Professional Development

About

To make the transition from school to adult life and the world of work, adolescents and young adults need support from caring competent adults. Youth service professionals (adults who work directly with youth) require a mix of competencies from the youth development, education, workforce development, and disability fields. Research shows the professional development of staff (attaining skills and knowledge through training or experience) leads to better practice with youth, improves program quality, and increases positive youth outcomes.

Professional Development Strategies & Tools

10 Competency Areas

1. Knowledge of Field
2. Communication with Youth
3. Assessment and Individualized Planning
4. Relationship to Family and Community
5. Workforce Preparation
6. Career Exploration
7. Relationships with Employers & Between Employer and Employee
8. Connection to Resources
9. Program Design and Delivery
10. Administrative Skills

Resources

Study Guide

NCWD/Youth has developed a study guide that includes competency-specific learning objectives, selected activities, demonstrations of learning, and resources for each of the competencies identified in all 10 Competency Areas. The study guide will be updated on a regular basis so check back often.

KSA JumpStart

NCWD/Youth has developed a quick guide to the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to work with all youth. This quick guide includes an overview, research, audience-specific questions, tools, and strategies for professional development.

Publications

• Jump Start: KSAs of Youth Service Professionals
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of Youth Service Professionals: The Centerpiece of a Successful Workforce Development System
• KSA Assessment for Youth Service Professionals
• KSA Professional Development Assessment for Organizations and Systems
• The Workforce Development System & Professional Development of Youth Service Professionals: Why Professional Development?