The 509 Public Sector
Training Program
The courses in our Training Program are free for SEIU Local 509 Public Sector state workers. We offer live trainings (in person or virtually) and self-paced learning on virtual platforms.
Register for a Live Training
Enhance your skills and take the next step to success!
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Click on the arrow next to the training name to open the description.
Click on the registration link at bottom of the description.
Fill out the online registration form.
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email within one business day. Please note, ADA accommodations are available upon request. Simply indicate the accessibility services you need on the training registration form at least 2 weeks before the training date. Take the first step and explore upcoming trainings below!
Didn’t receive a confirmation email or need help registering? Please Contact Us
Advanced Practice Institute
Our Advanced Practice Institute offers career-focused programs that help workers access certifications, CEUs, PDPs, and other training and professional development focused on career specialization.
Open the description of the training to find the registration link.
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Dates: February 10 & 24, March 10 & 24, April 14 & 28, and May 12 & 26, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Trainer: Dr. Sharon Saline, PsyD, ADHD-CCSP
Location: Virtual on Zoom
In this updated 8-part training series, Dr. Sharon Saline, clinical psychologist, author, and consultant, will give you the information and tools you need to deepen your understanding of the biological and psychosocial underpinnings of complex ADHD.
Professionals across various fields are receiving growing numbers of requests to help clients with ADHD and neurodivergence who struggle daily with attention, learning, behavior and emotion. Topics will include: the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and neurodivergence from an intersectional perspective; co-occurring mental health conditions; the complicated relationship between anxiety and ADHD; working with adolescents, adults and families living with ADHD and neurodivergence; techniques for improving executive functioning skills, (especially self-regulation, motivation, and metacognition); strategies for addressing social anxiety, rejection sensitive dysphoria and perfectionism; building growth mindsets and satisfying relationships.
With her unique 5C’s of ADHD™ approach and practical insights for integrating practical behavioral interventions with insight-oriented, positive psychology, Dr. Saline shows you how to create effective and lasting interventions for individuals and families living with ADHD and neurodivergence.Credits:
This training has been approved for 16 CEs for Certified Rehabilitation Counselors.
Applications for CE credits for Licensed Social Workers and Licensed Mental Health Counselors have been submitted. Contact us at info@509training.org for more information.
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Date: February 25, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Trainer: Ayala Livny, M. Ed. and Liz Geisel, MSW
Location: Virtual on Zoom
For people experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and for the providers who support them, securing housing is often viewed as the ultimate goal. Yet once housing is obtained, the focus often narrows to physical preparations for moving, overlooking the psychological and emotional challenges that can surface. When the stress of daily survival lifts, trauma symptoms may emerge in new ways—such as anxiety, loneliness, substance use, or hoarding. These reactions are common during transitions from instability to stability but can catch both clients and staff by surprise. In this training, participants will learn to anticipate and normalize these experiences, use trauma-informed communication to validate concerns, and apply practical strategies to support clients in sustaining housing long-term.
Credits:
Applications for CE credits for Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, and Certified Rehabilitation Counselors have been submitted. Contact us at info@509training.org for more information.
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Date: March 25, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Trainer: Ayala Livny, M. Ed. and Liz Geisel, MSW
Location: Virtual on Zoom
Working in human services means consistently showing up for others in need - even while navigating systems that often fall short of meeting the demands and challenges of the work. This session explores the personal and systemic impacts of trauma-exposed work, including compassion fatigue, burnout, vicarious trauma, and moral injury. Participants will examine what is - and isn’t - within their control, and reflect on the emotional toll of caring in the face of systemic limitations. Through interactive activities, breakout discussions, and large-group conversations, participants will explore practical strategies for sustainability - fostering personal well-being and building the capacity to stay grounded and committed for the long haul.
Credits:
Applications for CE credits for Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, and Certified Rehabilitation Counselors have been submitted. Contact us at info@509training.org for more information.
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Date: March 26, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Trainer: Suzy Langevin, LICSW, LADC I, Director of Training and Professional Development at Open Sky Community Services
Location: Virtual on Zoom
This is an intermediate level training that is designed to provide context and interventions based in CBT treatment model for practitioners working with individuals who experience co-occurring substance use and psychosis. This training is designed for practitioners with a foundational knowledge of CBT individual therapy. The training will provide attendees with the opportunity to think about the impact and intersections of the experiences of psychosis and substance use with considerations to specific substances of misuse.
Participants will learn about specific strategies to improve engagement as well as to collaboratively identify and address symptoms and challenges commonly reported by individuals who use substances and experience symptoms of psychosis. This training will incorporate role plays and real plays to help attendees solidify concepts reviewed in the training and to clarify anything they are unsure about.
Following this training the participants will understand:
The symptoms of psychosis and ways in which substance use and the symptoms of psychosis impact one another.
Identify strategies to improve engagement for individuals who experience co-occurring substance use and psychosis.
Identify strategies for responding to the experiences of psychosis when substance use is also present.
Credits:
3 CE credits approved for Certified Rehabilitation Counselors
2.5 credits approved for MA Social Workers; MA Licensed Mental Health Counselors; and MA Licensed Alcohol Drug Counselors
Languages and Cultures
Trainings in this category aim to expand workers’ awareness of the languages and cultures represented in the Commonwealth.
Open the description of the training to find the registration link.
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Dates: January 14 & 21, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Trainer: Theresa King, Signing Basics
Location: Virtual on Zoom
Overview: In this two-part workshop, participants will learn more about the culture of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and some functional signs to effectively communicate with Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients and their families.
Part 1: Deaf Culture: An overview of the culture and the unique characteristics found among people within the D/deaf community. Also, you will learn about the ADA, legal issues and deaf patient rights. Participants will practice with role plays on engaging with people in the D/deaf community.
