2024 5th Annual In-Person Ocean City Conference - Empowering Social Workers: Steadying the Waves
2024 5th Annual In-Person Ocean City Conference - Empowering Social Workers: Steadying the Waves
Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday, May 8-10, 2024 (Friday is 1/2 day)
Hilton Garden Inn
2800 Baltimore Avenue
Ocean City, MD 21842
Please Note: NASW-MD has reserved 55 ocean front rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn that are discounted at $169/night from Tuesday, May 7 – Thursday, May 9, 2024 (checkout Friday morning). Please click the link below to make a reservation. If you copy the link from one browser to another browser will remove the connections required.
Please Note: You may be asked to show proof of vaccination and sign a COVID waiver when you sign in at the registration desk. You may also be asked to wear a mask in the classroom.
Tuesday, May 7th
4:30 – 6:00 pm – Happy Hour Reception
Join us for a pre-conference reception on Monday afternoon from 4:30 – 6 pm (ask for location at check in)
DAY 1: Wednesday, May 8th
(7 CEUs)
7:00 a.m. – 8:20 a.m. – Registration, full breakfast (provided), and networking
8:30 - 8:45 - Morning Announcements
8:45 a.m. –9:45 a.m. -Keynote Presentation -
Sails & Anchors: Navigating Clients' Stress in Healthcare
Keynoter: Jennifer FitzPatrick
Keynote Speaker: Jennifer FitzPatrick, MSW, LCSW-C, CSP
Speaker, Consultant, Author, & founder, Jenerations Health Education, Inc.
Speaker Bio: Jennifer L. FitzPatrick, MSW, LCSW-C, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) is a speaker, consultant, author, and founder of Jenerations Health Education, Inc. She is a former gerontology instructor at Johns Hopkins University's Certificate on Aging program and has been featured on ABC, CBS, Sirius XM, in Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Redbook, Fast Company, and other media outlets. One of less than 800 Certified Speaking Professionals worldwide, Jennifer is the author of Reimagining Customer Service in Healthcare and Cruising Through Caregiving: Reducing the Stress of Caring for Your Loved One. Her board appointments include serving as a Care Advisory Board Member for Seth Rogen & Lauren Miller Rogen's non-profit HFC (Hilarity for Charity), board member for Salisbury University's School of Health & Human Services, and a Board Member for Lifespan's Beacon Institute, an Argentum affiliate.
Synopsis: Does anyone look forward to needing a hospital, nursing home, psychotherapist, or any other health/mental health service? Of course not; and neither do our clients and patients. Although clients and patients do not look forward to needing us (and may even experience diagnosable phobias directly related to engaging with us), we have tremendous influence over how they ultimately perceive the experience of receiving life-changing services. When we make a health or mental health experience less stressful for those who seek help, there are better clinical outcomes, more engagement, fewer complaints, and reduced malpractice claims. This engaging program will help you better understand the mindset of those you serve and make necessary changes so your patients and clients are better set up for success.
Learning Objectives: at the end of this keynote presentation, attendees will be able to:
1. Examine both covert and overt reasons clients and patients experience stress while procuring health and mental health services
2. Discover the negative consequences of serving patients and clients who are experiencing stress while engaging with health/mental health providers
3. Develop an immediate action plan for diminishing stress for your clients and patients as a supervisor or clinician
1 Cat I CEU
9:45 – 10 am – Break
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Morning Session
Countertransference: An Ethical Discussion in Four Parts
Presenter: Jennifer Fitzpatrick, MSW, LCSW-C, CSP
Speaker, Consultant, Author, & founder, Jenerations Health Education, Inc.
Synopsis: Countertransference happens to all health and mental health professionals, regardless of how seasoned or educated they may be. This interactive program will help participants identify both overt and less obvious forms of countertransference. It will also help participants determine how to ethically manage, resolve, and prevent it.
Learning Objectives: at the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
1. Identify countertransference.
2. Maintain appropriate boundaries by increasing awareness of overt and covert forms of countertransference.
3. Examine both areas of the NASW and MD BSWE Code of Ethics to assist with managing, resolving, and preventing issues with countertransference. NASW areas to be examined include Self-Determination, Conflict of Interest, Consultation, Privacy & Confidentiality. BSWE areas to be examined include Professional Competence (10.42.03.06) and Relationships.
CE: 2 Cat I ETHICS CEUS
Please note: This workshop qualifies for 2 of the 3-hour Ethics CEUs needed for license renewal per the Maryland BSWE.
