Residential Counselor Core Training
N.H. Residential Counselor Core Training (RCCT) is offered to
residential counselors, in preparation for their work with children and
youth in care in any of New Hampshire's residential facilities.
A 30-hour competency based training series; it consists of five
modules, each six hours in length. The program provides generalized
training that addresses the basic knowledge, skills, and abilities
essential to the position of residential counselor. Participants are
introduced to the spectrum of out-of-home care options, the basic
principles of child growth and development and abuse and neglect,
cultural competence in working with children and families, and the
variety of roles and responsibilities they may assume as counselors.
The intent of the training program is to ensure that participants
receive peer support and high quality, transferable training that
addresses the universal knowledge and skills applicable to the position
of residential counselor, regardless of the facility in which they are
employed.
Link to Course Schedule.
The modules are:
Abuse and Neglect of Children and Adolescents
This
course differentiates the major types of child abuse and describes the
factors that contribute to the abuse of children. The residential
counselor's role and responsibilities as a mandated reporter is
explained as well as the importance of knowing the agency's process for
reporting and investigating allegations. Physical, emotional and
behavioral indicators of abuse are examined including the impact of
child abuse on the child, family, and community. Strategies to manage
challenging behaviors and options for appropriate psychological
treatment are addressed.
Development and Child Trauma
This course
compares the child growth stages of infancy, toddler, preschool, school
age, and adolescence. Development milestones and tasks associated with
these stages are described. Discussion will focus on the obstacles
children and youth who have been abused or neglected are challenged
with, as well as the developmental obstacles they face while in
placement. Participants apply theoretical knowledge of child
development and problem solving skills to case scenarios.
Serving Children, Youth and Families
This
course introduces Residential Counselors to their role in the helping
system, including that of teacher and mentor for the biological family
of youth in their care. It explores ways to identify strengths and
challenges within a family through an empathic approach to services,
while being sensitive to cultural backgrounds. Participants examine the
implications of a range of issues that may have lead a child into
out-of-home placement. This course focuses on how to interpret a
youth's behavior in the context of past experiences, and how to develop
intervention skills based on guidelines for the Residential Counselor's
professional role.
Staff Roles and Responsibilities
This
course provides residential counselors with an understanding of their
multifaceted role in the care and well being of children in residential
facilities. Emphasis is placed on daily routines and structure as key
elements in creating healthy and safe environments in which children
may thrive. Finding a balance between the individual child's needs and
those of the group is explored. Residential Counselors unique
interpersonal skills and the potential implications of their effects on
children and families are discussed. Establishing social boundaries,
maintaining confidentiality, and upholding ethical standards are
presented as major responsibilities.
Out of Home Placement Options
This course
provides learners with an overview of the placement process and
placement options for children in NH who are living outside of their
homes due to abuse/neglect, special educational needs, Children in Need
of Services (CHINS) or delinquency. Learners explore the roles of
different systems of placement, including: Division of Children, Youth
and Families, Division of Juvenile Justice Services, Department of
Education and CHINS. The course describes the variety of supportive
services available to children and families. Participants are taught to
assess program characteristics and client needs, enhancing case
management skills.
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