Cole Benson is a senior research analyst at the University of Utah in the Social Research
Institute at the College of Social Work. He received both a MSW and a MS in Sport & Exercise Psychology
from the University of Utah. His background includes over a decade of experience in child welfare and
Motivational Interviewing, with a focus on foster care. His research expertise includes child welfare
workforce development, competency assessment, skill development/performance, Motivational
Interviewing, and trust development. His current work at the University includes developing and
implementing the Virtual Skills and Workforce Trainer, a deliberate practice approach for training social
service and medical professionals to learn complex skills prior to on-the-job practice, including
Motivational Interviewing. His work also includes Motivational Interviewing training, curriculum
development, evaluation, and implementation of state-wide child welfare workforce development
efforts.