The HAVI: Building Trauma informed Practices and Workforce Development for the CVI field

The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (HAVI) proposes to implement the HAVI Trauma Informed and Workforce Development training and technical assistance (TTA) project to advance and grow the essential workforce of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) workers. This project will expand professional and educational opportunities for CVI workers and transform their environments just as they do for the individuals and communities that they support. The project will involve experienced and trusted CVI workers employed as consultants and subject matter experts in the creation of competencies and resources for developing the workforce, addressing vicarious trauma, and instituting organizational practices that promote well-being. CVI workers and HAVI staff will be part of the project team and co-create messaging and resource materials that will influence and operationalize trauma-informed organizational frameworks. The HAVI will provide: (1) Tailored TTA (assessment, guidance, consultation, strategic planning, program development, and coaching) to individual Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI)-funded organizations and other interested sites; (2) Cohort-based, peer-to-peer learning in communities of practice on topics including equitable staff development, vicarious trauma and trauma-informed practices (3) Trainings, conferences and convenings that will provide opportunities for CVI workers to grow their skills and knowledge; (4) Development and dissemination of training materials and knowledge products; and (5) Continuous evaluation, self-assessment and quality improvement. The expected project outcomes are the creation and dissemination of a robust set of trauma-informed and vicarious trauma resources and workforce development strategies tailored to CVI organizations and workers, CVI workers’ skill development through participation in the project, conferences, convenings, trainings and technical assistance, and movement in the field toward organizational practices and infrastructures that both address vicarious trauma and promote career advancement for CVI workers.