Workforce Development Division

As with all areas of human service, the Canadian addictions field must answer to both its clientele and taxpayers, and aim to provide services effectively and efficiently. This challenge, shared by individual practitioners, their organizations and the systems within which they operate, requires that a variety of activities and measures aimed at developing and supporting the addictions workforce are implemented and monitored across all levels of the service delivery platform. 

CCSA's Workforce Development Division collaborates with a variety of partners to translate best-practice knowledge into learning opportunities for the growth and development of Canada's addictions workforce. Working in alignment with a National Framework priority to sustain workforce development, the Division also aims to establish and support a national strategy on workforce development that encourages the advancement of

• Sustainable, evidence-based, workforce development policies and programs
•  National standards and competencies
• Program accreditation and practitioner certification schemes
• Education and training opportunities
  

Divisional Activities

Activity	Details
Canadian Addiction Treatment Workforce Survey	The Workforce Survey is the first-ever national survey of treatment agency/service directors and staff.  The survey aims to determine the levels and types of education and professional development experiences of directors and front-line workers, identify training and professional development needs, and explore factors that influence the ability of the workforce to provide services of the highest quality.
Canadian Network of Substance Abuse and Allied Professionals (CNSAAP)	In response to key recommendations stemming from the Canadian Addiction Treatment Workforce Survey and March 2005 Thematic Workshop on Workforce Development (National Framework), CCSA is currently developing a new Web-based resource for the addiction workforce.  Designed specifically for addictions "specialists" and the many allied professionals working within the addictions field, this new interactive website will encourage ongoing learning, support partnership development and promote best practices.
Health, Education and Enforcement in Partnership (HEP) Program	CCSA's National HEP Program supports the development and enhancement of multi-sectoral partnerships among government and non-government substance use and abuse stakeholders.  These partnerships provide a platform where representatives from Canada's national, provincial/territorial and municipal levels can share information and identify opportunities for collaborative action.
National Advisory Group on Workforce Development (NAGWD)	Made up of substance abuse professionals from a broad spectrum of jurisdictions and sectors, the National Advisory Group on Workforce Development (NAGWD) provides representation and leadership in the development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of a broad national strategy on workforce development.
National Summer Institute (NSI) on Addictions	The NSI, a partnership between CCSA and the Addictions Research Centre (ARC) of Correctional Service Canada, is an opportunity for Canada's practitioners and program developers to gather and discuss current best practices, share lessons learned, and enhance related professional skills. Each Institute is based on a significant and timely theme, bringing together experts from across jurisdictions and disciplines to share their knowledge and experience.
Issues of Substance (IOS)	Issues of Substance (IOS) is CCSA's biennial national conference on issues related to alcohol and other drugs and substances. Attracting participation from all levels of the substance abuse and addictions field, IOS provides delegates with an opportunity to share and enhance their knowledge and skills, engage in stimulating debate and build their professional network.

Workforce Related Resources

	Details
Education Programs	CCSA's education programs database lists addictions programs and courses offered by Canadian post-secondary institutions. Each listing contains information about the program or course content, duration and cost of the program, and admission requirements. Beyond these college and university programs, there are several other Canadian agencies that provide notable ongoing training opportunities.
Practitioner Certification	A number of Canadian and North American organizations offer certification to addictions practitioners, with the general aims of providing protection to their clientele and recognition for the practitioner.
Program Accreditation	In Canada, three organizations provide accreditation specifically for addictions treatment programs: the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation (CCHSA); the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Canada; and the Conseil québécois d'agrément (CQA).
Training in Collaborative Partnerships	CCSA's National HEP Program has developed a training package aimed at supporting organizations in the development of multi-sector collaborative partnerships.  This training, originally developed to train HEP Coordinators in the HEP approach for implementation within their respective jurisdictions, has also been delivered as a CICAD-sponsored initiative in St. Lucia and at the 2006 National Summer Institute on Addictions.