Professional Development

What is professional development?

Professional Development is the ongoing provision of opportunities to develop and improve skills, competencies and knowledge. Professional development is often viewed simply as providing education and training. Whilst these two components of professional development provide a solid foundation for knowledge and skill development, they are by no means sufficient to address the full range of AOD workers' needs.

Benefits of Professional Development

Professional Development encompasses a range of activities that may benefit individuals, organisations and clients by:

• Improving the worker's performance and skill base
• Increasing confidence and motivation
• Improving retention
• Improving service delivery
• Increasing levels of organisational commitment

A 5-step approach to professional development

A systematic approach to professional development will ensure that individual and organisational goals and needs are met. The 5 steps in a professional development program are:

1. Conduct a needs assessment for individuals, teams and the organisation
2. Set goals for professional development
3. Develop a professional development plan
4. Identify and implement professional development activities
   1. To find out what education and training opportunities may be available for you and/or your staff, please go to NCETA's Education and Training Database.
5. Conduct an evaluation.