General Knowledge and Skills Requirements for all Levels

This section defines the list of topics and the description of the general knowledge and skills that all Aboriginal addictions workers must possess to practice their discipline in a proficient, effective manner.

Knowledge and skills are assessed through a review of all the information provided in the documents sent by the applicants, in particular those reporting on training/continuing education (course description and hours, transcripts, certificates, job description etc..), previous and present work experience, Supervisor evaluation, letters of reference and endorsement. The assessment process in regard to the level of certification granted includes the use of competency scales.  

The specific hours of experience and training/continuing education required for each certification level are indicated in section 3. Specific qualifications, training and experience requirements for each level

Communication:

Applicants must possess sufficient communication skills to communicate effectively with clients and resources, whether First Nations or non-First Nations. Such skills may include fluency in a First Nations language.

Oral and written communications

1. Knowledge of cultural differences in verbal and nonverbal communication
2. Ability to apply culturally and linguistically responsive verbal and non verbal communication styles and practices
3. Ability to write reports and records
4. Knowledge of how age, developmental level, culture, and gender affect communication

Knowledge of Addictions:

Counselling individuals and families with alcohol related problems; knowledge of existing and generational effects of drugs/alcohol and its impact and influence on relationships is prerequisite. Knowledge of the effects of Addictions and Process Addictions falls into these major categories:

1. Physiological and pharmacological - effects of alcohol on the human body, relationship between blood alcohol level and behavior, management of the illness and recovery process, and physiological mechanisms of chemical dependencies, addictions, and abuse
2. Psychological dependencies and complications, patterns of progression/regression, recovery, personal and social support for reconstruction
3. Sociocultural value and attitudinal systems relating to addictions, and alcohol and substance abuse, family, community, spiritual, industrial and legal ramifications amongst First Nations
4. All of the above in relation to other drugs/substances and in particular the synergistic potentiation of alcohol and drugs

Analytical Skills

1. Ability to assess the stage of addiction of a client
2. knowledge of case history methodology
3. ability to recognize appropriate treatment modalities
4. Ability to evaluate clients’ progress

Cultural competency

1. ability to respect, implement and incorporate First Nations culture, beliefs, values and traditions in treatment, including separate and combined Sweat Ceremonies, Coming of Age Ceremonies and all other cultural/spiritual ceremonies
2. ability to support and assist client participation in traditional and cultural aspects of spiritual recovery.
3. knowledge of Aboriginal language is an asset

Group facilitation

1. understanding the role of group facilitation in treatment process
2. understanding the principles and methods of group facilitation
3. capacity to match facilitation strategies to needs of groups
4. direct experience in group facilitation

Conflict resolution

1. knowledge of sources of conflict
2. knowledge of conflict management approaches and practices
3. experience with conflict management
4. knowledge of resources to call on in situation of conflict

Collaborative skills

1. ability to work under supervision and to cooperate with other personnel as well as function effectively with minimal supervision.
2. Showing respect to all teams members whether internal or external teams
3. ability to participate in team building by sharing knowledge and contributing to team work (honoring time lines, adhering to protocols, communicating clearly, addressing misunderstanding etc..)

Interviewing approaches and techniques

1. Understanding the role of interviewing in gathering relevant information
2. Knowledge of effective interviewing approaches and techniques
3. Capacity to use a style of interviewing best able to establish good rapport with client, to motivate client and elicit information
4. Knowledge of privacy, confidentiality protocols and regulations and client rights
5. Ability to keep clear and accurate records from interviews

Professional Integrity:

1. ability to maintain confidentiality of all records, materials and communications concerning the identity of clients.
2. evidence of a genuine and authentic interest in supporting the addict and dedication to assist that individual to ultimately help themselves.
3. ability to put into practice the Code of ethics in all professional relationships and work responsibilities