Professionalism

This page has been created and is maintained by the Child and Youth Mental Health Learning Outcomes Project team.

II     PROFESSIONALISM

A      Knowledge Foundations

1. History of the CYC profession including the legalities of professional regulation (NACP-IA; Alberta))
   
2. History of social services, justice environments, mental health treatments and the historical treatment of ‘people’ (e.g. the convenience of warehousing) including the legal approaches to the care and treatment of children and youth in these systems and the history of political, social and economic factors that contribute to racism, stereotyping, bias and discrimination. (Manitoba 801-1, 830-1 NACP March Draft II A)
   
3. Procedures for children’s advocacy and grievances. (Alberta, NACP-IA)
   
4. The legal rights, protections, and responsibilities regarding legal procedures that pertain to child and youth mental health. (Manitoba 801-2)
   
5. The laws, standards, guidelines for collaboration and policies relating to the interface between systems; such a mental health, juvenile justice and child and family services and how these impact services offered to children, youth, and families (Manitoba 801-5; 801-6; Alberta, NACP-IA)
6. Accepted boundaries in professional practice (NACP-IA
7. Stress management and wellness practices (NACP-IA)
   
8. Change theory, the impact change has on work groups (Manitoba 830-4)
   
9. Policies and regulations of their professional association, including the code of ethics and a process for ethical decision making. (Alberta)
   
10. Cultural structures, theories of change, and values that lead to culture variations among families and communities of diverse backgrounds (NACP March Draft II A; Alberta)
11. Cross cultural communication. (NACP March Draft II A)
    

B      Ethics

Elements of Performance

The child and youth practitioner:

1.  
   1. Conforms to agency guidelines relating to attendance, punctuality, personal appearance, sick and vacation time, and workload management (NACP March Draft I B2. c(1-2))
   2. Demonstrates an awareness of how personal and professional values influence practice including how beliefs, values and attitudes influence interactions with clients and co-workers.  (NACP March Draft I B-2a(1))  
   3.  Follows the guidelines of the relevant Child and Youth Work code of ethics at all times. (Manitoba I-802-3; NACP March Draft I B4c; Alberta)
   4. Distinguishes between ethical and legal issues and applies an ethical decision making process including:

      •  
        • Identifying the problem.
          
        • Identifying the potential issues involved.
          
        • Reviewing the relevant ethical guidelines.
          
        • Obtaining consultation.
          
        • Considering possible and probable courses of action.
          
        • Enumerating the consequences of the various alternatives.
          
        • Deciding on what appears to be the best course of action. (Alberta)
          
   5. Applies the agency policy, laws, and professional code of ethics relating to confidentiality. He/she selects and communicates information that is pertinent to the needs of parents, colleagues and collaborators as appropriate. (Quebec 408-2; Quebec 401-21 Alberta; NACP March Draft I B-4 a-c; Ontario VSa5; Manitoba 802-3; 801-6)
   6. Follow the agency policy, laws, and professional code of ethics relating to conflict of interest. (Alberta)
   7. Demonstrates appropriate use of power and authority and performs this role while showing respect for the people over whom he/she uses his authority. (Quebec 405-5)
   8. Accesses and applies relevant laws and licensing regulations related to violations and reporting of a child’s right to a safe, secure and nurturing environment including the procedures and reporting related to crisis intervention and management of aggression. (NACP March Draft I B-5 a-b; B6a Manitoba 801-3)
   9. Demonstrates advocacy skills to ensure that children, youths and families have their views heard and considered during decision making processes that directly affect them. (NACP March Draft I B6b-c)
      

C      Professional development

Elements of Performance

1. Maintains membership in a professional organization. (Alberta-Professionalism –skills)
   
2. Interprets and discusses current professional issues, future trends and challenges in child and youth mental health. (NACP March Draft I B-1(c); Ontario VS 7)
   
3. Accesses and applies the professional  literature, particularly in the relevant areas of evidence based practice. (NACP March Draft I B-1(a) (IB2e1); Alberta; Ontario VS 7)
4. Determines through self-assessment his/her current skills and knowledge and to identify and engage in professional development activities. (NACP March Draft I B-2(b-1-2); Ontario VS 7; Manitoba 830-3)
   
5. Transfers and adapts current knowledge and skills to new contexts (Ontario VS 7)
   
6. Explains the nature of  CYC practice to the public and other professionals. (Alberta-Professionalism –skills)
   

D     Supervision

Elements of Performance

1. Understands the agency organizational structure and how decisions are made within that structure including the roles of the youth and youth care worker. (Manitoba 830-. Manitoba 830-2)
   
2. Develops and implements personal and practice goals in collaboration with his/her supervisor. (Alberta-Professionalism –skills)
   
3. Employs effective and appropriate problem-solving strategies by recognizing issues, consulting as appropriate, choosing from and implementing a variety of strategies within the context of agency policy and procedure.  (Alberta-Professionalism –skills)
   
4. Critically evaluates personal performance and when requested participates in a peer feedback process. Alberta-Professionalism –skills
   

E      Diversity

He/she is aware of  the eight major factors which set groups apart from one another, and which give individuals and groups elements of identity:  age, class, race, ethnicity, levels of ability, language, spiritual belief systems, educational achievement, and gender differences and addresses issues related to these elements of identity throughout all other domains of practice. (clarification)

Elements of Performance

1.  
   1. Describes the importance of working with those whose values are different from his/her own.  (NACP March Draft I B-2a(1); Manitoba 802-2)
      
   2. Analyzes personal biases and stereotypes about others based on age, class, race, ethnicity, ability, language, spiritual beliefs, education, and gender  (NACP March Draft II-B1 a)
      
   3. Analyzes the interaction between his/her own cultural values and the cultural values of others. Discovers his/her limitations in understanding and responding to cultural and human differences and seeks assistance when needed (NACP March Draft II-B1b-
   4. Supports children, youth, families to access resources and services which advance cultural understanding and appreciation of human diversity (NACP March Draft II-B1 f-g)
      
   5. Supports children, youth,  families and programs in overcoming  barriers to services that are created as a result of cultural and human diversity (NACP March Draft II-B1 h)