing support and harm reduction, signs of an opioid overdose, and life-saving responses. 
  2. A youth-specific Overdose Prevention and Response (OPR) training designed for Outreach Workers to deliver to youth, and 
  3. A train-the-trainer (TTT) session, to teach Outreach Workers OPR training delivery (so Outreach Workers can effectively deliver OPR training to youth).

They also learn how to assist youth with applying for StreetWorks Rental Assistance and review Zarks, Calendars, and Youth Contact Forms.

FIELD EXPERIENCE 201: Action and Application

Trainees will complete a second series of three shadow shifts with peers and partners in the StreetWorks Collaborative and complete six site visits to additional programs and settings in their community. Rather than observing, the trainee will take a hands-on approach to the fieldwork and will use site visits to apply their training around building partnerships and understanding systems.

The trainee will complete a trainee logbook and field experience journal reflecting on their own action and participation in outreach shifts and site visits rather than just their observations. Trainees will have the opportunity to receive feedback on their work including areas of strength, areas for growth, and recommendations about their StreetWorks Certification.

GRADUATION SHIFT AND CERTIFICATION

After the trainee has submitted their fieldwork, received feedback, and completed any additional training requirements that may arise, , they complete a graduation shift with the StreetWorks Training Specialist and the trainee’s Supervisor. At the end of their graduation shift, trainees are certified to provide outreach on behalf of StreetWorks and carry the StreetWorks GreenBag.

Training Registration

If you are:

  • From a StreetWorks Member or Partner Agency and have been hired as a StreetWorks Outreach Worker (OW).
  • From a StreetWorks Member or Partner Agency and supervise StreetWorks OWs.

Click on the links below to register for the time and dates of your Classroom 101 Classroom 201 trainings.

If you are any other youth worker working with youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness and/or sexual exploitation, sign up by visiting the Streetworks Toolkit Training page.

Trainings are currently being offered virtually via Zoom. Training cost is $115 for all trainees. Payment is due at the time of registration for Classroom 101 and covers all training activities and materials needed for certification. Scholarships may be available as needed. Please complete our StreetWorks Training Scholarship Application Form (PDF).

StreetWorks GreenBag Certification

Contact

Please contact Alex Minnaert at Alex.Minnaert@lssmn.org or streetworkstraining@lssmn.org with questions about the SreetWorks Outreach Worker Certification Training.