5515 - Workforce Secondary Traumatic Stress

Purpose

The South Kitsap School District is committed to preventing and addressing secondary traumatic stress for district personnel by supporting mental health in the workplace. Everyday school staff work with students experiencing trauma and loss. As a result, teachers, school counselors, administrators, and other school staff many experience secondary traumatic stress. When secondary traumatic stress is left unaddressed, it may lead to staff turnover, burnout, adult chronic absenteeism, and health issues that negatively impact everyone in the school community.

 

Secondary Traumatic Stress
The district acknowledges that secondary traumatic stress, also called compassion fatigue, is a natural but disruptive set of symptoms that may result when one person learns firsthand of the traumatic experiences of another. Symptoms of secondary traumatic stress may include feelings of isolation, anxiety, dissociation, physical ailments, and sleep disturbances. In addition, those affected by secondary traumatic stress may experience: changes in memory and perception; alterations in their sense of self-efficacy; a depletion of personal resources; and disruption in their perceptions of safety, trust, and independence.

 

Policy Statement

The district will promote a positive workplace climate that includes a focus on diversity and inclusion.

The district will regularly assess district-level and school building–level implementation of this policy. The assessment will include input from the district’s workforce. The district will provide appropriate resources and training to schools and staff for continuous improvement.

 

Legal References: 

RCW 28A.300 RCW

RCW 28A.400 RCW

 

Cross References: 

District Policy 3112 - Social Emotional Climate

District Policy 5203 - Staff Assistance Program

 

Adoption Date:  February 1, 2023 

Revised: March 12, 2024

 

Administrator Responsibilities: