Introduction

In an effort to help staff members better identify their strengths, the organization participates in Core Competencies, an initiative of the DS HR Strategy in partnership with MCCSS.

A technical competency is any skill or knowledge that is essential to perform your job, while a core competency is a behavioural trait that differentiates outstanding performers from average performers. Core competencies are what outstanding performers demonstrate more often, in more situations, and with better results than average performers.

The intent of the introduction of core competencies at Ongwanada is to:

• Provide a common language to discuss performance, expectations, and accomplishments
• Lay the foundation for learning and development
• Provide a way to raise the performance bar in recruitment, selection, training, development, and career planning

This project is being led by the Hay Group who has developed the core competencies for the developmental services sector on behalf of the Provincial Network Human Resources Strategy Committee. Fifteen other agencies of varying sizes will participate in the pilot project along with Ongwanada.

Competencies have been developed for six different roles within the developmental services sector. They are broken down into the following categories: Direct Support Professional, Direct Support Supervisor, Specialized Support Workers, Clinical Specialists, Managers, and Directors. Under each role, specific core competencies have been identified that drive superior performance.

As part of the pilot project, Ongwanada has struck a Core Competencies Agency Implementation Task Force, with representation from both CUPE and OPSEU unions. One of the first roles for the Task Force is to provide information regarding the concept of core competencies throughout the organization. Staff will have the opportunity to review the core competencies for their particular role within the organization and complete a self-assessment questionnaire, allowing them to identify their particular areas of strength as well as areas of development.

For full details and documents, click here.