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Michael Herzig, Sofia Fuchs, and Katja Stolz

Did you ever ask yourself how the perspective of substance users and sex workers differs from your own? How can drug consumption rooms work, or how can sex work be practised in a self-determined manner? These and other questions will be explored in the MOOC «Harm Reduction Services for Drug Users and Sex Workers».

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Did you ever ask yourself how the perspective of substance users and sex workers differs from your own? How can drug consumption rooms work, or how can sex work be practised in a self-determined manner? These and other questions will be explored in the MOOC «Harm Reduction Services for Drug Users and Sex Workers».

The MOOC focuses on social and medical services that respect the human rights and personal autonomy of drug users and sex workers. Switzerland has pioneering institutions in this field and several years of methodological experience. Also, your instructors have many years of experience in the subject area.

The course shares this knowledge by providing professional insights into practice, presenting concrete facilities, and allowing participants to work on real projects. It is aimed at social and medical professionals working with drug users and sex workers worldwide. You will be empowered to work with drug users and sex workers according to human rights principles. You will also learn professional and methodological skills for working with target groups. We will ensure that you will recognize the life situation and living environment of the addressees and support them in their strategies for coping with life.

The course also thrives on you contributing your perspective on the topic and exchanging ideas with the other participants. Together, we will explore the question of how diverse the topic of harm reduction is implemented around the world. You can also work on your project as part of the course and receive instructor feedback on your thoughts and solutions.

What you'll learn

You will:

  • Recognize and distinguish between objective living conditions, subjective life world, and life coping skills of socially marginalized people.

  • Create an awareness of different social, economic, and legal environments in other countries and, therefore, be able to indicate similarities and differences.

  • Explain and exemplify the complexity of substance use and addiction/dependence.

  • Identify the different forms of sex work and regulations of sex work.

  • Distinguish between the terms resilience, capability, and vulnerability.

  • Recognize categories and labels on marginalized people and explain them from an intersectional perspective.

  • Describe the life circumstances of marginalized sex workers and differentiate between self-determined sex work and exploitation/ sex trafficking.

  • Explain the concept of harm reduction and judge its strengths and weaknesses.

  • Evaluate several harm reduction measures and explore the advantages and disadvantages of different harm reduction approaches.

  • Adapt to the client's capabilities and enable them to get a quick win.

  • Differentiate your priorities from your clients and analyze the different interests of different stakeholders.

  • Exemplify the principles of empowerment and explore skills and competencies needed to provide empowering services.

  • Engage yourself with the values and attitudes that you will need to work in harm reduction services

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction and First Steps
Take the opportunity to meet your instructors, our addresses, and your fellow participants. Dive into the topic of an «Ordinary World of Marginalized People» and take a closer look at the lives of our experts by experience.
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Week 2: Understanding Substance Use and Sex Work
Uncover why, for what, and how people use psychoactive substances. Distinguish between self-regulated consumption and dependence. Look at different forms of regulation for sex work and different forms of sex work and your role as a social or health care worker.
Week 3: Obstacles and Stigmas
Learn and respect marginalized people's perspectives and analyze the dynamics between living conditions and coping actions. Learn about the discrimination of marginalized people and its effect on their life and well-being.
Week 4: Crossing the Threshold 1
Learn about the different harm reduction services for sex workers in Switzerland and discover that social work in the field of sex work is a complex profession that requires a wide variety of skills. Get to know the Harm Reduction concept and judge its strengths and weaknesses.
Week 5: Crossing the Threshold 2
Get insight into several harm reduction facilities for substance users in Switzerland and discuss their principles and functioning. Reflect on how working in harm reduction services means adapting to the client's capabilities, not overstraining or underrating them.
Week 6: Challenges
Set and justify priorities for harm reduction services that align with your clients' needs. Analyze the different interests of different stakeholders. Manage your skills and emotions and develop an empowering attitude.
Week 7: What if we all were a Team?
Talk about values and attitudes and check your principles. Reflect on your overall progress and knowledge gained, and conclude the course by formulating a vision for a better world.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by instructors with years of experience in the field, who bring deep expertise and practical insights
Provides professional and methodological skills for working with target groups, empowering learners to effectively support marginalized individuals
Emphasizes human rights principles, encouraging learners to approach harm reduction services with respect and dignity
Offers opportunities for real-world project work, allowing learners to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting
Fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants, encouraging diverse perspectives and innovative approaches
Requires self-reflection and values clarification, supporting learners in developing their own ethical and professional stance

