What Is Workforce Development?
Workforce development is about helping staff to learn and improve their skills. It helps them gain knowledge and understanding to do their jobs well and continually improve the services they deliver. Workforce development is based on acquiring workforce competencies. Behavioural competencies help identify attitudes and behaviours that are appropriate for each role. Technical competencies are used to identify and develop the knowledge and skills needed to do the job.
Workers in the substance use and addictions field need support and resources to help them learn and grow in their professional roles. Workforce competencies provide a framework for assessing their current skill set and identifying what their ongoing learning needs are.
We are in the process of updating our resources to reflect changes in language and practice.
Featured Resource
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Accountability for Safe, Quality Care in Bed-Based Addiction Treatment Summary Report
Summarizes the findings from the Accountability for Safe, Quality Care in Bed-Based Addiction Treatment report, which discusses voluntary and regulatory approaches to advancing an accountable, accessible and inclusive continuum of safe, quality substance use and addiction services and supports across Canada. CCSA created this report in response to requests from policy makers for strategies to improve accountability for community bed-based (also called residential) settings. The report offers recommendations for jurisdictions and pan-Canadian collaboration.
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Research
The substance use health and addiction workforce plays a vital role in caring for individuals with substance use concerns and disorders. Research helps identify workforce challenges and support strategies, including insights on physician payment for patient care.
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Learning Opportunities
Accreditation evaluates whether an organization meets quality standards through self-assessment and peer review, ensuring best practices are maintained. Certification helps substance use health professionals develop skills and meet high service standards through continuing education, ethics codes and regular reviews.
Get to know our team of experts
Chandni Sondagar, MPH, PMP
Senior Knowledge Broker
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Christine Levesque, PhD
Research and Policy Analyst
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Doug Beirness, MSc, PhD
Senior Research Associate
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Justine Renard, PhD
Senior Research and Policy Analyst
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Latest CCSA Updates
CCSA hosting mayors from across Canada to address impact of the substance use crisis on small cities
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) is gathering mayors of small cities in Lethbridge, Alta., to continue work on the first municipally led, integrated standards for…
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) is gathering mayors of small cities in Lethbridge, Alta., to continue work on the first municipally led, integrated standards for…
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Guidance, Tools and Resources
CCSA produces research-based publications, tools, and resources to support evidence-based decision-making on substance use health issues. Select your area of interest from the categories below to learn more:
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Substances
CCSA produces a variety of substance use- and addiction-related publications for researchers, policy makers and health service providers. We provide guidance to decision makers through harnessing the power of research, collecting and organizing knowledge, and bringing together diverse perspectives.
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Health and Public Safety
CCSA conducts research, develops tools and resources, and produces targeted materials to support evidence-based decisions and public policy. Review our key resources on health and public safety in relation to substance use health and addiction issues.
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People and Communities
CCSA is dedicated to the health and well-being of individuals and communities, focusing on the impact of substance use across the lifespan, the perspectives of people with lived experience, and the roles of stigma, sex and gender, and educators in substance use health.
