BMSC X440.1 - Working with the Homeless Population

Course Description

This course provides you with an overview of homelessness, the factors contributing to it, historical and current best practice solutions, and best practices in engaging those in various homeless situations.The specific practices covered will include:

• best practices for initial engagement in an outreach environment
• ethics and boundaries
• professionalism
• effective communication
• intervention with escalating client
• cultural competency
• the person-centered approach
• trauma-informed care
• motivational interviewing
• harm reduction
• resource navigation
• techniques for self-care for professionals working in the field

Throughout the course, you will gain a working understanding of homeless services policy and ecosystems, the local Continuum of Care, and the types of housing supports available. Approaches to ending homeless situations covered include Diversion, Housing First, and Peer Support. Macro issues covered include housing and shelter policy, contributing factors and causes of homelessness, community organizing toward a “YIMBY” (Yes In My Backyard) environment, and the mindsets and experience of those in cycles of homelessness and generational poverty. Special emphasis will be placed on adopting a solution-minded attitude of cultural humility, and entering interactions as a learner.