If you need any additional information, please call (914) 785-8281.

† CASAC/OASAS or ‡ CNE credits may be available.
See Course Description as well as “Educational Credits and Notes” at the bottom of this page.

*NEW TRAININGS*

• Addressing Prevention with HIV-Positive Clients
  † 6.5 OASAS credits (not approved for initial CPS credentialing)
  

  This one-day training will prepare participants to help people living with HIV to avoid sexual and substance use behaviors that can result in 1) transmitting HIV to others and 2) negative health outcomes for themselves. Topics to be covered and specific skills to be practiced include: psychosocial issues that can make it difficult for people living with HIV to change sexual and substance using behaviors associated with HIV transmission; identify provider values and beliefs about addressing prevention issues with their HIV-positive clients; practice using a booklet that helps people living with HIV consider issues related to disclosure to sexual and needle sharing partners; practice skills associated with working one-on-one with HIV-positive clients on prevention issues; explore specific strategies for working with special populations; and examine prevention resources and be able to make referrals for prevention services.

  
  Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that participants have previous knowledge on harm reduction and basic HIV/AIDS information.
  Audience: All health and Human Service Providers, especially those who work directly with HIV-positive clients.
  Fall 2009 Dates: December 2, 2009 (9-5) Hawthorne
  
• Addressing Sexual Risk with Drug Users and Their Partners
  † 6.5 OASAS credits (not approved for initial CPS credentialing)
  

  This one-day training will build participant knowledge and skills in offering sexual harm reduction options to substance users. Expanded access to syringes, other harm reduction and drug treatment options have helped people greatly reduce their substance use-related risks for HIV. The latest research shows that sexual risk behaviors play a significant role in new cases of HIV among people who use drugs and alcohol. As a result of this training, participants will be able to: recall the latest research that shows how expanded access to syringes and methadone maintenance programs has greatly reduced the number of new cases of HIV from substance use-related risk; identify and discuss sexual risk behaviors clients engage in when using drugs and alcohol; identify harm reduction strategies for reducing sexual risk among people who use drugs and alcohol; and practice harm reduction messages tailored to sexual behaviors for people who use drugs and alcohol.

  
  Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that participants have attended "Reducing the Risk and Harm of HIV", Motivational Interviewing, Overview of Harm Reduction and/or have a working knowledge of harm reduction.
  Audience: For health and human services providers including: HIV/STD counselors, substance abuse counselors, HIV educators, outreach workers, case managers, case management technicians, and nurses.
  Fall 2009 Dates: August 5, 2009 (9-5) Newburgh; November 24, 2009 (9-5) Hawthorne
  
• Building Bridges to Cultural Competency
  † 6.5 OASAS credits
  

  This one-day training explores the broad definition of culture and its relationship to competent and effective healthcare and human service delivery. Participants will: discuss invisible privilege and its effect on both receiving and providing services; be encouraged to self reflect and explore potential obstacles to providing effective services; learn how these obstacles are created when diverse cultures, Western medicine and human service delivery collide.

  
  Prerequisite: None.
  Audience: All Health and Human Service Providers.
  Fall 2009 Dates: No dates scheduled.
  
• Community HIV/AIDS Educator Training
  † 26 OASAS credits (not approved for initial CPS credentialing)
  

  This four-day training is designed to prepare the participants to serve as community HIV/AIDS educators. Participants will be required to give a presentation to the class on the final day of training. During the training, potential Community HIV/AIDS Educators learn: facts about HIV/AIDS; risk reduction skills and teaching strategies; the effect of STDs on the transmission of HIV; information about June 1, 2000 HIV Reporting and Partner Notification regulations; public speaking skills; nonjudgmental perspective, and cultural sensitivity; and other training skills such as answering participant's questions and facilitation of class discussion.

