Understanding and Treating Secondary Trauma in Human Service Responders

Understanding and Treating Secondary Trauma in Human Service Responders

Social workers, case managers, and victim advocates are frequently the unseen responders on the front lines of trauma—navigating stories of abuse, violence, and crisis with limited resources and immense emotional weight. While their mission is to restore safety and dignity for others, the cumulative exposure to suffering, systemic pressure, and moral injury places them at heightened risk for secondary traumatic stress (STS) and vicarious trauma.

This course is designed to help practitioners understand the unique behavioral health needs of human service responders. Participants will examine how trauma manifests within the helping professions, explore evidence-based treatment frameworks, and learn strategies for effective engagement, recovery, and prevention.