Wisconsin Extension trains social workers on money topics
Many people turn to social service agencies when they need assistance with housing, food and other essentials. In Wisconsin, where 600,000 residents live below the poverty line and an additional 1.3 million people struggle to cover basic household expenses, social workers are on the frontlines of helping some of the state’s most vulnerable populations.
Seeing that social workers often have opportunities for teachable moments during interactions with clients, University of Wisconsin Extension developed a training program for professionals who address poverty in their work. Called Encouraging Financial Conversations, the six-session course offers tools and resources for coaching clients on financial problem solving, goal setting, spending plans, saving, building credit, managing debt, maximizing income and protecting themselves from scams, fraud and identity theft.
Participants reported feeling more comfortable talking with clients about financial issues. One-third of participants said they now spend more time working with clients on financial topics than before taking the course.
Link to full statement on website: http://landgrantimpacts.tamu.edu/impacts/show/5713