Monday, May 20
1:00 PM
Description of the Webinar*
Service workers must negotiate provider systems which are complex, subject to policy and funder influences and which often are insufficient and may limit access to resources. Establishing communities of practice facilitates development of innovative networking and technologically driven tools that can promote positive client outcomes. This workshop will illustrate the use of resource and referral tools like listservs, decision trees and on-line networking forums which assist service providers in meeting client needs.
Course Outcomes
As a result of this course, you will be able to: • Understand how integrating the concepts of Collective Impact and Communities of Practice alleviate barriers to service provision. • Be able to identify basic needs resource and referral tools. Demonstrate how enriched networking can assist professionals through supportive relationships and can strengthen work environments.
What will participants walk away knowing?*
Participants will walk away with awareness of tools to support a generalist understanding of social systems and resources.
Target Population for Audience*
Anyone who is interested in having some basic understanding of how to more effectively support community members with accessing, understanding, and apply for support for resources from government and non-profit agencies.
Presenter Info
Shaun Taft is a Macro Licensed Social Worker whose main focus is uncovering barriers to resource access and creating sensible solutions to connect front line service providers. She received her MSA with a concentration in Business Management from Central Michigan University and earned her MSW with a focus on Community and Social Systems from the University of Michigan. She has worked in the non-profit sector for almost 20 years managing programs across diverse domains and has a background in resource navigation, improving system delivery, cross-sector collaboration, community organizing and advocacy. She developed Wayne County Resource Champions, one of the first county wide networking group for basic needs resources in Wayne County, as well as expanded the use of a web-based clearing house for flyers and events across 7 counties in Michigan. She developed the idea of creating a systems navigation manual on a state-wide basis and gathered content from experts, including social workers, across different life domains to craft Finding Your Way: A Roadmap to Social Systems and Resources. She serves on the state-wide Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm and is on the President of the board of the Wayne-Westland Figure Skating Club. She currently resides in Westland, Michigan, is an avid gardener and figure skater.