Education

During the implementation of the project, a testing phase was launched, which focused on training and supervision of social workers and the quality of the services provided. The initial phase identified areas of training needs of non-profit and government organizations as well as students for fieldwork. This prioritised training activities in refugee work, skills and competencies, and regular team supervision sessions where practitioners could validate practical procedures and methods. This process was supported by a set of training and education materials from UNICEF, manuals for trainers and supervisors and other relevant documents. Based on the lessons learned, a first training concept for the Innovation Centre was subsequently developed and implemented. The training concept includes three training modules complemented by supervision and an e-learning tool:

1. Module 1 - Case Management
2. Module 2 - Communication and communication techniques with the child
3. Module 3 - Multidisciplinary and professional work
4. Team supervision
5. E-learning tool (learning platform)

The training modules, supervision and the e-learning online tool are interlinked by a common focus and themes. At the same time, the participants of the training modules keep a workbook as a reference material in case of need.

a) Module 1 - Case management

The first module focuses on the proper grasp of case management work with a child and its implementation in the field. Thus, pre-employment and in-service workers will gain knowledge in areas such as child protection, case management process, case management principles, case management steps such as identification and registration, assessment, case planning and implementation or data protection. The module is designed to reflect the needs of every child regardless of their background or status.

(b) Module 2 - Communication and communication techniques with the child

The communication module builds on the foundations of the case management and working with the child module. The training deals with communication; the differences between verbal and non-verbal communication, communication barriers and intercultural communication, as well as how to communicate at different stages of a child's development and how to communicate with the child him/herself. Communication strategies themselves are covered in Module 3, which focuses on professional practices, e.g. when working with children with disabilities.

c) Module 3 - Multidisciplinary and professional work

The lectures and training reflect the need to deepen the knowledge gained in Modules 1 and 2, as well as the specific needs of practitioners, particularly in casework. This module is therefore enriched with topics chosen by the practitioners themselves. These include, for example, topics such as working with children at risk, drug addiction, specific approaches to working with disabled children or adults, crisis intervention or family violence. This module brings together experts with practitioners on the basis of direct interaction.

d) Team supervision

Team supervision is an integral part of training well-trained practitioners. Supervision helps in building a positive environment, fosters communication and enhances teamwork. In the case of the training concept, supervision is designed to primarily reflect the needs of the team and the areas, additionally tied to the topics being addressed during training. During supervision, the experts look for common solutions to individual cases, discuss procedures as well as problems that occur in the workplace. Given the high number of refugees, supervision serves as a protection against burnout.

(e) E-learning tool (learning platform)

The Faculty of Education of Comenius University has created an e-learning tool within the online platform Moodle, which reflects the educational components mentioned above. This educational tool is also divided into three parts. The first part is intended for pre-employment practitioners, the second part for practitioners and the third part for the student part. This division makes it possible to better reflect needs and knowledge also in the context of continuing education. At the same time, thanks to direct registration, the trainee can directly decide which training he/she is interested in or which training is still missing in order to obtain a certificate of completion. The student part of the online platform serves the interests and needs of students.