Sector-Guided, Research-Backed

To ensure the training we support is grounded in real sector needs, we conducted a province-wide consultation with 276 social service agencies across British Columbia. Through surveys, interviews, and discussions, we identified the most in-demand competencies for supervisors, leaders and managers in social care roles today.

From Research to Action

Our searchable Training Database is built around these core competencies, helping users find the right training and helping trainers align their offerings with sector priorities. Trainers are encouraged to tag their courses by these competencies when registering, ensuring their programs are easy to discover and meet real, identified needs in the field.

Key Competency Areas Identified

These core skill areas reflect the greatest needs and training gaps identified by BC’s Social Care Sector:

  • Decision-making
  • Problem-solving
  • Conflict resolution
  • Delegation
  • Time management
  • Strategic planning
  • Performance management
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Staff development and training
  • Conflict resolution with staff
  • Time management for supervisors
  • Delegation and task assignment
  • Verbal communication
  • Active listening
  • Written communication
  • Nonverbal communication
  • Empathy
  • Public speaking
  • Assessment
  • Planning
  • Implementation
  • Evaluation
  • Documentation
  • Referral services
  • De-escalation techniques
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Crisis assessment
  • Suicide prevention
  • Post-crisis follow-up
  • Responding to emergencies
  • Conflict resolution within teams
  • Building trust and rapport
  • Effective team communication
  • Team decision-making processes
  • Recognizing and valuing diversity
  • Promoting a positive team culture
  • Maintaining client confidentiality
  • Conflict of interest
  • Boundary issues
  • Informed consent
  • Dual relationships
  • Cultural competence in ethics
  • Managing tensions between information sharing and maintaining confidentiality
  • Understanding cultural diversity
  • Recognizing personal biases
  • Culturally competent communication
  • Adapting services to cultural needs
  • Addressing disparities in service delivery
  • Advocating for culturally responsive policies
  • Understanding Indigenous cultural safety and the principles of truth and reconciliation
  • Stress management techniques
  • Work-life balance strategies
  • Self-awareness and self-reflection
  • Setting boundaries with clients and staff
  • Seeking supervision and support
  • Accessing employee assistance programs
  • Understanding contract terms and obligations
  • Setting up deliverable timelines and milestones
  • Tracking and reporting on contract progress
  • Managing contract budgets
  • Navigating contract compliance and regulations
  • Communicating contract requirements to team members
  • Advanced case management skills
  • Leadership development programs
  • Advanced communication skills training
  • Supervisory skills workshops
  • Cultural competence training
  • Burnout prevention and self-care workshops