AN INTRODUCTION TO CORE COMPETENCIES

As part of MAPCL’s ongoing effort to enhance the quality of our service, and by way of improving our capacity to hire and retain quality employees, we are happy to announce the rollout of our Core Competencies.

Communication, Professionalism, Self-Awareness and Ethics, are now part of the lexicon of our culture, and through behavioural definitions and indicators, these concepts will inform our hiring process and interview formats, as well as our Performance Review systems.

Thank you to all of the staff involved, through discussion at the team level, for your contributions to this outcome. It will serve us, and persons served well!

COMMUNICATION DEFINITION:
Maintains friendly and warm relationships. Is able to speak clearly, concisely, and is easily understood by others. Listens and understands the communication of others. Written communication is in compliance with the agency and it is objective.
BEHAVIOURAL DEFINITION:
Joins and actively participates in meetings, presentations. - Shares expertise and information- Verbal communication is clear, concise, energetic and friendly. Is energized whenever there’s an opportunity to speak, spend time, or interact with people.- Listens to others, repeats sentences. Lets people finish their sentences before speaking, allows others to speak.- Gives eye contact and their full attention, uses people’s names.- Responds appropriately to the situation. Refrains from gossip.- Uses the agency’s report as directed, and is objective in his/her reports, and accounts of events.

PROFESSIONALISM DEFINITION:
Demonstrates strong work ethics, sets high standards for himself/herself, is reliable and shows initiative.
BEHAVIOURAL DEFINITION:
Is motivated by a desire to be of value. Requires no pressure from external sources (supervisors, co-workers) to meet required performance standards. Sees what needs to be done and “just does it!”- Embraces change, sees change as an opportunity not a threat.- Arrives to work on time, attends work consistently, keeps absenteeism to a minimum. Is clean and well groomed, clothing is appropriate to the work environment.- Completes all assigned paperwork on time, and meets deadlines. Accomplishes what he/she commits to.- Articulates policy and understands rationale, uses policy in the spirit it is intended to. Seeks clarification when needed.- Is optimistic, focused, well grounded. Leaves personal biases and values at home. Sees cultural diversity as strength, promotes efficient resolution to conflicts, and validates other’s feelings.

SELF-AWARENESS DEFINITION:
Is cognizant of his/her own needs and treats others based on his/her own experiences. Their actions demonstrate and reflect MAPCL’s philosophies and values.
BEHAVIOURAL DEFINITION:
Learns from his/her mistakes. Learns from his/her previous experiences.- Always places himself/herself in someone else’s situation before responding.- Understands own power in all situations and is guided by his/her own experiences in his/her relationship with others.- Considers the effect of his/her own action on others.- Is non-judgmental with clients and peers, and unconditionally accepts others. Promotes growth of every kind at any stage.

ETHICS DEFINITION:
Is direct and honest. Handles sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Understands and adheres to the Agency’s code of Ethics, Statement of Principles and Client’s Charter of Rights.
BEHAVIOURAL DEFINITION:
Communicates with others honestly, refrains from distorting, exaggerating, or misrepresenting information. Is trustworthy and refrains from manipulative, fraudulent or criminal activities.- Is accountable for his/her own actions. Takes ownership of his/her own behaviour. Understands how his/her own action impacts on others. Works to resolve conflicts without diminishing the self-esteem of others.- Treats clients with respect, dignity, offers choices, and advocates for clients when needed. Treats clients as he/she expects to be treated by others.- Accepts constructive criticism from clients, co-workers or peers. Offers suggestions to others in a collegial manner and without malice.- Refrains from releasing sensitive and confidential information about clients and peers. Provides information only on a “need to know” basis.- Places physical and emotional Health and Safety as a high priority of his/her clients in all decisions and actions that he/she takes.