This 42-hour online synchronous program will equip participants with vital soft and administrative skills, empowering them to navigate seamlessly within a bureaucratic setting. CVSOs will be able to elevate their expertise in several fronts, which in return will bolster veteran support.

Learning Objectives:

• Collaborate effectively with other departments.
• Deliver compelling presentations to the County Board.
• Gather, analyze, and present data to stakeholders.
• Navigate the VA appeal process proficiently.
• Assist clients in comprehending intricate healthcare information.
• Engage clients using Interviewing strategies principles to address areas requiring change.

Program Delivery and Structure:

1. Classes
   • Medical Diagnosis and Dynamics
   • Interviewing Strategies
   • Administrative Law/Legal Research
   • Technical and Persuasive Writing
2. The program will be conducted online using synchronous sessions through Zoom Meeting app.
3. The Learning Management System (LMS) for the program will be D2L Brightspace (non-credit).

To be awarded the Digital Badge, participants must attend all classes with video on (one absence permitted without penalty), and complete weekly assignments and preparatory readings.

Medical Diagnosis and Dynamics:
This class provides an introduction to human anatomy, physiology, and their correlation with disease processes. Students will establish connections between bodily systems, including psychosomatic implications, applicable across diverse situations.

Interviewing Strategies:
Explore communication strategies to maximize interview effectiveness. Utilizing mini lecture, experiential activities, discussion and reflection, topics to be explored may include communication dynamics in interviews, relationship and trust building, listening, question asking, coaching vs. advising, responding to complaints and managing emotions.

Administrative Law/Legal Research:
Learners will gain insight into the legal system at State and Federal levels. This includes understanding Minnesota and Federal criminal justice and administrative law systems. Basic legal research skills will be covered, helping learners find, read, and apply cases in veteran advocacy.

Technical and Persuasive Writing:
Focuses on specific strategies for better written communication with internal and external stakeholders. This class will encompass informative presentations delivered through collaborative discussions, and group activities aimed at analyzing and refining sample documents. Additionally, participants will engage in ongoing writing assignments between sessions to ensure continuous skill refinement.