  
  Prerequisite: None.
  Audience: All Health and Human Service Providers. Open to members of the community.
  Fall 2009 Dates: September 14, 15, 21, & 22, 2009 (four-day training; 9-5) Hawthorne
  
• Domestic Violence in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Communities
  † 6.5 OASAS credits
  

  This one-day training was developed by the New York State Office for prevention of Domestic Violence and the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute. This one-day training program will assist participants to: examine the beliefs, values and attitudes that can impact their ability to respond to Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Bisexual (LGTB) victims of domestic violence; and increase knowledge and skills to sensitively and effectively address LGTB domestic violence.

  
  Prerequisite: Although there is no prerequisite for this course, it is strongly suggested that participants have previous training on domestic violence, and basic HIV/AIDS information. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend the "Basic Information about Domestic Violence" prior to attending this training.
  Audience: All Health and Human Service Providers including: Domestic Violence Service Providers.
  Fall 2009 Dates: October 29, 2009 (9-5) Hawthorne
  
• Enhancing the Partnership Between the Client and the Case Manager
  † 6.5 OASAS credits (not approved for initial credentialing for CPS)

  This one-day training will provide participants with skills to establish effective partnerships with their clients. This training will focus on what both the case manager and client bring to the case management process. The training will also explore how to address sensitive issues with clients, develop positive confrontation skills and strategies to work with client resistance.

  
  

  Topics to be covered include: engaging and maintaining clients in the case management process; clarifying roles and responsibilities of clients and Case Managers; recognizing and following through on client's subtle hints, cues and inconsistencies regarding sensitive issues; and using a strength-based approach in dealing with resistance; confronting clients in a respectful and effective manner; and developing a variety of strategies to address clients' resistance.

  
  Prerequisite: Although there is no prerequisite for this course, it is strongly suggested that participants have previous training in HIV Confidentiality, Basic Domestic Violence, basic HIV/AIDS information and have taken "Introduction to Case Management."
  Audience: Case Management staff and Health and Human Service Providers including: Direct-service staff, Supervisors, and Program Directors.
  Fall 2009 Dates: September 29, 2009 (9-5) Hawthorne
  
• Group Facilitation Skills for STD/HIV Prevention Interventions
  

  This two-day training will help to increase providers' confidence, knowledge and practice skill in facilitating groups, especially the Centers for Disease Control's science based intervention "VOICES/VOCES". As a result of this training, participants will be able to: increase understanding of group process and how it influences behavior change; identify qualities of an effective group facilitator; increase skills in facilitating STD/HIV Prevention Intervention Groups; identify strategies for handling group problems; and learn the importance of training, supporting and evaluating group facilitators.

  
  Prerequisite: None.
  Audience: Group facilitators, counselors, health educators, peer educators, health care professionals and other public health prevention providers who conduct group level STD/HIV Prevention Interventions.
  Fall 2009 Dates: October 14 & 15, 2009 (two-day training; 9-5) Hawthorne
  
• HIV/AIDS Confidentiality Law
  ‡ 4 CNE hours
  

  This half-day training provides information about New York State's HIV Confidentiality Law (Public Health Law Article 27-F). This training is designed to meet provider requirements for initial and annual confidentiality training. Topics to be covered: basic components and intent of the law; rules concerning confidentiality; disclosure and signed releases; penalties and sanctions for violation of the law; documentation and record keeping; workplace policy and procedure requirements; and information about regulations regarding HIV case reporting and partner notification as it relates to confidentiality issues.

  
  Prerequisite: None.
  Audience: All Health and Human Service Providers.
  Fall 2009 Dates: September 3, 2009 (1-4) Hawthorne
  
• HIV/AIDS Treatment Update
  

  This half-day training will provide updated information for non-clinical providers about advances in HIV/AIDS treatment. Programs are updated regularly to address emerging issues and will cover various topics ranging from: new developments in Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART); newly approved (or soon to come) medications; vaccine research; drug resistance and resistance testing; drug/drug interactions; updates to treatment guidelines; and the role of the non-clinical provider in supporting decisions around treatment.