Part 2: Functional Sign Language for Human Services Staff: Train with a live, experienced ASL instructor with a focus on the signs you need to communicate with colleagues and clients.
Credits: This training has been approved for 4 CEs for Certified Rehabilitation Counselors.
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Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 20 - March 19, 2026
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Trainer: Jaclyn Browning, M. Ed.
Location: Virtual on Zoom
Overview: This 16-hour course is an introductory Spanish course that does not require any background knowledge in the Spanish language. The course is focused on practicing speaking and listening skills in Spanish in human service settings, general community outreach, and developing cultural competency for engaging with people who speak Spanish.
Attendance at 13 of 16 classes is required to earn a certificate.
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Dates: February 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Trainer: Yvonne Brown, Signing Basics
Location: Virtual on Zoom
Overview:
In this 8-hour course, participants will learn the basics of American Sign Language, including finger lettering and common signs for communicating in human services settings.
Train with a live, experienced ASL instructor with a focus on the signs you need to communicate with colleagues and clients. This training is highly interactive and requires participants to have their cameras on to receive feedback from the instructor.
Credits: This training has been approved for 8 CEs for Certified Rehabilitation Counselors.
Wellness and Sustainability
Our Wellness and Sustainability program is focused on workers’ personal growth and development. Centered on sustainability amid trauma stewardship and stressful caseloads, the program aims to prevent burnout and support workers in the vital work that they do.
Open the description of the training to find the registration link.
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Date: January 28, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Trainer: Ayala Livny, M. Ed. and Liz Geisel, MSW
Location: Virtual on Zoom
In today’s human service environments - where funding cuts, complex client needs, scarce resources, and frequent staff turnover are the norm - maintaining healthy boundaries can feel like an uphill climb. For those working with vulnerable populations, the pull to give more than is sustainable is constant; and yet, without clear boundaries, compassion fatigue, burnout, and role confusion can quickly take hold.
This interactive, virtual training offers a practical and compassionate approach to creating and sustaining boundaries at work. Together, we will examine what healthy boundaries look like in the context of high-demand, low-resource settings, and why they are essential for both client care and personal well-being.
Through collaborative, honest, and real-world discussion, participants will gain tools to navigate client relationships, team dynamics, and organizational pressures to help protect their energy, uphold personal integrity, and stay grounded in their values.
Learning Objectives:
Define healthy professional boundaries in human service settings and understand their importance in preventing burnout and compassion fatigue.
Recognize how funding cuts, limited resources, complex client needs, and staff turnover impact the ability to set and maintain boundaries.
Apply practical strategies to navigate boundary challenges with clients, coworkers, and organizational demands.
Identify and commit to personal actions that protect energy, uphold personal integrity, and sustain long-term effectiveness.
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Date: March 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Trainer: Susan Buchholz, Executive Director, The HeartWell Institute, Public Health Bloomberg Fellow, & Former SEIU member
Location: Virtual on Zoom
This workshop is designed to introduce participants to the concept and benefits of mindfulness as a tool for well-being. This program aims to pique interest in mindfulness and encourage further exploration. It assumes that participants have no previous experience with mindfulness practices. Participants will be given tools they can use every day in a variety of settings.
Learning Outcomes:
Define mindfulness and understand its foundations in present-moment awareness and non-judgment.
Experience and reflect on core mindfulness practices (e.g., body scan, breath awareness).
Recognize the role of mindfulness in reducing stress and increasing emotional regulation.
Identify simple ways to integrate mindfulness into everyday life.
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Date: March 27, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Susan Buchholz, Executive Director, The HeartWell Institute, Public Health Bloomberg Fellow, & Former SEIU member
Location: Virtual on Zoom
Work can be demanding, especially in roles shaped by high expectations, limited resources, and ongoing uncertainty. Many workers experience stress, exhaustion, and emotional strain as part of their day-to-day lives, particularly in environments affected by systemic inequities. This one-hour session is designed as a supportive space that blends practical learning with shared reflection and acknowledging the real pressures human service workers face.
Rather than a traditional lecture, the session offers participants an opportunity to pause, connect, and access tools that support emotional regulation and well-being.
Using trauma-sensitive mindfulness practices, participants will be introduced to simple, accessible strategies for noticing stress responses, grounding in the present moment, and reducing emotional overwhelm. The session also emphasizes the role of collective care, recognizing that healing and resilience are often strengthened through connection, shared experience, and mutual support.
Participants are invited to engage at their own comfort level. The session functions both as a skills-based learning experience and a drop-in support space, honoring the realities of workers’ lives while offering practical tools that can be used on the job and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There are no costs associated with these training sessions. All offerings are free to SEIU Local 509 Public Sector state workers.
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Members will not have to take personal time off for these training sessions. Please follow the guidelines of your agency for requesting time for professional development or training.
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It is always advisable to check in with your supervisor when planning to attend training. You may sign up for training in advance. If you are unable to attend for any reason, please let us know by contacting us at 509commtraining@seiuesf.org.
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Email confirmations will be sent by the end of the business day. If you register after 4 p.m. Eastern Time or on a weekend day, you will receive confirmation by the end of the following business day.
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Yes, all of the details needed for each session are contained within the confirmation. Please note that you may receive additional information from the training provider ahead of the training session.
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Yes, you can register for more than one course at a time. Please note that many of these courses will repeat as the training series continues, so we encourage you to spread out your participation over time. Spreading out participation will allow the most members to participate at one time.
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Yes, some trainings will offer CEUs. Please refer to specific training descriptions for CEU information.
“ It was a very good training and I loved the presenters!! I learned so much and it gave the a more more appreciation and understanding of the community and the language!! THANK YOU so much! "
- Local 509 Member
