CODAC Management Manual

Group Name: Group Day/Time: Group Facilitator:

FACILIATING ZOOM GROUP BEST PRACTICES

Members can participate in Zoom therapy groups via computer, smart phone, or tablet with or without zoom accounts. Video participation is the standard of practice for remote groups. Group members will enter the meeting in the zoom Waiting Room and facilitator will do a roll call and then rename each member to their first name or whole name as mbr sees fit. Facilitator should remove anyone who should not be in the group, or anyone breaking group rules. Facilitator will start with an intro slide explaining group expectations, including appropriate dress and being in a private space. Group will be locked after 5 minutes, after which no new members will be admitted.

GUIDELINES FOR FACILITATING GROUPS Video participation is the standard of practice

• The standard-of-practice is that members should participate visually with virtual groups, meaning that they can be seen on camera. The expectation is that group facilitator will be on video. Facilitators may make temporary exceptions one or two times to utilize voice phone e.g. when a Member’s video is broken. Waiting Room • Facilitators will use the Zoom “Waiting Room” feature to formally admit members prior to group’s start. (See settings.) Roll Call • A formal attendance “roll call” should occur at the start of each group. Roll call consists of the facilitator going around and identifying all participants in turn. For members new to the group, the facilitator should verify that the member is in the correct group, ask for who referred them, and their goals for attending the group. • Facilitator will use the “ rename ” function to changes participants’ names for all members. Change the name to the member’s first name once you are satisfied that the member’s attendance is legitimate (for example,. “Steve”). This ensures consistency and protects privacy. Many members don’t mind using their full name and will rename themselves. • Members who do not appear to be legitimate during waiting room roll call or who are disruptive to the group milieu should be muted and “removed” or “moved to the waiting room” by the facilitator. The facilitator will use the “chat” to explain why this is happening to the removed member participant and follow up with them later to resolve. • If necessary, staff should verify members are in a private location where other public, and household members can’t hear. • Group will be “l ocked ” after 5 minutes. No attendees will be admitted late after the group is locked.

Group Rules • A start script is recommended at the beginning of every group to ensure clear expectations.

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