  
  Prerequisite: Prior attendance at a basic training such as "Overview of HIV Infection and AIDS,” is required.
  Audience: All health and human service providers who work with people with HIV/AIDS.
  Fall 2009 Dates: November 5, 2009 (1-4) Newburgh
  
• HIV and Hepatitis C Co-Infection
  † 3 OASAS credits (not approved for initial CPS credentialing)
  

  More than 25% of people living with HIV in the US are coinfected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Among people who acquired HIV as a result of injection drug use, the rates of HIV/HCV co-infection may be as high as 90%. HCV screening is recommended for persons infected with HIV. Health and human services providers who work with people living with HIV need updated information about HIV/HCV coinfection in order to provide effective services to their clients. As a result of this half-day training, participants will be able to: recall basic information about the liver and hepatitis C, including transmission, prevention, course of illness, screening and treatment; counsel their HIV positive clients about the importance of knowing their HCV status; describe how coinfection with HIV and HCV affects the progression of each disease; recall current trends and improvements in treatment for people who are coinfected with HIV and HCV; and list at least three additional service needs of people with HIV who are also coinfected with HCV.

  
  Prerequisite: Although there is no prerequisite for this training, it is strongly recommended that participants have previous training in HIV/AIDS.
  Audience: All health and human services providers including: nurses, HIV/STD counselors, substance abuse counselors, case managers, case management technicians, prevention specialists and outreach workers.
  Fall 2009 Dates: September 9, 2009 (1-4) Newburgh; October 1, 2009 (1-4) Hawthorne
  
• HIV and STDs
  † 3 OASAS credits (not approved for initial CPS credentialing)
  

  This one-day session will provide HIV/AIDS service providers with basic information about: the diagnosis and treatment of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); the effect of STDs on transmission of HIV; the importance of early identification and treatment of STDs as a strategy to reduce HIV transmission; and the benefits of early identification and treatment of STDs for people living with HIV infection.

  
  Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that participants have previous knowledge of or training on basic HIV/AIDS information.
  Audience: ALl Health and Human Service Providers.
  Fall 2009 Dates: September 10, 2009 (9-5) Hawthorne
  
• HIV Disclosure: Deciding Who and When to Tell
  

  This half-day training will increase the case manager's awareness of the multifaceted issues clients face when contemplating HIV status disclosure to family, friends and service providers. The case manager will develop the skills necessary to conduct timely, ongoing assessments and discussion of HIV status disclosure as a component of effective services planning. This training is meant to enhance case manager skills and should not be viewed as a foundational training for new staff entering the field. By the end of this training, the case manager will be able to: describe the benefits of ongoing assessment and discussion around disclosure; outline a format to help clients with effective decision-making about HIV/AIDS status disclosure, list the benefits and limitations; explain the value of supporting a client's decision regarding disclosure; and discuss the steps involved in making the decision to disclose HIV/AIDS status to family, friends and service providers.

  
  Prerequisite: Although there is no prerequisite for this course, it is strongly suggested that participants have previous training in HIV Confidentiality and have taken "Introduction to Case Management", "Enhancing the Partnership between Client and Case Manager" and "Serving Families: From Assessments to Service Plans."
  Audience: Case Management Staff including: Case Managers and Case Management Technicians in both COBRA and grant-funded programs; Supervisors Program Directors, and other interested Health and Human Service Providers.
  Fall 2009 Dates: November 17, 2009 (1-4) Newburgh
  
• HIV Testing in NYS: 2005 Guidance
  † 4 OASAS credits (not approved for initial CPS credentialing); ‡ 4 CNE hours
  

  This half-day training will provide information regarding the 2005 Department of Health (DOH) guidance on HIV Counseling and Testing. As a result of this training, participants will be able to: list the core elements of the 2005 DOH guidance; describe streamlined options for preparing clients for testing; determine when a patient would benefit from in-depth pre-test counseling; be familiar with revised "Informed Consent to Perform HIV Testing" and "Authorization of Release of Medical Information and Confidential HIV Related information" forms; list the elements of effective post-test counseling with an emphasis on strategies for effectively linking HIV-positive patients to care; work in partnership with HIV-positive patients to promote notification of sexual and needle sharing partners; and refer high risk patients who test negative to prevention services.

