Professional Development
At the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, we believe in the importance of continuing education. Our dynamic professional development programs will prepare you for the challenges found in both social work and criminal justice settings.
Dedicated faculty and community practitioners teach an array of courses that blend theory and practice while covering topics that are relevant to you.
Professional Development Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Where noted, professional development courses qualify for continuing education. The Helen Bader School of Social Welfare designates credit using Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) to align with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
For professionals tracking Continuing Education Units (CEUs), one hour of instruction equals 0.1 CEU (or 10 CEHs per 1 CEU).
The Helen Bader School of Social Welfare offers continuing education designed to support professional credential renewal requirements. Because standards vary by credential and practice area, determining eligibility involves matching each session’s content to your professional requirements.
Eligibility by Profession:
- Wisconsin Social Workers, Professional Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists (LCSW, APSW, CSW, ISW, LPC, LMFT): Programs qualify as continuing education courses offered by an accredited university with relevant subject matter taught by qualified presenters. [MPSW 19.03 (1) (e)]
- Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselors (SAC, CSAC): Programs qualify as continuing education courses offered by an accredited university with relevant subject matter taught by qualified presenters. [SPS 168.02 (1) (d)]
- Other Professions or Out-of-State Licenses: Requirements vary. Check with your licensing board or professional organization to confirm eligibility.
If you have questions about a specific program, we’re here to help you review available details so you can make an informed decision.
To earn Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) from the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, you must attend the full training. This includes all live instructional content and scheduled Q&A sessions.
We review partial credit requests on a case-by-case basis for documented extenuating circumstances. Partial credit is not guaranteed. Please contact the HBSSW team immediately if an attendance conflict arises.
UW-Milwaukee’s Helen Bader School of Social Welfare is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event. If you need reasonable accommodations, please contact hbssw-prodev@uwm.edu with requests at least two weeks in advance. We will attempt to fulfill requests received after that date but cannot guarantee accommodation will be available.
Custom Programming
Tailored Training
We will work with you to develop on-site courses specifically tailored to your agency. Everyone in your agency – administrators, staff, social workers and paraprofessionals – can benefit from the custom programming of our faculty and experts.
If you’re interested in this opportunity, please fill out the On-site Course Request form.
Expertise in Many Areas
Helen Bader School of Social Welfare faculty members and community practitioners are helping individuals, families and communities to thrive. We are taking the lead with partnering agencies to address issues including addiction, trauma-informed care, adult caregivers and children who help care for adults.
Convenient Learning
On-site courses help your staff learn in a comfortable setting. Professionals earn Continuing Education Hour (CEH) credits and benefit from receiving the most up-to-date information about a specific area in their field.
Join Our Mailing List
Do you want to be the first to hear about upcoming programs? Email Javan Pham to receive professional development updates! japham@uwm.edu