12:00 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. – Lunch (provided)
1:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Afternoon Session
What has Always Been at Stake: Examining the Impact of the Socio-Political Climate on the Social Work Profession
Presenter: Lee Westgate, MSW, MBA, LCSW-C, (he/him/his)
Speaker, Teacher, Consultant
Presenter Bio: Lee Westgate, MSW, MBA, LCSW-C (he/ him/ his) is an out transgender advocate with more than 15 years of professional experience in social work policy, practice, research, and education. He is a board approved clinical supervisor in the state of Maryland, has held numerous organizational leadership roles, and has served as an educational consultant to a variety of associations and organizational clientele. He has served as a medical social worker in the fields of oncology, critical care, as well as in integrated behavioral health settings. Mr. Westgate has participated in a CSWE-sponsored National Trauma Task Force work-group that focused on the intersection of ethics and trauma-informed practice and he was awarded an immersion fellowship through Boston University to study addiction and behavioral health. He has participated in AIDS Education and Training Center on behalf of the University of Maryland, School of Social Work, Baltimore, MD since 2017 and participated in the MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Workgroup on COVID and HIV. Mr. Westgate continues to serve as a Clinical Instructor at the University of Maryland, School of Social Work and his scholarship includes integrated behavioral health, clinical work with LGBTQIA+ populations, working with individuals with chronic and life-threatening illness, healthcare policy, and health equity. As a faculty member, he has received numerous teaching awards including the Camara Jones Faculty Award of 2022, Innovation in Social Work Award of 2022, Exemplary Faculty Member of the Year Award along with the Dean’s Teaching Award for several consecutive semesters. He has been published in The Social Worker, The Journal of Employee Assistance, Infusion Magazine, Provider Magazine, and Social Work Today.
Synopsis: The exponential rise in harmful and overtly discriminatory bills in state legislatures across the country coupled with efforts to erode the fundamental rights and freedoms of historically marginalized people continues to harm population-wide health and wellbeing. There remain relentless efforts to compromise individual legal and human rights as evidenced in the systematic targeting of structurally vulnerable populations to include people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and children. Social workers practice at what has become a complex intersection evidence-based, bio-ethical practice and politically motivated interference in and the delivery of care. Parallel to this, the social work profession must continue to work toward embracing an anti-oppressive approach to practice through reckoning with its own problematic professional roots. This session will examine the phenomenon of criminalization of social care and underscore the critical need for political action by the social work profession.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
1. Provide an overview of the unique social and legal challenges faced by social workers within this current socio-political environment.
2. Highlight key ethical challenges related to the provision of care to include the interplay of practice, legal, and cultural ethics.
3. Recognize the critical roles that social workers must play in social and political advocacy.
4. Employ strategies to enhance individual and macro-based advocacy aimed at ensuring justice and equity in the delivery of care.
Relevant NASW Ethical Codes:
5.01 Integrity of the Profession
6.01 Social Welfare
6.02 Public Participation
6.04 Social and Political Action
CE: 3 Cat I
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Optional CEU Event ethics
The Ethics of Addressing Cultural Competency in Trauma Informed Care
Presenter: Dwayne Buckingham, LCSW-C, BCD, CCTP
CEO, Buckingham Consulting Group, LLC
Training Specialist, Child Welfare Academy, University of Maryland-Baltimore
Synopsis: This workshop covers the history of Cultural Competence and barriers of communication that impacts providers’ ability to provide objective treatment. Mental health professionals come from various backgrounds and different walks of life which in return shapes their perceptions and definitions of cultural competence. Many providers have received training on cultural competence in Trauma-informed care, but there is very little training that encourages providers to be mindful of how their personal cultural and ethical perceptions may cause them to provide treatment through tainted lens. This webinar will distinguish between ethics and competence and challenge current perceptions of cultural competence. Upon completion of this training participant will leave with a clear understanding of the importance of viewing cultural competence from an individual perspective so that ethical treatment can be provided. Ethical Codes: Ethical Responsibility to Clients - 1.04 Competence and 1.05 Cultural Awareness and Social Diversity.
Learning Objectives: at the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to:
1. Define Trauma
2. Explore Ethical Considerations in Trauma-Informed Care
3. Discuss NASW and BSWE Code of Ethics
4. Discuss and challenge current perceptions of cultural competence
5. Describe a new model to assist the audience working within cultures
6. Explain practice Implications/recommendations
7. Identify evaluation and research protocols to enhance cultural competence training
1 Cat I CEU in ETHICS
Please note: This workshop qualifies for 1 of the 3-hour Ethics requirement of the Maryland BSWE needed for license renewal.
