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. NCWD/Youth looked at research, practice, and training across the multiple related fields to identify the necessary areas of knowledge and skill. These 10 Competency Areas include
- Knowledge of Field
- Communication with Youth
- Assessment and Individualized Planning
- Relationship to Family and Community
- Workforce Preparation
- Career Exploration
- Relationships with Employers & Between Employer and Employee
- Connection to Resources
- Program Design and Delivery
- Administrative Skills
Featured professional development resources include:
- Core Competencies for Youth Service Professionals: Guiding Youth Toward Employment
- Developing a Professional Development System for Youth Service Professionals
- Jump Start: KSAs of Youth Service Professionals
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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?