  
  Prerequisite: Although there is no prerequisite for this training, it is strongly recommended that participants have previous training in basic HIV/AIDS.
  Audience: Experienced and new health or human service providers who offer HIV testing as part of their job responsibilities; staff preparing to offer testing in community-based organizations may attend this training (at ARCS) or "Offering Rapid HIV Testing in CBOs Serving High Risk Communities” (offered at other Regional Training Centers).
  Fall 2009 Dates: August 9, 2009 (1-4) Hawthorne
  
• HIV Testing: Skills Practice Session
  † 6.5 OASAS credits (not approved for initial CPS credentialing); ‡ 6.5 CNE hours
  

  This one-day training will provide participants with an opportunity to practice key skills related to offering HIV testing services. As a result of this training, participants will be able to: assess when a client requires face-to-face pre-test counseling; conduct streamlined pre-test counseling; deliver preliminary positive and confirmed positive HIV test results; link newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients to health care and support services; work in partnership with HIV-positive patients to promote notification of sexual and needle-sharing partners, and conduct the NYS domestic violence screening protocol.

  
  Prerequisite: Knowledge of basic HIV/AIDS information and attendance at "HIV Testing in NYS: 2005 Guidance” or an equivalent training (ARCS prerequisite: “HIV Testing in NYS: 2005 Guidance” within the previous six months).
  Audience: Any health or human service provider who offers HIV testing as part of their job responsibilities.
  Fall 2009 Dates: August 20, 2009 (9-5) Hawthorne
  
• Introduction to Case Management
  † 6.5 OASAS credits (not approved for initial CPS credentialing)
  

  This one-day training will provide participants from COBRA and AIDS Institute grant-funded programs with the basic understanding of the case management process. Topics to be covered include: review and comparison of case management models; nature and importance of goal-planning; components and relationship between steps of the case management process; and case coordination with other service providers; and reasons and process for closure.

  
  Prerequisite: Although there is no prerequisite for this course, it is strongly suggested that participants have previous training in HIV confidentiality and basic HIV/AIDS medical information.
  Audience: New Case Management staff and Health and Human Service Providers including Direct-service staff, Supervisors, and Program Directors.
  Fall 2009 Dates: September 28, 2009 (9-5) Hawthorne
  
• It's Time: Integrate Viral Hepatitis Into Your Work
  † 13 OASAS credits (not approved for initial CPS credentialing)
  

  This two-day training will help to increase providers' confidence, knowledge and skill levels in integrating a range of viral hepatitis services into an already compact workday. As a result of this training, participants will: learn basic facts about Hepatitis A, B and C including epidemiology, transmission, spectrum of illness, prevention strategies, vaccine recommendations and treatment options; build skills in offering viral hepatitis prevention and harm reduction messages; discuss and receive practical tips, models and tools for integrating hepatitis screening, counseling, vaccination, treatment and referrals for care into your current work setting; identify resources to support you in your work.

  
  Prerequisite: None.
  Audience: Health and human service providers working in the following settings: Substance Use Programs, Correctional Settings, and Public Health clinics staff are encouraged to attend.
  Fall 2009 Dates: November 10 & 11, 2009 (two-day training; 9-5) Hawthorne
  
• Overview of HIV Infection and AIDS
  † 3 OASAS credits (not approved for initial crediting for CPS)
  

  This half-day to full-day (depending on site) training is designed to give the participant a basic understanding of HIV infection and AIDS. Topics to be covered: HIV transmission; HIV prevention strategies; course of HIV infection and AIDS; importance of early detection; Treatment to slow down HIV infection; and treatment to prevent opportunistic infection

  
  Prerequisite: None.
  Audience: All Health and Human Service Providers.
  Fall 2009 Dates: No Dates Scheduled.
  
• Practicing the NYS Domestic Violence Screening Protocol
  † 3 OASAS credits

  This half-day training offers new and experienced providers who conduct HIV test counseling with an opportunity to practice the skills needed to effectively implement the NYS Domestic Violence Screening Protocol. As a result of this training, participants will be able to: practice interview questions regarding client's the risk of domestic violence; provide referrals to domestic violence services; and conduct safety planning.

