your staff are, what they need to feel supported and appreciated, and how they learn and process information. Patience, forgiveness, and attention to the emotional health of workers will go a long way. In addition, it is vital to understand that burnout can be contagious and must be addressed at every level of the organization. Staff turnover will impact the day-to-day functioning of an SAP. It increases the amount of work on remaining staff, while also raising general stress levels due to transition and the need to rebuild trust with new hires.
ST AFF TR A INING Staff training is a vital component to a successful and responsible SAP. Training informs the way that services are delivered and ensures a consistent knowledge base among staff. Solid training about the values driving the program ensures that all participants entering an SAP will feel welcome, comfortable and respected. All staff and volunteers should complete a core training curriculum. Ideally, there will be several qualified “inhouse” trainers (either staff or volunteers) who can deliver training according to a regular schedule or on an asneeded basis. Records should be kept of when trainings occurred, who conducted the training, where the training occurred, and who attended the training. In some cases, it may be appropriate for people to attend refresher courses as needed. The following training basics are recommended for all program staff and volunteers: • Agency policies and procedures and relevant regulations, including emergency/safety procedures, general operating procedures, reporting requirements, etc. • Harm reduction 101 • Legal and law enforcement issues and policies • Syringe disposal and safety, including needlestick procedures • HIV and Hepatitis basics and prevention • Safer injection and overdose prevention • Referral networks and procedures, including drug treatment, and medical care • Cultural competency, including sensitivity to the needs of youth, lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgendered individuals, people of color, women, sex workers and other participant populations. In addition to the core training program, advanced training and ongoing staff development should also be prioritized. There are a number of institutions that provide technical assistance and ongoing training in cases where in-house training is not possible and/or appropriate. Inviting guest speakers and trainers to staff meetings can be a good vehicle to provide ongoing education. In addition, conferences and off-site training institutions offer a good opportunity for staff and volunteers to network with other providers and gain important experience and insight. Some topics for ongoing/advanced training include: • Drugs and alcohol 101 • Wound and abscess care • Outreach methods and practices • Motivational interviewing and the stages of change • Interpersonal skills including boundary issues and engagement • Case management • Mental health and harm reduction • Domestic violence and harm reduction • Harm reduction for sex workers
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