DAY 2: Thursday, May 9th
(7.5 CEUs available)
7:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. – Registration, full breakfast (provided), and networking
8:30 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. - Morning Session
Emotional Intelligence: A Clinician’s Guide to Understanding and Treating African Americans’ Emotional Trauma
Presenter: Dwayne Buckingham, LCSW-C, BCD, CCTP
CEO, Buckingham Consulting Group, LLC
Training Specialist, Child Welfare Academy, University of Maryland-Baltimore
Presenter Bio: Dwayne L. Buckingham, PhD, LCSW-C, BCD is a licensed clinical psychotherapist, retired decorated veteran, and CEO of Buckingham Consulting Group, LLC. As a highly acclaimed international clinical psychotherapist, he has provided psychological assessments and treatment to over 40,000 individuals, couples, groups, and families worldwide. Through consulting, counseling, coaching, and training, his firm enables individuals and organizations to find solutions to problems and produce sustainable results. Dr. Buckingham has authored 20 self-help books, produced 4 documentaries, and is affectionally known as the E.R. Doctor or Empathy and Resilience Doctor. His 25 years of clinical experience and military training enable him to serve individuals from all walks of life and consult with organizations with significantly diverse staff and customers. In recognition of his philanthropic and entrepreneurial achievements, he received the distinct destination of 2017 DMV Entrepreneur of the Year from Wes Adams’ State’s Attorney Office, Anne Arundel County, Maryland. His expertise has been relied upon in a wide variety of articles, podcasts, and radio segments. While serving as Deputy Chief of the Adult Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic and Chief of Resiliency and Psychological Health Service at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center from 2009 to 2016, Dr. Buckingham provided executive coaching to senior leaders and led his team in conducting resilience trainings for over 7000 military, civilian and contract personnel. Dr. Buckingham has been featured on NBC, ABC, Fox 2 News, ESSENCE, The CW 11, The Daily Drum, Huffington Post, and numerous other media outlets as a mental health expert, entrepreneur, consultant, and certified life, and executive coach. Additionally, he has provided 2 keynote addresses, consultation, and training for numerous organizations, including Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, United States Public Health Services (USPHS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health Resource and Service Administration (HRSA), United States Air Force, First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Allegany College of Maryland (ACM), National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Jackson State University (JSU), Black Mental Health Alliance (BMHA), Habitat for Humanity, St. John’s Baptist Church, The Bowman Francis Ministry, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He holds a B.S.W. in Social Work from Jackson State University, an M.S.W in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in Human Services from Capella University. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work. He is also an active member of the National Association of Social Workers and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Synopsis: This engaging and vital workshop is designed for mental health professionals, social workers, counselors, and any clinicians interested in enhancing their therapeutic approaches with African American clients. The session will delve into the nuances of emotional intelligence (EI) as a cornerstone for fostering a healing environment that acknowledges the unique experiences and emotional landscapes of African American individuals. The presenter will discuss essential resource for healthcare professionals who are seeking to deepen their understanding and application of emotional intelligence in a way that honors and supports the unique emotional experiences of African American clients, ultimately leading to more effective treatment and healing.
Learning Objectives:at the end of this workshop, attendees will:
1. Define emotional intelligence and describe its five components: self-awareness, self-regulation, internal motivation, empathy, and social skills.
2. Identify how emotional intelligence can enhance therapeutic relationships and outcomes, particularly when working with African American clients.
3. Explain the impact of historical and cultural contexts on the emotional well-being of African American clients and learn to integrate this understanding into their practice.
4. Describe practice strategies to foster empathy and understanding, particularly in navigating the complex emotions related to the African American experience.
5. Identify and incorporate the strengths and resources of the African American community into their healing practices.
CE: 3 Cat I
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. – Lunch (provided)
1:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. – Afternoon Session
LGBTQIA+ Concerns and Intersectionality: Identifying and Managing Provider Biases
Presenter: Thalia Bishop, PsyD., (She/Her/Ella)
Approved Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Supervisor
Licensed Psychologist (Maryland/The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT))
Registered Psychology Associate (District of Columbia) (Supervised)
Presenter Bio: Dr.Thalia Bishop is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Maryland, through the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), and a registered psychology associate under the supervision of a licensed psychologist in the District of Columbia. She is also an approved Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Supervisor in Maryland with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University. Dr. Bishop currently works with adolescents and adults, providing therapy and evaluation services in a culturally inclusive environment. Her experience includes providing therapy services for adolescents and adults, and psychological/psychoeducational evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults.
Her research and clinical interests include working with marginalized groups; including individuals and families impacted by incarceration. Through the years she has volunteered with several organizations in Maryland and the District of Columbia, providing services to families impacted by homelessness, incarceration, and poverty. She consistently strives to create a setting where each client feels accepted, valued, and supported.
