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A significant number of Canadians are involved in addressing the harms associated with the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, prescribed mood-altering medicines and illicit substances. Many of the people working in the field of addictions are considered to be addiction "specialists", meaning that their primary roles and responsibilities are focused on addiction-specific services delivered through community-based organizations, hospitals, private treatment centres, prisons, etc. Others are considered to be "allied professionals" meaning that while addiction is not the primary focus of their work, it is nonetheless a factor to be considered and addressed in the populations they serve. Primary care, emergency and mental health professionals, EAP counsellors, police officers and school guidance counsellors, among others, are considered to be "allied professionals" within the addictions workforce.
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
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Activity |
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| 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.
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Core Competencies for Canada's Substance Abuse Professionals |
The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA), Workforce Development Division, is working with a variety of key stakeholders from across the country to develop a set of core competencies for Canada's substance abuse professionals that would ultimately serve to: enhance professionalism within the field by supporting the adoption of evidence-informed practice; support the hiring and retention of the right people, with the right skills at the right time; and develop strategies for learning and development that will equip the field for excellence now, and in the future. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Issues of Substance (IOS)
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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. |
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