  
  Prerequisite: Knowledge of basic HIV/AIDS information and attendance at "HIV Testing in NYS: 2005 Guidance " or equivalent training. Attendance at "Basics Information about Domestic Violence" is strongly recommended.
  Audience: All Health and human Service Providers who deliver HIV test counseling.
  Fall 2009 Dates: August 26, 2009 (9-5) Hawthorne
  
• Promoting Primary Care & Treatment Adherence for HIV-Positive Individuals
  † 4 OASAS credits (not approved for initial CPS credentialing)
  

  This one-day training is designed to increase awareness of non-physician health and human services providers about HIV primary care guidelines and treatment adherence. Non-physician health and human services providers who are aware of HIV primary care guidelines and strategies for supporting treatment adherence can play an important role in improving the health outcomes of people living with HIV. At the end of this training, participants will be able to: list the components of primary care for patients living with HIV; identify the key elements of the annual comprehensive physical exam for patients living with HIV; identify the routine laboratory screening and assessments used in primary care for people living with HIV, including methods used to assess and measures adherence; recall the different classes of HIV medications and briefly describe how they work; identify common barriers to treatment adherence, including side effects; list three specific strategies for promoting treatment adherence; identify when referrals to specialty care may be needed. At the end of this training, participants will be able to work as a member of the care team to help patients take advantage of health maintenance services, vaccination, and prophylaxis for opportunistic infections; and to conduct client assessments and make referrals for a variety of psycho-social issues including substance use, mental health, domestic violence, smoking cessation, etc.

  
  Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended that participants have previous knowledge or training on basic HIV/AIDS information.
  Audience: Non-physician Health and Human Service Providers who work directly with people living with HIV, including case managers, counselors, nurses, support services providers and others.
  Fall 2009 Dates: December 7, 2009 (9-5) Hawthorne
  
• Reducing the Risk and Harm of HIV
  † 19.5 OASAS credits (not approved for initial CPS credentialing)
  

  This three-day training will provide participants with information about what behavioral scientists, HIV/AIDS providers and consumers have found to be helpful in reducing the risk and harm associated with HIV infection. Participants will have an opportunity to improve skills and increase knowledge of: assessing client readiness for change; behavior change counseling; and harm reduction options for sexual and substance use behaviors.

  
  Prerequisite: Although there is no prerequisite for this course, it is strongly recommended that participants have previous knowledge or training on basic HIV/AIDS information.
  Audience: All Health and Human Service Providers.
  Fall 2009 Dates: October 20, 21 & 22, 2009 (three-day training; 9-5) Hawthorne
  
• Serving Families: From Assessments to Service Plans
  

  This one and 1/2-day training will prepare case management staff to conduct thorough HIV/AIDS case management comprehensive needs assessments and develop effective service plans. The session will increase participants’ skill in completing the AIDS Institute COBRA case management assessment form. It provides an in-depth examination of service plan development and focuses on developing measurable goals and fostering goal achievement. Topics to be covered include: purpose and elements of the assessment and service plan; direct observations vs. personal judgments; interviewing and question-framing skills; documentation techniques; distinction between goals, objectives and tasks; incorporating assessment into the development of goals and objectives; using clients’ strengths and assets in developing a service plan; and tips for successful outcomes.

  
  Prerequisite: It is strongly suggested that participants have previous training in basic HIV/AIDS medical information, HIV Confidentiality, domestic violence, and have taken the trainings, “Introduction to Case Management” and “Enhancing the Relationship Between Client and Case Manager.”
  Audience: Case Managers and Case Management Technicians in both COBRA and grant-funded programs including Supervisors and Program Directors.
  Fall 2009 Dates: October 5 & 6, 2009 (two-day training; 9-5) Hawthorne
  
• Sex, Gender & HIV
  

  This two-day training is designed to help health and human services providers promote sexual health among their clients by building their capacity to talk sensitively and non-judgmentally about sexual identity, gender identity and sexual behaviors. Topics to be covered during the training include: sexual and gender identity; strategies for talking with clients about sexual health issues; HIV/STD prevention and harm reduction strategies for sexual behaviors. As a result of this training, participants will be able to: increase their awareness about the range of sexual and gender identities of their clients; describe how homophobia and other forms of stigma and discrimination can impact a client's sexual behaviors and ability to practice sexual risk reduction; increase their comfort in discussing sexual and gender identity with clients; describe how sexual trauma can impact a client's sexual behaviors and risk for HIV/STDs; and offer clients harm reduction options for sexual behaviors.

