In response to key recommendations stemming from the Canadian Addiction Treatment Workforce Survey, the March 2005 Thematic Workshop on Workforce Development (National Framework), and initiatives emerging from the October 2006 Thematic Workshop on Treatment (National Framework), CCSA is currently developing a new Web-based resource for the substance abuse workforce. Designed specifically for substance abuse specialists and the many allied professionals who engage with and provide service to individuals affected by substance abuse, this new interactive website will encourage ongoing multi-directional learning, and support partnership development while facilitating and sustaining a community of practice that spans the continuum of service delivery.
Objectives
- Foster a pan-Canadian community of practice that is inclusive of the full spectrum of substance abuse specialists and other allied professionals who work with Canadians affected by substance abuse and related issues, such as mental illness, HIV/AIDS, housing, employment, etc.;
- Support ongoing professional development within a context of managed organizational change;
- Facilitate the identification and adoption of core competencies across the continuum of service delivery;
- Address change management and the "research to practice gap" through effective knowledge transfer; and
- Address issues related to accessing ongoing professional development and networking in a country as geographically vast as Canada.
Target Audiences
CNSAAP will aim to reach out to and engage with substance abuse specialists delivering services across the continuum of care, including front-line counsellors, clinical supervisors and managers in specialized substance abuse services, as well as allied professionals working in programs not specific to substance abuse.
Key Content
In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, CNSAAP will provide a diversity of information, organized in a targeted, easy-to-understand and searchable format. Following are some of the types of content you can expect to find:
- National, provincial and territorial updates on initiatives related to the substance abuse workforce;
- Access to evidence-based professional resources;
- Listing of professional development opportunities across Canada;
- Recruitment and retention best practices;
- Up-to-date news from across the country related to the substance abuse workforce; and
- Rotating practitioner profiles and success stories from the field.
Stay tuned for details about the official launch date.