Synopsis: As with many individuals within marginalized groups, members of the LGBTQIA+ community often face challenges rooted in the intersections of multiple identities. The purpose of this presentation is to identify specific steps providers, including social workers, can take to recognize their own biases and provide supportive spaces for clients within the LGBTQIA+ community. Our goal is to deliver a better understanding of challenges faced by members of the LGBTQIA+ community when managing intersecting aspects of their identities. We will explore strategies and best practices for providers to incorporate while collaborating with clients. The presenter will highlight specific research and tools to assist providers collaborating with members of this community.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
1. Explain key terms/concepts related to bias, intersectionality, and aspects unique to members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
2. Identify and discuss a minimum of three (3) best practices for working with LGBTQIA+ clients managing intersectional challenges.
3. List three (3) strategies for providers to address their own biases, while still providing clients with effective treatment.
4. Highlight three (3) approaches for providers to create an environment that encourages clients to openly explore and discuss various aspects of their identities.
CE: 3 Cat I
4:30 p.m. - 6:00/6:30 p.m. - Optional CEU Event
TBD
DAY 3: Friday, May 10th (1/2 day)
(3 CEUs available)
7:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. – Registration, full breakfast (provided), and networking
8:30 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. - Morning Session
Better Together: The Need for Social Connections
Presenter: Jocelyn Gaul, LCSW-C
Adolescent/Young Adult Therapist
Synopsis: This is a 3 hour, energetic, interactive, and experiential workshop designed for social work professionals. Participants will learn about loneliness, what it looks like for people today, and what kind of impact it has on us as professionals and on our clients. Participants will learn how to assess where they fall on the loneliness spectrum to help clients identify this as well. We will identify 10 common roadblocks to social connection. Using a workbook, small group discussions, and experiential-based activities, participants will have opportunities to learn and practice research-based skills to overcome the roadblocks that impede social connection. By learning and practicing this framework, professionals will be ready to implement these skills in their practice and help their clients improve their well-being and achieve their goals. This training requires a willingness to meet and talk to other participants through structured (non-embarrassing) activities.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
1. Define loneliness.
2. List at least 3 health risks associated with loneliness.
3. Identify which common roadblocks to social connection get in the way for themselves and their clients.
Create a personalized action plan, based on research-based tips, to overcome the specific roadblocks that stand in the way of social connection.
CE: 3 Cat I
COST OF CONFERENCE:
Entire 3-day Conference (Wed., Thurs., Fri.)
$399 for NASW members
$499 for non-members
$359 for Retired Members and Students (no CEUs for students)
Two Days Only: Wednesday, Thursday or Friday
- $249 for NASW members
- $299 for non-members
- $199 Retired members & Students (no CEUs for Students)
One Day Only: Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday
- Wednesday - $149 for NASW members; $199 nonmembers; $119 for Retired members and Students(no CEUs for students)
- Thursday - $149 for NASW members; $199 nonmembers; $119 for Retired members and Students(no CEUs for students)
- Friday - $119 for NASW members; $169 nonmembers; $99 for Retired members and Students(no CEUs for students)
Please Note: you are ethically responsible for accurately reporting the number of continuing education hours you earn. If you attend a NASW-MD event and arrive late or need to leave early you are responsible for notifying the workshop coordinator. Your CE certificate will be adjusted to reflect the hours of attendance.
Comfort Zone Reminder: Every effort is made to have a comfortable temperature in meeting rooms, but everyone’s comfort level is different. Dress in layers or bring a jacket or sweater in case the room is too cool or warm for your comfort.
COST OF CONFERENCE:
Entire 3-day Conference (Wed., Thurs., Fri.)
$299 for NASW members
$369 for non-members
$249 for Retired Members and Students
Two Days Only: Wednesday, Thursday or Friday
- $299for NASW members
- $349 for non-members
- $239 Retired members & Students
One Day Only: Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday
- Wednesday - $199 for NASW members; $249 nonmembers; $149 for Retired members and Students
- Thursday - $199 for NASW members; $249 nonmembers; $149 for Retired members and Students
- Friday - $139 for NASW members; $169 nonmembers; $99 for Retired members and Students
Please Note: you are ethically responsible for accurately reporting the number of continuing education hours you earn. If you attend a NASW-MD event and arrive late or need to leave early you are responsible for notifying the workshop coordinator. Your CE certificate will be adjusted to reflect the hours of attendance.
Comfort Zone Reminder: Every effort is made to have a comfortable temperature in meeting rooms, but everyone’s comfort level is different. Dress in layers or bring a jacket or sweater in case the room is too cool or warm for your comfort.
2157