Foundational Training
The TEAM UP Center has created a unique training series that equips Community Health Workers to provide integrated behavioral healthcare to children and families. The training material is informed by the needs and practices of community-based pediatric primary care alongside the evidence base from the field.
The work of sustaining person- and family-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care is a complex challenge. At TEAM UP, we acknowledge the significant role that professional development and peer learning play in equipping the workforce with the skills and support needed to meet these challenges effectively.
Registration now open for Spring 2026 CHW Foundational Training Series.
Continuing Education Credits (CEs) are available based on the number of registrants.
Training location: 125 Providence Street Worcester, Massachusetts, 01604
Overview
The TEAM UP Center has created the following unique training event that equips Community Health Workers to provide integrated behavioral healthcare to children and families.
Who Should Attend?
- Community Health Workers (CHWs)
- Family Partners (FPs)
Details
Cost: Free
Training dates:
Friday, April 10th, 2026, 9:30am-4:30pm, in-person
Friday, April 17th, 2026, 9:30am-4:30pm, in-person
Tuesday, April 28th, 2026, 9:30am-4:30pm, in-person
Friday, May 1st, 2026, 9:30am-4:30pm, in-person
Friday, May 8th, 2026, (with BHCs), 9:30am-4:30pm, in-person
Lunch and light morning refreshments will be provided.
Training location:
125 Providence Street Worcester, Massachusetts, 01604
Agenda
Day 1: Friday, April 10th, 2026, 9:30am-4:30pm, in-person
Day 1 focuses on defining the CHW role within integration, core competencies and scope of work; a foundational overview of health education and client advocacy with emphasis on how it pertains to scope of practice; the role integrated CHWs in quality improvement; and ends with the importance of documentation.
- CHW role, scope, and core competencies
- Massachusetts’ CHW certification overview
- Role of integrated CHWs in quality improvement
- CHWs as health educators and advocates
- Documentation wise practices
Day 2: Friday, April 17th, 2026, 9:30am-4:30pm, in-person
Day 2 focuses on how children learn and common mental health conditions in childhood. The day ends with discussions and case study examples.
- Introduction to youth learning styles
- Introduction to common mental health conditions in childhood
- Case discussion and application of skills
Day 3: Tuesday, April 28th, 2026, 9:30am-4:30pm, in-person
Day 3 is geared towards the development of effective communication and listening skills and introduction of motivational interviewing. The day ends with opportunities to practice through role-plays.
- Introduction to intentional communication and listening skills
- Motivational interviewing as a tool for engagement
- Role play and application
Day 4: Friday, May 1st, 2026, 9:30am-4:30pm, in-person
Day 4 introduces the integration of caregivers and dyadic approaches for CHWs. Participants will have opportunities to practice skills through role-plays.
- Introduction to problem solving education and application to caregiver support
- Approaches to caregiver coaching and dyadic support
- Role play and application
Day 5: Friday, May 8th, 2026, (with BHCs), 9:30am-4:30pm, in-person
Day 5 is geared toward BHCs and CHWs and will focus on foundations in early childhood care with an emphasis on the team-approach.
- Engagement strategies for client-centered care
- Developmental stages: Ages 0-5
- BRANCH as an intervention tool
- Case study and practical application
Training Team
Sonia Erlich, LMHC, MFA, MA
Arth Hin, MA
Emily Stewart, DSW, LICSW
Kira Rosa, MSW, LICSW
Julianna Brody-Fialkin, MSW, MPH, LICSW
Dana Rubin, MD, MSW