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Providing Harm Reduction Services for Drug Users and Sex Workers with these activities:
Review key concepts of substance use and sex work
Having a solid understanding of these concepts will provide a strong foundation for the rest of the course.
Browse courses on Substance Use
Show steps
  • Read the course syllabus and identify the key concepts.
  • Review your notes or textbooks from previous courses
  • Conduct an online search to gather additional information.
Review life case scenarios of drug users and sex workers
This review can help you recall past knowledge about drug use patterns, behaviors, and potential interventions
Browse courses on Substance Use
Show steps
  • Make a list of common life case scenarios for drug users
  • List the potential healthcare and social interventions for each scenario
  • Summarise each scenario into short bullet points for future reference
Explore case studies of harm reduction services
Examining real-world examples will help you understand how harm reduction principles are applied in practice.
Browse courses on Harm Reduction
Show steps
  • Find case studies from reputable sources, such as academic journals or non-profit organizations.
  • Read and analyze the case studies, paying attention to the challenges and successes of the services.
  • Write a summary or reflection on what you learned from the case studies.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Engage in peer discussions on harm reduction
Participating in peer discussions will allow you to share your perspectives, learn from others, and gain a deeper understanding of harm reduction from multiple viewpoints.
Show steps
  • Identify or create a peer group of individuals interested in harm reduction.
  • Choose a topic or issue related to harm reduction for discussion.
  • Facilitate the discussion, ensuring that all participants have an opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences.
  • Summarize the key points and insights from the discussion.
Role-play client interactions
Practicing effective communication and interpersonal skills will enhance your ability to work with drug users and sex workers.
Browse courses on Communication Skills
Show steps
  • Find a partner to role-play with.
  • Choose a scenario that reflects a common client interaction.
  • Take turns playing the role of the client and the service provider.
  • Reflect on the experience and identify areas for improvement.
Volunteer at a harm reduction organization
Volunteering at a harm reduction organization will provide you with hands-on experience and insights into the practical implementation of harm reduction strategies.
Browse courses on Community Involvement
Show steps
  • Research and identify harm reduction organizations in your area that offer volunteer opportunities.
  • Contact the organizations and inquire about their volunteer programs.
  • Complete any necessary training or orientation programs required by the organization.
  • Participate actively in volunteer activities, such as providing support to clients, conducting outreach, or assisting with administrative tasks.
  • Reflect on your experiences and identify areas where you can contribute your skills and knowledge.
Develop a harm reduction intervention plan
Creating an intervention plan will allow you to apply the principles of harm reduction to a specific population and service delivery context.
Browse courses on Harm Reduction
Show steps
  • Identify a specific population and service delivery setting.
  • Research the needs and challenges of the population.
  • Develop goals and objectives for the intervention plan.
  • Design strategies and activities to achieve the goals.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention plan.
Develop a harm reduction intervention plan
Creating a harm reduction intervention plan will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills to a practical scenario, enhancing your ability to design and implement effective interventions.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific population or setting where you want to develop a harm reduction intervention.
  • Conduct a needs assessment to gather information about the target population and their needs.
  • Research and select evidence-based harm reduction interventions that are appropriate for the target population.
  • Develop a detailed implementation plan outlining the steps involved in carrying out the intervention.
  • Identify potential barriers and challenges to implementation and develop strategies to overcome them.

