Workforce Development Competencies
Workforce development competencies are job-based skills employees need in order to succeed across a wide variety of occupations. The Partnership has identified a set of standards to serve as a reference for employees and supervisors in selecting courses that are relevant to professional and personal development and are supportive of agency missions and efforts.
Skills that require our intellectual capabilities, like critical thinking, reasoning, or remembering belong to one of two categories, Reading and Locating Information or Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.
Not all job-based skills are intellectual or analytical. Skills such as interpersonal communication, perseverance, self-control, and teamwork are critical as well. You can find these skills and others like them in the Professionalism and Self-Management and Communication and Interpersonal Relations categories.
The Foundational Competency Chart is designed to provide a useful reference for determining which of the many Partnership courses will enhance skills in any of the four foundational competency categories.
Communication and Interpersonal Relations
- Demonstrate effective oral, written, or non-verbal communication skills
- Develop or maintain productive relationships with co-workers, supervisors, or others to improve work performance
- Cooperate with others to perform job tasks or achieve goals
- Resolve conflict or negotiate resolutions
- Demonstrate integrity, honesty, and respect for others
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Cope with changing work situations or tasks
- Identify actual or potential problems related to work
- Solve problems by applying knowledge, information, or processes
- Make decisions or recommendations
- Establish standards or solutions
Professionalism and Self-Management
- Use professional and respectful language, behavior, or attire
- Demonstrate willingness to work
- Adhere to institutional/organizational policies or procedures
- Participate in lifelong learning opportunities
- Use supervision or self-evaluation to improve quality of work
- Demonstrate commitment to punctuality and consistency in work attendance
Reading and Locating Information
- Acquire, use, or share information accurately
- Read and interpret written information including graphs, charts or tables
- Ask for clarification or assistance from supervisor or others when needed
- Use job-related materials, resources, or technology to inform or perform tasks
- Demonstrate safe and appropriate use of tools, materials, or equipment