PDA TRAUMA INFORMED PRACTICE

Intro to the course:

Trauma is broadly defined as ‘experiences that produce intense emotional pain, fear, or distress, often resulting in long-term physiological and psychosocial consequences’ (Keesler, 2014). This qualification has been developed in response to the growing awareness of the consequences of trauma on individuals and the need to highlight the on-going trauma experienced by individuals and the negative impact this has on their lives and health.  In light of the number of people experiencing trauma, the Scottish Government commissioned NHS Education for Scotland (NES) to develop an evidence-based toolkit that focussed on the need to develop a trauma informed workforce (NES 2021).  
This qualification aims to contribute to  developing an informed workforce and supporting individuals affected by trauma. It is aimed at professionals who work with individuals who have experienced trauma, or those who are working to support the carers of individuals who have experienced trauma.  The main aims of the Professional Development Award (PDA) are to provide a qualification that enables learners to gain a knowledge and understanding of trauma and the causes and impact of trauma on the individual and the importance of being an informed practitioner in supporting individual affected by trauma. The qualification also aims to enable the learner to achieve an understanding not only of therapeutic approaches but also organisational approaches to trauma.

Who is the course for?

This course is  aimed at professionals who work with individuals who have experienced trauma, or those who are working to support the carers of individuals who have experienced trauma. This qualification will therefore create a workforce that is knowledgeable, and capable and it will enhance employment prospects and may enable the learner to access degree level qualifications. However, at this time there is no direct progression to undergraduate programmes.

What will I study?

The qualification is made up of four units that will introduce learners to trauma, exploring current definitions and concepts of trauma and the relationships between socio- economic factors, individual, vulnerabilities and language that may be experienced by those affected by trauma. The learner will then investigate the factors leading to childhood trauma and the impact that this may have on development and the ability to build and sustain relationships. The qualification then explores therapeutic approaches and interventions for individuals affected by trauma and the importance of self-care and personal responsibility for those not only affected by trauma but for the care providers too. Finally, the qualification looks at organisational approaches to trauma and the underpinning values and principles required for organisations to implement trauma informed practices and to support those who have experience significant trauma thereby creating a resilient and supported workforce.

Next step course options

This qualification will  enhance employment prospects and may enable the learner to access degree level qualifications. However, at this time there is no direct progression to undergraduate programmes.

How will I be assessed?

The four units will be assessed using a variety of open and closed book  assessments. 

Why should I choose this course?

To  explore the therapeutic approaches and interventions for individuals affected by trauma and the importance of self-care and personal responsibility for those not only affected by trauma but for the care providers too.  

Where can this course lead?

This qualification would benefit anyone working in Health, Social Care or  Education who want to enhance  their knowledge and understanding of supporting individuals who have experienced trauma.  

What are the entry requirements?

This is an SCQF level 7 qualification, and it is therefore recommended that learners have already completed a qualification at SCQF level 6 or equivalent prior to undertaking this qualification. 

What are the interview arrangements?

No interview.  Reference.

Fees, finance and funding:

Fees and finances for evening:

This course is eligible for:
- SAAS part time fee grant

Find out more about Individual Training Accounts (ITA): https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/sds-individual-training-accounts-ita

Find out more about Part-Time Fee Grants (PFGs): https://www.saas.gov.uk/part-time

Other information:

N/A

Evening course: Tuesday or Thursday evening for 36 weeks