Three workforce development professionals engage during a professional development session.

Competency Area 1: Knowledge of the Field

This competency area focuses on the role, core responsibilities, and foundational knowledge of the youth service professional. Topics covered include key concepts of workforce development, theories of youth development, youth rights and laws, disability history and laws, professional ethics and boundaries, and professional development needs. Click on individual competencies listed below for learning objectives, professional development activities, and resources for that specific competency or scroll down to read them all. Note: The letter “D” indicates a competency specific to youth with disabilities.

List of Competencies

1.1 Knowledge of youth development theory, adolescent and human development

1.1 Knowledge of youth development theory, adolescent and human development

Learning Objectives

  • 1.1.1 Identify, describe, and critique youth development theories and models, such as Forum for Youth Investment’s Five areas of Youth Development, Search Institute “Assets” Theory, National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth’s Five Areas of Youth Development and Leadership, KohIberg’s theory of Moral Reasoning, and Erikson and Piaget’s theory of Cognitive Development
  • 1.1.2 Describe adolescent and human development in terms of physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral factors and developmental systems theory

Selected Activities

Utilize the materials and activities in the NCWD/Youth’s Adolescent Development: Introducing the Basics. Lessons include:

  • Psychological Development
  • Moral Reasoning
  • Youth Development Theories & Models 1
  • Youth Development Theories & Models 2
  • Sexual Maturation of the Female and Male Adolescent

Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!

Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners

Other Resources

1.2 Understanding of youth rights and laws including labor, curfew, and attendance

1.2 Understanding of youth rights and laws including labor, curfew, and attendance

Learning Objectives

  • 1.2.1 List your state or locality’s youth laws related to age, curfew, wages, attendance, type of work, etc.

Selected Activities

Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!

  • Successful completion of a FAQ Brochure.
  • Successfully complete Scavenger Hunt or Web Quest

Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners

Other Resources

1.3 Knowledge of self as a youth development worker, including professional ethics and boundaries, confidentiality, and professional development needs and opportunities

1.3 Knowledge of self as a youth development worker, including professional ethics and boundaries, confidentiality, and professional development needs and opportunities

Learning Objectives

  • 1.3.1 Locate and list your specific organization’s code of ethics and policies
  • 1.3.2 Develop a list of relevant professional development opportunities available

Selected Activities

Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!

  • Develop a list of professional organizations and relevant journals/resources to stay current
  • Develop a matrix of professional development needs with a matrix of professional development opportunities

Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners

Other Resources

  • Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development/The Tides Center. At the Table. [List of professional development resources specific to youth involvement.]
  • Mattingly, M. Code of Ethics: Standards for Practice of North American Child & Youth Care Professionals. University of Pittsburgh.
  • National Youth Development Learning Network. (2004). Worker Competencies.
1.4D Understanding of the values and history of the disability field

1.4D Understanding of the values and history of the disability field

Learning Objectives

  • 1.4.D.1 Describe the values and history of the disability field as it applies to your organizational setting

Selected Activities

  • Create a historical timeline listing relevant disability regulations that impact your work situations
  • Create a graphic organizer or concept map (examples are at http://www.graphic.org/goindex.html) related to the history of the disability field

Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!

Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners

Other Resources

1.5D Understanding of disability laws including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (TWWIIA)

1.5D Understanding of disability laws including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (TWWIIA)

Learning Objectives

  • 1.5.D.1 List and describe the disability laws including 504, ADA, IDEA, and TWWIIA

Selected Activities

Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!

  • Successfully complete of Scavenger Hunt/Web Quest
  • Develop a “cheat sheet” on disability laws for organizational reference; train colleagues in its us

Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners

Other Resources

1.6D Knowledge of key concepts and processes including Individualized Education Program (IEP), Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), transition, due process procedures, parents’ rights, informed choice, self determination, universal access, and reasonable accommodations

1.6D Knowledge of key concepts and processes including Individualized Education Program (IEP), Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), transition, due process procedures, parents’ rights, informed choice, self determination, universal access, and reasonable accommodations

Learning Objectives

  • 1.6.D.1 Identify and explain at least 5 key concepts and processes involved when you address each of the following related to your organizational setting: Individual Education Program (IEP), Individual Plan for Employment (IPE), transition, due process procedures, parents’ rights, informed choice, self determination, universal access, and reasonable accommodations

Selected Activities

Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!

Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners

Other Resources

1.7D Understanding of privacy and confidentiality rights as they relate to disability disclosure

1.7D Understanding of privacy and confidentiality rights as they relate to disability disclosure

Learning Objectives

  • 1.7.D.1 List and describe privacy and confidentiality rights as they relate to disability disclosure in your organizational setting

Selected Activities

  • Develop and respond to a scenario that poses a question about disclosure; cite resources/information that back up your choice of response
  • Reflect on an experience you had relating to disclosure and how you handled it
  • Explain each of the following and how it impacts your organization:
    • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
    • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Demonstration of Learning – Show What You Know!

  • Successful completion of scenario or reflection
  • Train others on privacy and confidentiality rights as they relate to disability disclosure

Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners

Other Resources