Competency Area 10: Administrative Skills
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This competency area focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities that youth service professionals need to complete and manage administrative duties associated with their work, including processing referrals, keeping customer files, completing reports, and communicating effectively and working well with others. 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
Learn more about this Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSA) Study Guide
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Learn about NCWD/Youth's KSA training modules and training opportunities.
See an example handout,
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10.1 Ability to complete referrals and service summaries using common reporting formats and requirements
Learning Objectives
- 10.1.1 Complete appropriate referrals and service summaries using common reporting formats and requirements
Selected Activities
- Research or locate referral and service forms used by organizations that provide services youth need but cannot access at your organization
Demonstration of Learning - Show What You Know!
- Complete the forms using real (but anonymous) or fictitious records
- Design an "ideal" referral form and share with one partner organization for their feedback
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth. (2005). Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for Professionals Serving Youth with Educational and Career Development Challenges. Written by J. Timmons, M. Podmostko, C. Bremer, D. Lavin, & J. Wills.
- NCWD/Youth. (2008). Making the Right Turn: A Guide About Improving Transition Outcomes for Youth Involved in the Juvenile Corrections Systems. Written by J. Gannon & C. Richards.
- NCWD/Youth. (2008). Negotiating the Curves Toward Employment: A Guide About Youth Involved in the Foster Care System.
- NCWD/Youth. (2005). The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth with Disabilities.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 18. (2006). Blending and Braiding Funds and Resources: The Intermediary as Facilitator.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 9. (2004). Disability Inquiries in the Workforce Development System.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 3. (2002). How Young People Can Benefit from One-Stop Centers.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 10. (2004). IDEA Revised: Special Education Law Enacted.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 8. (2004). Making the Connections: Growing and Supporting New Organizations: Intermediaries.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 4. (2003). Serving Youth with Disabilities Under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998: The Basics.
Other Resources
- Logsdon, A. How to Refer A Child for Special Education Testing and Assessment.
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Massachusetts Department of Education. Referrals for Diagnosis of Suspected Learning Disabilities. [Power Point Presentation]
- Mind Tools Ltd. Information Skills. [One of a number of management, career, and thinking skill improvement ideas in this toolkit resource.]
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Polk, C. (2009). Workplace Writing Skills: Developing Clarity and Accuracy.
10.2 Written and verbal communication skills
Learning Objectives
- 10.2.1 Model effective written and verbal communication skills
Selected Activities
- Prepare a white paper on a topic of interest
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Prepare an oral presentation on a topic of interest
(Note: Participants could be told that they will not be given separate writing and speaking assignments for this competency but will be evaluated on all the writing and speaking assignments they are given over the duration of the course)
Demonstration of Learning - Show What You Know!
- Give the presentation to your peers
- Provide feedback on a peer's white paper; then have the peer comment on yours and make improvements based on feedback
Other Resources
- Fowler, K. & Manktelow, J. Improve Your Communication Skills.
- Heathfield, S. M. The Keys to Success at Work: Effective Organizational and Interpersonal Communication.
- Heathfield, S. M. How to Hold a Difficult Conversation.
- Heathfield, S. M. How to Receive Feedback with Grace and Dignity.
- Institute for Management Excellence. (1997). Improving Verbal Skills.
- Polk, C. (2009). Workplace Writing Skills: Developing Clarity and Accuracy.
10.3 Time management skills
Learning Objectives
- 10.3.1 Model effective time management skills
Selected Activities
- Examine the use of calendars, to do lists, the “one touch” technique, and other print tools
- Examine potential time management tools such as Microsoft Project and PDAs
- Try one new time management technique for a week; reflect on whether or not it worked for you
Demonstration of Learning - Show What You Know!
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Create a schedule for your next week's activities; after the week, examine how closely your actual work mirrored your schedule
(Note: Assignments and activities that are completed on time may demonstrate this competency)
Other Resources
- Mind Tools Ltd. Time Management Skills. [One of a number of management, career, and thinking skill improvement ideas in this toolkit resource.]
- Ward, S. Time Management. [Improvement ideas on time management, increasing productivity, and related topics.]
- Ward, S. Time Management Tips.
- Wildblood, P. (2004). Effective Time Management: Personal Planning and Organization.
10.4 Strong interpersonal skills/ability to work within a team
Learning Objectives
- 10.4.1 Model strong interpersonal skills/ability to work within a team
Selected Activities
- Take the Jung Typology Test
- Practice administering a number of carefully selected assessments
Demonstration of Learning - Show What You Know!
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Discuss your strengths and weaknesses as applied to working within a team
(Note: Some assignments for the course should also be team assignments, which can be used to demonstrate learning for this competency. )
Other Resources
- The Community Toolbox. Chapter 27: Cultural Competence in a Multicultural World.
- The Community Toolbox. "Building Teams: Broadening the Base for Leadership," in Chapter 13: Orienting Ideas in Leadership.
- The Community Toolbox. "Training for Conflict Resolution," in Chapter 20: Providing Information and Enhancing Skills.
- Heathfield, S. M. The Keys to Success at Work: Succeed at Work with People.
- Heathfield, S. M. The Keys to Success at Work: How to Manage Meetings and Team Building.
- Robinson, D. K. (2004). Dealing With Creative Conflict Within a Team.
10.5.D Ability to complete disability-specific referrals and service summaries, such as IEP, transition plan, IPE, and individualized work plan (IWP)
Learning Objectives
- 10.5.D.1 Complete appropriate disability-specific referrals and service summaries, such as IEP, transition plan, IPE, and individualized work plan (IWP)
Selected Activities
- Read Developing your IPE and Developing an IEP and Smart IEPs - Adobe PDF Smart IEPs - Microsoft Word.
Demonstration of Learning - Show What You Know!
- Create an IEP based on existing students or case study
Resources Developed by NCWD/Youth and Partners
- NCWD/Youth. (2004). Benefits Planning for Youth with Disabilities Quick Reference Guide.
- NCWD/Youth. (2005). The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth with Disabilities.
- NCWD/Youth. (2009). The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Families, Educators, Youth Service Professionals, and Adult Allies Who Care About Youth with Disabilities.
- NCWD/Youth. (2008). Transitioning Youth with Mental Health Needs to Meaningful Employment and Independent Living. Written by L. Woosley & J. Katz-Leavy.
- NCWD/Youth. (2007). Tunnels and Cliffs: A Guide for Workforce Development Practitioners and Policymakers serving Youth with Mental Health Needs. Written by M. Podmostko.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 9. (2004). Disability Inquiries in the Workforce Development System.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 10. (2004). IDEA Revised: Special Education Law Enacted.
- NCWD/Youth InfoBrief, Issue 4. (2003). Serving Youth with Disabilities Under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998: The Basics.
- NCWD/Youth Jump Start. Work-Based Learning Jump Start - Youth Service Professional Section.
Other Resources
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LD Online. Accommodations & Modifications.
- National Center on Severe & Sensory Disabilities. (2011). Pop-up IEP. University of Northern Colorado.
- Special Education & Due Process Procedures Manual. Developing IEP Goals.
- New York State Education Department. Developing your Individualized Plan for Employment.
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U.S. Department of Education. (July 2000). A Guide to the Individualized Education Program.
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Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) & Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI).(2007). Resource Guide for Teachers and Administrators about Assistive Technology. Written by P. R. Reed, P. R.
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WATI, WDPI, & Cooperative Educational Service Agency (CESA). (2006). Student Resource Guide on Transition.
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WATI, WDPI, & CESA. (2006). Teacher Resource Guide on Transition.
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