This webinar is presented by Switchboard, a one-stop shop for refugee service providers in the United States. Learn more about Switchboard at www.SwitchboardTA.org.
Hosted on June 11, 2025, the training was delivered by Graeme Rodgers, PhD, Senior Researcher, International Rescue Committee; Miriam Potocky, MSW, PhD, Researcher, Switchboard; and Katie Zanoni, EdD, Senior Learning & Evidence Officer, International Rescue Committee.
Supporting practitioners’ well-being at the organizational level is key to delivering high-quality, compassionate services to newcomers. However, limited time, budget, and resources can make it difficult for staff to access wellness interventions. This webinar will explore evidence-based strategies to address vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout, ultimately improving service delivery. Drawing on findings from two Switchboard studies—Compassion and Burnout Among Refugee Resettlement Workers in the U.S. and the Annual Survey of Refugee Service Providers (ASRSP)—the panel will connect practitioner well-being with effective service provision. The panel of speakers will share preliminary qualitative findings from practitioners to highlight effective strategies to strengthen practitioners’ well-being within an organization. Participants will also be introduced to Motivational Interviewing as a tool to build resilience, enhance client engagement, and support staff well-being. An interactive Q&A session will provide an opportunity to dive deeper into the research and strategies discussed.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
– Identify the factors that might impact refugee service providers’ well-being
– Describe the potential relationship between practitioner well-being and service quality in the U.S. refugee context
– Apply evidence-based interventions, drawing from three key areas of research, to improve the effectiveness of services and enhance practitioner well-being
