The Social Development Department began a series of in-service trainings to enhance the professional development of its clinical staff.

Coordinator Mrs. Stacie Stoutt-James said the training will run from June 13 to 17, and the overall goal is for social work professionals to analyze complex information, develop and maintain established professional relationships with clients, families and community members. Participants will also be able to sharpen their listening skills and create concurrent plans.

Mrs. Stoutt-James said, “The development of officers’ competence is an on-going process and it involves education, training, experience and supervision.”

She said that the first two days focused on the division heads, and will be followed by the social workers, community development officers and/or probation and parole officers on Wednesday and Thursday, and the final day all workers will be grouped together for its conclusion.

The sessions are facilitated by Mrs. Clarissa Benjamin-Smith, who holds master and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology and has worked in the field of social services for over 20 years.  Mrs. Benjamin-Smith has developed a number of pre-service and in-service training programs for child welfare agencies and educational institutions both in Georgia and New York, U.S.A.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitate human development and improves the quality of life in the Virgin Islands.