Enhancing Provider Competency: A Feasibility Study of Training to Improve Self-Efficacy and Reduce Stigma in Homeless Services

Background and Purpose:

Homelessness remains a complex and persistent issue in the United States, with individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and unaccompanied homeless youth facing significant barriers to accessing services. These barriers stem from mental health concerns, substance use, disability, poverty, discrimination, stigma, and systemic challenges, all of which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Service providers play a crucial role in addressing homelessness; however, they often struggle with low self-efficacy, biases, and stigmatizing attitudes that hinder their effectiveness. Training interventions are a promising strategy to address these provider-level barriers, yet research on their impact remains limited. This dissertation aimed to assess the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a competency-based training intervention tailored for social service providers working with individuals experiencing chronic or youth homelessness. Grounded in social cognitive, attitude change, and adult learning theories, the study examined the training’s feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness in enhancing providers’ self-efficacy and reducing stigma.

Methods:

This study utilized a mixed-methods design, following Orsmond and Cohn’s (2015) feasibility typology, to explore five research questions: (1) feasibility of recruiting participants, (2) appropriateness of data collection procedures and outcome measures, (3) acceptability and suitability of the training and study procedures, (4) impact on providers’ self-efficacy in case management, and (5) impact on providers’ stigmatizing attitudes. Data collection included pre- and post-training surveys and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha reliability testing, and paired samples t-tests. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic coding.

Findings:

The study demonstrated strong feasibility, with 93% of invited participants (40 of 43) enrolling in the study. The reliability of the outcome measures was high, with Cronbach’s alpha values of α = .992 for the Social Work Self-Efficacy (SWSE) scale and α = .866 for the Attitudes Toward Homeless Individuals (ATHI) scale. Three key qualitative themes emerged: (1) the appeal of collaborative learning, (2) gaining fresh insights and skills, and (3) the ability to authentically engage with training content, connecting personal experiences with professional practice.

Quantitative results showed a statistically significant increase in providers’ perceived self-efficacy. A paired samples t-test revealed a substantial improvement from the pre-test mean score (M = 30.02, SD = 10.49) to the post-test mean score (M = 77.22, SD = 4.33; t = -27.59, d = .39, p < .001). Additionally, a significant reduction in stigmatizing attitudes was observed, with ATHI scores decreasing from M = 3.84 (SD = .45) pre-training to M = 3.18 (SD = .39) post-training (t = 9.02, d = .39, p < .001).

Discussion:

Findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of competency-based training in improving homeless service providers’ self-efficacy and attitudes toward individuals experiencing homelessness. This study underscores the potential for brief, structured training programs to enhance service quality and provider confidence. The results align with the NASW Code of Ethics and the Grand Challenge to end homelessness, advocating for workforce development initiatives that strengthen service delivery. Future research should explore long-term impacts and the relationship between provider training and client outcomes.