At our local Councils on Aging (COAs) and Senior Centers, you’ll find dedicated individuals who are often the first point of contact for older adults navigating life’s complexities. These compassionate professionals are more than just guides to resources; they are listeners, problem-solvers, and often, a steady presence in times of distress. The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) recognizes this vital role, and their “Behavioral Health Training” series, in partnership with McLean Hospital, is designed to empower COA staff with the specialized tools they need.
We recently spoke with Amanda Kirk, a Licensed Social Worker at the Beverly Council on Aging, who enthusiastically attended the training series. With five years under her belt at the COA and a background in social work, Amanda came into the training with a solid foundation. Yet, she found immense value in MCOA’s commitment to ongoing learning. “I love ongoing training,” Amanda shares, “I think it’s really important to keep learning and to take your experience and mesh it with new training, understanding new research.”
What truly drew Amanda to this series was the caliber of the instructors. “An opportunity with McLean, with doctors and a social worker from McLean, you can’t turn that down. It’s incredible to have this renowned hospital and program available for COA staff to learn from these professionals in the mental health field.”
Unpacking the “Iceberg” and Embracing “BIG”
For Amanda, the most impactful takeaway wasn’t just about new clinical content, but a deeper understanding of the human element in every interaction. She highlighted the powerful analogy of the “iceberg,” emphasizing that while older adults present with certain immediate concerns, there’s often a rich history and a multitude of unspoken factors beneath the surface.
“I loved when the trainer said that as a social worker, as whoever we are as providers, we offer the same thing; education, and who you are at the moment. You need to be aware of other factors in our own lives when working with someone. This profound reminder fosters empathy and encourages staff to look beyond the immediate presentation of a situation.
A cornerstone of the training that Amanda immediately put into practice was the “BIG” acronym: Boundaries, Integrity, and Generosity. She even has a sticky note on her computer as a constant reminder. “I really appreciated that, because thinking about who you are as a person in the moment, what you bring, really does affect that outcome. “This framework helps COA staff navigate complex situations with both compassion and professional clarity.
Navigating Crises and Long-Term Needs
COA staff are often the first to hear about a wide range of needs, from immediate crises to persistent behavioral health challenges. Amanda noted that while crises naturally grab attention, the training underscored the importance of addressing long-term mental health needs that individuals may have carried for years. “People with longer-term mental health challenges also should be getting that kind of attention and intervention.”
The training augmented Amanda’s existing de-escalation skills by reinforcing the power of a “warm handoff” during referrals. Instead of just providing a phone number, the emphasis was on connecting clients directly with a named contact, ensuring a smoother transition and fostering a sense of respect and follow-through.
The Unspoken Power of Self-Care and Shared Understanding
The self-care component of the training also proved incredibly impactful for Amanda. In a profession known for its potential for burnout, the validation offered was invaluable. “If you are feeling stressed, or if you are feeling worn out, or if you’re feeling sad because of a loss, etc., that’s all very normal. You’re not supposed to go through a career or a helping profession unaffected.” This normalization encourages COA staff to prioritize their own well-being, recognizing it as essential to their ability to help others.
Perhaps one of the most heartwarming aspects of nse of community it fosters. “It was very validating. It was very normalizing. ‘Oh, you experienced that at your COA as well.’ It was really helpful to hear other towns that struggled with it.” This shared understanding creates a supportive network among COA professionals across the state, reminding them they are not alone in the vital work they do.
MCOA’s “Behavioral Health Training” series is clearly more than just a series of workshops. It’s a testament to MCOA’s commitment to empowering COA staff, equipping them with essential knowledge, fostering self-awareness, and building a stronger, more connected network of care for older adults across Massachusetts.
