ODL 345: Navigating Difficult Dialogues: Tools for Effective Communication in the Workplace

Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.

5 CREDIT HOURS APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 5 Cultural Competence CE Credits
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 5 Contact Hours
Psychologists
APA – 5 CE Credits
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 5 Contact Hours
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 5 Contact Hours
Substance Abuse Counselors
NAADAC – 5 Contact Hours
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 5 Contact Hours
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 5 Contact Hours
Case Managers
CCMC – 5 Contact Hours

Created On: 7/1/25                     

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Counselor Skill Group: 

8. Legal, Ethical and Professional Development

Overview:

This training is designed to equip social workers, counselors, nurses, and case managers with the skills and strategies needed to navigate challenging conversations in professional settings. Whether addressing sensitive topics with clients, providing feedback to colleagues, or managing conflicts with supervisors, participants will learn evidence-based techniques to enhance communication, reduce misunderstandings, and foster collaborative solutions. The training emphasizes empathy, self-awareness, and cultural competence while maintaining professionalism and ethical integrity.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

• Identify common barriers to effective communication in challenging workplace conversations and strategies to overcome them.
• Demonstrate active listening and empathy skills to build rapport and understanding during difficult dialogues.
• Apply conflict resolution frameworks to address and manage disagreements constructively with colleagues, clients, and supervisors.
• Develop approaches to maintain self-regulation and professionalism when handling emotionally charged or high-stakes discussions.
• Evaluate how cultural competence and ethical considerations influence communication dynamics and outcomes in diverse workplace interactions.

Presenter:

Jean Ferguson Ruffin, JD, EdD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership, Research, and School Improvement at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia 

Dr. Jean Ferguson Ruffin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership, Research, and School Improvement at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia. She teaches graduate courses in educational leadership, specializing in school law and ethics, educational equity, and culturally proficient leadership. Her research agenda is primarily focused on culturally proficient leadership. Prior to her work in higher education, she worked in K12 education as a consultant, an associate superintendent of schools, and a school improvement specialist.