  
  Prerequisite: None.
  Audience: All Health and Human Service Providers.
  Fall 2009 Dates: October 7 & 8, 2009 (two-day training; 9-5) Hawthorne; December 9 & 10, 2009 (two-day training; 9-5)
  
• Tailoring HIV Counseling & Testing to the Unique Needs of Adolescents
  † 6.5 OASAS credits (not approved for initial CPS credentialing)
  

  This one-day training will prepare participants to tailor HIV testing services to the unique needs of adolescents. It will help build participant skills in meeting the counseling requirements of Article 27-F, including talking with adolescents about HIV reporting, conducting domestic violence screening, and assisting with partner notification. Topics to be covered include: legal rights of adolescents when seeking HIV testing and treatment; overview of the DOH guidelines titled "HIV & Adolescents: Counseling and Testing, Linkage to Care and Partner Notification"; and understanding adolescent development, including opportunities for values clarification.

  
  Prerequisite: Prior experience in conducting HIV Counseling and Testing or "HIV Testing in NYS: 2005 Guidance " or equivalent training.
  Audience: All health and human service providers already conducting HIV counseling and testing, especially those who work with youth.
  Fall 2009 Dates: No Dates Scheduled.
  
• What's New in HIV/AIDS Update
  

  This three-hour session will provide updated information for non-clinical staff about advances in a wide range of issues related to HIV/AIDS. Programs are updated regularly to address emerging issues and will cover various topics ranging from: changes in policy and regulation that affect the HIV/AIDS community; advances in care and treatment for HIV/AIDS; new information about prevention strategies and programs; other critical issues in HIV/AIDS care and support services.

  
  Prerequisite: Attendance at a basic training in HIV/AIDS, such as the Overview of HIV and AIDS, is required.
  Audience: All Health and Human Service Providers.
  Fall 2009 Dates: October 27, 2009 (1-4) Hawthorne
  
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  Educational Credits and Notes
  
  ‡ CNE The New York State Nurses Association’s Council on Continuing Education, which is accredited by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation has approved Educational Design I activity through the School of Public Health, University at Albany for:
  

  HIV Confidentiality Law for 4 hours
  (Approval Code 6VSFE-PRV-06-007) HIV Testing in NYS: 2005 Guidance for 4 hours
  (Approval Code 6VKSFE-PRV-06-078)
  

  † CASAC/OASAS The New York Offices of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services, (OASAS) has approved the following courses towards Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) accreditation and/or reaccreditation.*
  

  Addressing Prevention with HIV Positive Clients for 6.5 hours*
  Basic Information about Domestic Violence for 6.5 hours
  Building Bridges to Cultural Competency for 6.5 hours
  Community HIV/AIDS Educator for 26 hours*
  Domestic Violence in LGTB Communities for 6.5 hours
  Enhancing the Partnership Between Client and Case Manager for 6.5 hours*
  HIV and Hepatitis C Co-Infection for 3 hours*
  HIV Testing in NYS: 2005 Guidance for 4 hours*
  Introduction to Case Management for 6.5 hours*
  It’s Time: Integrate Viral Hepatitis into Your Work for 13 hours*
  Overview of HIV Infection and AIDS for 3 hours*
  Practicing the NYS Domestic Violence Screening Protocol for 3 hours*
  Promoting Adherence to HIV Treatment for 4 hours*
  Skills Practice in HIV Testing for 6.5 hours*
  Tailoring HIV Counseling and Testing to the Unique Needs of Adolescents for 6.5 hours*

  
  * OASAS credits for trainings marked with an asterisk (*) are not approved for initial crediting of CPS