Career center

Learners who complete Providing Harm Reduction Services for Drug Users and Sex Workers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Harm Reduction Coordinator
Harm Reduction Coordinators plan, implement, and evaluate harm reduction programs. This course can help Harm Reduction Coordinators to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in this role. The course covers topics such as harm reduction principles, program planning, and evaluation, and it also provides information on how to work with drug users and sex workers.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselors provide counseling and support to people with substance use disorders. This course can help Substance Abuse Counselors to better understand the needs of drug users and sex workers, who are more likely to experience substance use disorders. The course also provides information on how to provide harm reduction services to these populations, which can help to reduce their risk of overdose and other health problems.
Harm Reduction Case Manager
This course helps build a foundation for Harm Reduction Case Managers by providing them with an understanding of the principles and practices of harm reduction, as well as the challenges and obstacles faced by drug users and sex workers. The course also covers topics such as stigma, discrimination, and empowerment, which are all essential for Harm Reduction Case Managers to be aware of in order to provide effective services to their clients.
Outreach Worker
Outreach Workers provide services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This course can help Outreach Workers to better understand the needs of drug users and sex workers, who are more likely to experience homelessness. The course also provides information on how to provide harm reduction services to these populations, which can help to improve their health and well-being.
Program Manager
Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate social service programs. This course can help Program Managers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in this role. The course covers topics such as program planning, budgeting, and evaluation, and it also provides information on how to work with drug users and sex workers.
Social Worker
Social Workers provide a range of services to help people who are facing challenges, including drug use, poverty, and homelessness. This course can help Social Workers to better understand the needs of drug users and sex workers, who are more likely to experience these challenges. The course also provides information on how to provide harm reduction services to these populations, which can help to improve their lives.
Peer Support Specialist
Peer Support Specialists provide support and guidance to people with mental health conditions or substance use disorders. This course can help Peer Support Specialists to better understand the needs of drug users and sex workers, who are more likely to experience these conditions. The course also provides information on how to provide harm reduction services to these populations, which can help to improve their health and well-being.
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. This course can help Health Educators to better understand the health needs of drug users and sex workers, who are more likely to experience health problems than the general population. The course also provides information on how to develop and implement harm reduction programs, which can help to improve the health of these populations.
HIV Counselor
HIV Counselors help people who are at risk of contracting HIV or who are living with HIV. This course can help HIV Counselors to better understand the needs of drug users and sex workers, who are disproportionately affected by HIV. The course also provides information on how to provide harm reduction services to these populations, which can help to reduce their risk of contracting HIV.
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. This course can help Public Health Educators to better understand the health needs of drug users and sex workers, who are more likely to experience health problems than the general population. The course also provides information on how to develop and implement harm reduction programs, which can help to improve the health of these populations.
Social Justice Advocate
Social Justice Advocates work to promote social justice and equity for all people. This course can help Social Justice Advocates to better understand the needs of drug users and sex workers, who are often marginalized and discriminated against. The course also provides information on how to advocate for policies and programs that promote harm reduction and improve the lives of these populations.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies that affect the health and well-being of populations. This course can help Policy Analysts to better understand the needs of drug users and sex workers, who are often marginalized and underserved by public policies. The course also provides information on how to develop and advocate for policies that promote harm reduction and improve the lives of these populations.
Researcher
Researchers conduct studies to investigate the causes and consequences of social problems. This course can help Researchers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to conduct research on drug use and sex work. The course covers topics such as research design, data analysis, and writing research reports, and it also provides information on how to work with drug users and sex workers.
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselors provide counseling and support to people with mental health conditions. This course can help Mental Health Counselors to better understand the mental health needs of drug users and sex workers, who are more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population. The course also provides information on how to provide harm reduction services to these populations, which can help to improve their mental health outcomes.
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers typically have a strong understanding of public health issues, which can be developed through taking courses on harm reduction. They also need to be able to build trusting relationships with clients, which can be enhanced by learning about the perspectives of marginalized people and the challenges they face. This course may be useful for Community Health Workers who want to learn more about working with drug users and sex workers.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Providing Harm Reduction Services for Drug Users and Sex Workers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the legal regulation of sex work around the world. It valuable resource for anyone working in the field of sex work or who wants to learn more about it.
Provides a clear and concise overview of drugs and drug policy. It is written by a leading expert in the field, and it valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the social psychology of stigma. It valuable resource for anyone working with stigmatized populations or who wants to learn more about the topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of addiction, including its causes, consequences, and treatment. It valuable resource for anyone working in the field of addiction or who wants to learn more about it.
Practical guide to harm reduction for clinicians. It provides clear and concise information on how to provide harm reduction services, and it valuable resource for anyone working in the field.
Provides a guide to writing a good mental health paper. It valuable resource for anyone who is writing a paper on mental health or who wants to learn more about the topic.

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