Military Lifestyle Support Professional
The intake for this program is ongoing as it is meant to quickly orient new support professionals. It is intended to increase new staff members' confidence, and prepare them to hit the ground running, while ensuring a consistent and high standard of excellence in support of military and Veteran families.Â
PRE-REQUISITE
To enhance the results of this training program, candidates must first demonstrate that they have already developed the foundational knowledge necessary to support military and Veteran families. This can be accomplished by enrollment in the Foundations of Military and Veteran family support or by challenging the final assignment of that program.Â
Canadian Armed Forces
Understanding the Canadian Armed Forces in relation to the structure, language used by its members and stakeholders, ranks, types of enlistment, and the different trades
Variety of Experiences
Awareness of the different experiences between the military member, military family member, Veteran, Veteran family member, and the impact of these experiences on children, teens and partner career
Lifestyle Challenges
Recognizing the impacts of military-related relocations, absences, and transitions, and understanding how family dynamics and other factors affect those challenges.
Cultural Differences
Recognizing the differences between military and civilian culture, the importance of military customs and traditions, and recognizing the culture differences between the Army, Navy and AirForce
Collective Impact
Being able to identify different support systems available for military and Veteran families: Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, Military Family Resource Centres and the Military Family Services Program.
Military Lifestyle Support Professional
Participants will:
- Build a knowledge base of foundational coaching theory, skill, and practice so that you can embody a coaching mindset in support of the military and Veteran family community
- Learn techniques, tools, and resources to support productive responses to military and Veteran family life challenges
- Learn how to manage meaningful and effective client interactions and relationships using enhanced knowledge of human behaviours and domains of wellness
- Learn more about human behaviour, values, stressors, strengths and weaknesses through Personality Dimensions
Designed, Facilitated and Supported by Caterina Perry
For over 20 years, Caterina has held progressively senior roles within Military Family Services (Employment Coach, European Regional Manager, Senior Manager Military Family Services - Canada and Executive Director of the National Capital Region). As Senior Manager of Military Family Services – Canada, Caterina’s role was to provide consultation, support and training to Canadian Military Family Resource Centres (Executive Directors and Boards). Caterina holds Executive Certificates in Board Governance from both the University of Ottawa, Telfer School of Business and Queen’s University, Smith School of Business. Caterina has supported many MFRC which makes her aware of the unique challenges they face. Additionally, Caterina has personally experienced the military lifestyle as a reservist, spouse of a military member who spent time in the Army and Air Force, and currently as the spouse of a Veteran.
Maximum Flexibility
- Includes four (4) private 3-hr sessions scheduled at the participant's convenience
- 9:00am to 12:00pm or
- 1:00pm to 4:00pm
- Includes two (2) 1-hr follow-up sessions as needed to address any challenges encountered or additional coaching required.
Foundation of Professional Excellence
In this foundational module, you will delve into the core principles and practices that underpin your role as a Military Lifestyle Support Professional. Through a well-structured blend of theory, practical insights, and real-world applications, you'll gain a deep understanding of the standards and ethics that shape your professional practice. By honing your expertise in adult learning, varied coaching strategies, and ethical conduct, you'll be primed to make a positive impact on the lives of those you support.
Standards for Professional Practice
This comprehensive lesson serves as a compass, guiding you through the intricate landscape of ethical considerations, adult learning principles, and effective support strategies. By delving into the core tenets of professional conduct, you'll gain the tools needed to provide exceptional guidance to military personnel and their families.
- Principles of Adult Learning, Styles and Strategies
- 2020+ Strategic Framework
- Ethical Guidelines and Conduct
- Professional and Legal Responsibilities
- Levels of Support
- Conflict of Interest
- First Impressions
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
Explore the intricate tapestry of creating a safe and supportive environment, weaving together the threads of psychological safety, cultural sensitivities, and trust-building. By delving into the art of establishing rapport and forging connections through mirroring, sharing personal stories, and mastering the nuanced skills of active, authentic, and non-verbal listening, learners cultivate an environment where individuals can authentically express themselves, fostering mutual understanding, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
- Psychological Safety
- Cultural Sensitivities
- Establishing Trust
- Building Rapport
Setting the Stage and IntakeÂ
This lesson establishes the groundwork for impactful assistance, covering key elements like creating a welcoming environment, cultivating the right attitude, setting purposeful goals, streamlining intake processes, assessing risks, facilitating inquiry-based support, and honing analytical problem-solving skills. Learners develop the essential mindset and techniques required for providing empathetic and effective support.
- Attitude
- Goal-setting: Outputs versus Outcomes
- Logistical Intake Process
- Risk Assessment
- Facilitating Inquiry Based Support
- Analytical Problem Solving
Managing Client Support
In this module participants delve into the intricacies of providing comprehensive support throughout various stages of military life. From managing relocations and absences to ensuring smooth transitions and ongoing assistance, this module equips learners with the tools and strategies needed to create a seamless and impactful support experience.
