Competency Category: CDP Characteristic
The CDP Characteristic category include 31 competencies across 6 series that distinguish the field of career development practice. These competencies are generally distinct to CDPs and embody the main activities that apply to most CDPs.
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) reflect on their own values and beliefs and seek to understand those of their clients. CDPs challenge their own assumptions and avoid stereotypes that might negatively impact the well-being of the client and the outcomes of career development interventions.Career Development Practitioners (CDPs) prepare themselves to work with clients who have recently moved to Canada on a temporary or permanent basis. They understand Canada’s immigration programs, and are aware of the diverse languages, values and beliefs of the immigrant client population which may impact expectations regarding work, education and training. CDPs gather information on barriers and challenges the client may be experiencing and identify relevant resources to build a successful intervention.
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) reflect on their own values and beliefs and seek to understand those of their clients. CDPs challenge their own assumptions and avoid stereotypes that might negatively impact the well-being of the client and the outcomes of career development interventions.To prepare for working with LGBTQ2+ clients, CDPs must develop an understanding of the challenges and barriers LGBTQ2+ clients face and how this may impact expectations regarding work, education and training.
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) reflect on their own values and beliefs and seek to understand those of their clients. CDPs challenge their own assumptions and avoid stereotypes that might negatively impact the well-being of the client and the outcomes of career development interventions.To prepare for working with youth at risk, CDPs develop an understanding of the challenges and barriers this client population faces and how this may impact expectations regarding work, education and training.
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) reflect on their own values and beliefs and seek to understand those of their clients. CDPs challenge their own assumptions and avoid stereotypes that will negatively impact the well-being of the client and the outcomes of career development interventions.To prepare for working with clients affected by work disruption, CDPs must develop an understanding of the challenges and barriers clients face and how this may impact expectations regarding work, education and training. CDPs must look for solutions that combine the needs of local employers and job seekers.Work disruption can occur due to multiple factors, including automation, globalization, artificial intelligence, and economic conditions.
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) reflect on their own values and beliefs and biases and seek to understand those of their clients. CDPs challenge their own assumptions and avoid stereotypes that might negatively impact the well-being of the client and the outcomes of a career development intervention They know that poverty in Canada is experienced across race, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship status in all regions of the country.In preparation to working with clients living in poverty, CDPs must be knowledgeable about the unique challenges and barriers of this client population to develop realistic and attainable career development interventions. CDPs recognize that meeting basic needs is critical to career development outcomes.
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) reflect on their own values and beliefs and seek to understand those of their clients. CDPs challenge their own assumptions and avoid stereotypes that might negatively impact the well-being of the client and the outcomes of career development interventions.In preparation to working with clients with a criminal record and/or post-incarceration, CDPs must be knowledgeable about the unique challenges and barriers faced following a conviction, and how these may impact expectations about, and access to, work, education and training.
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) reflect on their own values and beliefs and seek to understand those of their clients. CDPs challenge their own assumptions and avoid stereotypes that may negatively affect the well-being of the client and the outcomes of career development interventions.In preparation to working with clients living with a disability, CDPs must be knowledgeable about the unique challenges and barriers specific to living with a disability and how it may impact expectations and access to work, education and training.
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) recognize and address the profound impact of racism on individuals’ career journeys. CDPs engage in ongoing self-reflection, challenge their biases, and strive to understand the unique experiences of clients affected by racism. They educate themselves on historical and contemporary manifestations of racism, acknowledging the intersectionality of race with other identities. They collaborate with clients to explore and navigate the specific challenges posed by racism in their career development.
To prepare to work with clients experiencing racism, CDPs develop an understanding of the diverse history of social, economic, and political racism in Canada, and reflect on how these historical and current experiences may impact their clients’ expectations regarding work, education, and training. CDPs actively seek information on barriers and challenges faced by clients and identify and use relevant resources to address these concerns. They empower individuals affected by racism to articulate their career goals, aspirations, and concerns.
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) collect and identify career resources and deliver services to support career development. CDPs ensure that these resources (virtual or physical) can be easily accessed by clients at their convenience.
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) must remain aware of developments in the labour market both at a national level, in their local community, and within the industries their clients are likely to enter. They are also aware of key developments in society that have repercussions on labour market demands, such as political, economic, social and technological changes.Labour Market Information describes key aspects of a labour market, such as the levels of vacancies in clients’ chosen fields and what wages to expect in specific roles. Because labour markets are constantly changing, it is important to have up-to-date information to best serve clients.CDPs use this information to meet the needs of both their clients and employers. Accurate, relevant and current information helps assist clients in developing realistic and achievable career goals. CDPs must be skilled at locating and analyzing labour market information.
Career Development Professionals (CPDs) guide clients in the using a range of assessment methods (self-directed and CDP facilitated) to inform career decisions. This enables the client to have clarity on their traits such as strengths, interests, and values, explore learning and work options, and make informed decisions about career goals.Career Development Professionals will determine what assessment methods are appropriate based on the evaluation of client needs.
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) use technology and social media to deliver career development services. Technology provides opportunities to meet virtually with a client and facilitates interactive training and experiential learning through online portals. It optimizes successful outcomes using job-search technology, social media strategies, mobile technologies and internet-based applications. Technology also supports self-guidance and promotes empowerment.CDPs adhere to legal and ethical requirements when using technology. This includes protecting confidentiality, securing information and ensuring equality of access.