Assignment: Professional Development Plan: Competencies of Addiction Professionals
A competency is a skilled trait that demonstrates a high standard of knowledge in a given area. Competencies include required knowledge, skills, and attitudes to perform tasks and responsibilities essential to addiction treatment (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2006). Continued education and professional development are important elements of developing and refining competencies. Intentionally seeking development opportunities and keeping current on the many changes in your profession can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment you provide. It is important that addiction professionals are aware of the competencies required for addiction treatment, including their own strengths and limitations, in order to improve professional development.
For this Assignment, review the resources and select three competencies that you consider most important for an addiction professional. Support your response with references to the resources and current literature.
Consider these competencies from SAMHAS:
Competency 1: Understand a variety of models and theories of addiction and other problems related to substance use
Competency 5: Describe the philosophies, practices, policies, and outcomes of the most generally accepted and scientifically supported models of treatment, recovery, relapse prevention, and continuing care for addiction and other substance-related problems.
Competency 12: Provide treatment services appropriate to the personal and cultural identity and language of the client
Submit a 2+ page paper that addresses the following Topics, Content, and Headings:
· Describe the three competencies, detailed above, that you selected and explain why you consider these the most important competencies for addiction professionals.
· Explain any competencies that you may need to further develop and explain why.
· Describe professional development opportunities that you might participate in to strengthen professional competencies.
Must contain at least 4 references and citations