Military Lifestyle Challenges Support
The topics in this lesson delve into the multifaceted challenges faced by military personnel and their families, focusing on frequent relocations, family separation stemming from deployments, and the intricate transition from active military service to the veteran lifestyle.
Participants will explore strategies to support these pivotal moments, including practical guidance for adapting to new environments, fostering resilience during separations, and facilitating a smooth shift into post-military life.Â
- Enhancing Resilience
- Relocation
- Absences
- Transitions
Client Relationship Management
This lesson explores the vital role of effectively coordinating and overseeing client support. Participants will learn the intricacies of proactive outreach and follow-up, ensuring ongoing assistance that addresses evolving needs. Whether in-person or virtual, participants establish a holistic and adaptable approach to cater to diverse circumstances. Best practices in both realms are studied to foster a seamless support experience. Learners learn how to track progress and optimize outcomes to provide impactful, results-driven support to military personnel and their families.
- Outreach and Follow-up
- Best Practices (in person and virtual)
- Tracking and Measuring Outcomes
In this interactive lesson, participants delve into a series of diverse and real-life case studies, immersing themselves in the intricacies of military life and its challenges. Through guided exploration, learners uncover a wealth of potential support strategies tailored to each unique scenario. Drawing from the comprehensive knowledge gained throughout the course, participants engage in critical thinking and problem-solving to identify effective interventions that foster resilience, address concerns, and promote well-being for military personnel and their families. This hands-on experience not only hones their analytical skills but also equips them with a rich toolkit of strategies to apply in their role as Military Lifestyle Support Professionals, ensuring they can navigate any support situation with confidence and empathy.
Psychological Dynamics
This comprehensive training module delves into the intricate realm of behavioural patterns, equipping participants with a profound understanding of personality dynamics—both their own and their clients'. Through a detailed exploration of psychological triggers, participants gain invaluable insights into the intricate interplay between behaviour, emotions, and stress. The module further empowers learners with the critical skills required to support individuals in crisis, guiding them through the defusing process and debriefing support techniques.Â
Personalities
In this enlightening lesson, participants embark on a journey of self-discovery as they delve into the fascinating realm of personality dimensions. Through a comprehensive personality assessment, participants gain profound insights into their own strengths, weaknesses, needs, and values. Building on this self-awareness, learners then dive into understanding the intricacies of their client's personality. By synthesizing this dual understanding, participants develop a nuanced and empathetic approach to tailor their support strategies, ensuring a profound and impactful connection with clients.Â
Psychological Triggers
This lesson delves into human behaviour and psychological triggers. Participants uncover the Neuroscience of Change, mastering strategies to facilitate support during periods of transition. Gain insights into human behaviour and emotions, equipping you to provide effective and empathetic assistance that fosters resilience and growth in challenging circumstances.
- The Stress Continuum
- Neurology of Fight/Fight/Freeze Response
- Social HIJACC Triggers
- Neuroscience of ChangeÂ
Supporting Someone in Crisis
AÂ comprehensive exploration of how to offer crucial support to individuals grappling with crisis situations. Participants will acquire a well-rounded approach that encompasses a holistic perspective. Through a blend of theoretical understanding and hands-on techniques, participants will cultivate the necessary skills to navigate critical moments with empathy and a high degree of effectiveness.
- Assessing Risk
- The defusing process
- Debriefing support
Maximizing Impact
This module delves into the vital skill of evaluating, presenting, and effectively communicating the tangible and intangible value delivered by a Military Family Support Professional. Participants will explore methodologies to measure the impact of their support interventions, drawing from both qualitative and quantitative assessment techniques. They will develop the art of crafting compelling narratives and reports that convey the profound difference they make in the lives of military families. Through practical exercises and strategic insights, learners will gain the ability to showcase their invaluable contributions with clarity and conviction, elevating their role and the recognition of their impact within the military community.
PROOF OF PERFORMANCE
In this instructive lesson, participants will delve into the art of effectively evaluating and enhancing their performance as Military Family Support Professionals. By exploring a range of advanced evaluation tactics, participants will acquire the skills needed to assess their impact, refine their strategies, and ensure continuous improvement in their support services.
Putting it All Together
As a Military Lifestyle Support Professional, the journey doesn't end with the completion of the course; rather, it takes flight as you step into the role of a versatile and adaptable support provider.Â
This lesson empowers you to craft customized approaches that resonate with the specific requirements and preferences of your clients.
CERTIFICATION
The program's holistic approach, encompasses quizzes, case studies, discussions, role plays, assignments, and final assessments, ensuring that participants not only grasp the essential concepts but also cultivate the practical skills required to effectively support Military and Veteran Families.
Participants emerge from the program with a heightened sense of confidence, armed with the knowledge, expertise, and validated capabilities to make a profound and positive impact on the lives of those they serve. The tangible benefits of an empowered and self-assured staff extend far beyond certification, fostering a supportive environment that enhances the well-being and resilience of military families, thereby fortifying the organization's commitment to excellence.
