Trauma Counsellor Onboarding Checklist

Trauma Counsellor Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Trauma Counsellor starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Counseling onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Trauma Counsellor, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Trauma Counsellor onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Trauma Counsellor Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new trauma counselor attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.

2. Introduction to the Team: The new trauma counselor is introduced to their colleagues and team members. This allows them to establish relationships, understand team dynamics, and foster a sense of belonging. The team leader or supervisor usually performs this task.

3. Review of Case Files: The new trauma counselor is provided with access to existing case files and is given time to review them. This task helps the counselor gain insights into the clients they will be working with, their backgrounds, and the progress made so far. The task is typically performed by a senior counselor or the clinical director.

4. Training on Trauma-Informed Care: The new trauma counselor undergoes training on trauma-informed care, which includes understanding the impact of trauma, recognizing trauma symptoms, and implementing evidence-based interventions. This training is usually conducted by a senior trauma counselor or a training coordinator.

5. Familiarization with Documentation Systems: The new trauma counselor is trained on the company’s documentation systems, including electronic health records, progress notes, and treatment plans. This task ensures that the counselor can effectively document client sessions and maintain accurate records. The training is typically conducted by the clinical director or a designated staff member.

6. Shadowing Experienced Counselors: The new trauma counselor shadows experienced counselors during client sessions to observe their therapeutic techniques, interventions, and approaches. This task allows the counselor to learn from experienced professionals and gain practical insights into trauma counseling. The experienced counselors or clinical supervisors perform this task.

7. Review of Ethical Guidelines: The new trauma counselor reviews the ethical guidelines and professional standards relevant to their occupation, such as those provided by professional counseling associations or licensing boards. This task ensures that the counselor adheres to ethical principles and maintains professional conduct. The review can be facilitated by the clinical director or a designated ethics committee.

8. Introduction to Supervision: The new trauma counselor is introduced to the supervision process, which includes regular meetings with a clinical supervisor to discuss cases, receive feedback, and enhance their professional development. The clinical supervisor or a designated supervisor performs this task.

9. Introduction to Support Services: The new trauma counselor is introduced to support services within the company, such as administrative staff, billing and insurance departments, and IT support. This task ensures that the counselor knows who to contact for assistance with administrative tasks, billing inquiries, or technical issues. The introduction is typically facilitated by the human resources department or a designated support services coordinator.

10. Review of Safety Protocols: The new trauma counselor reviews safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure they are aware of how to respond in crisis situations or when faced with potential risks. This task is usually performed by the clinical director or a designated safety officer.

11. Introduction to Community Resources: The new trauma counselor is provided with information about community resources, such as local support groups, crisis hotlines, and other mental health services. This task equips the counselor with knowledge of available resources to refer clients to when necessary. The introduction can be facilitated by the clinical director or a designated community liaison.

12. Introduction to Supervision Groups: The new trauma counselor is introduced to supervision groups or peer consultation groups within the company. These groups provide a platform for counselors to discuss challenging cases, seek guidance, and share experiences. The introduction is typically facilitated by the clinical director or a designated group coordinator.

13. Review of Professional Development Opportunities: The new trauma counselor is informed about professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, or webinars, that can enhance their skills and knowledge in trauma counseling. This task is usually performed by the clinical director or a designated professional development coordinator.

14. Introduction to Self-Care Practices: The new trauma counselor is introduced to self-care practices and encouraged to prioritize their own well-being. This task emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal resilience and preventing burnout. The introduction can be facilitated by the clinical director or a designated self-care coordinator.

15. Performance Evaluation: The new trauma counselor undergoes a performance evaluation after a specified period, typically three to six months, to assess their progress, identify areas for improvement, and provide feedback. This evaluation is usually conducted by the clinical director or a designated supervisor.

By completing these onboarding tasks, the new trauma counselor can integrate into the company smoothly, gain the necessary knowledge and skills, and feel supported in their role as they embark on their journey of helping individuals heal from trauma

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Trauma Counsellor checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Trauma Counsellor up to speed and working well in your Counseling team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.