ITNA
Individual Training Needs Assessment
The Individual Training Needs Assessment (ITNA) is one of three key ways the OCWTP analyze training needs in Ohio. This person-level data is triangulated with data received from State and Federal reports, as well as data gathered from key informants in the counties.
The OCWTP is taking an exciting new approach to competencies, ITNAs (Individual Training Needs Assessments), and individual development plans. Scroll down to see the new competencies and learn more about the new ITNA and development plan process.
Ten Competencies for All Training Populations
Foundational
Initiates and maintains productive and collaborative relationships with individuals, families, community partners, and other involved parties to promote the achievement of shared goals.
** Behavioral indicators reflecting the practices of collaboration, teamwork, and partnering will come under this competency.
Demonstrates the capacity to relate to people with diverse characteristics in a sensitive and respectful way that recognizes and values individuals, families, and communities, and protects and preserves the dignity of all.
Comprehends and applies social work and/or other relevant ethical standards in all aspects of their work.
Performs responsibilities and duties in a manner that is consistent with the values and principles deemed central to the field by governing bodies and industry leaders.
Skills
Partners with individuals and/or families or other involved parties to coordinate strategies and resources to achieve sustainable and beneficial results.
Initiates timely action and performs designated tasks in alignment with plans and the planning process using formal and informal resources to achieve sustainable and beneficial results.
Monitors progress, recognizes when adjustments are necessary, and modifies actions due to changing circumstances.
Gathers information, engages in critical thinking, and organizes and examines information about individuals’ and/or families’ situations, circumstances, strengths, and needs to make sound decisions.
Receives and clearly conveys information and ideas through a variety of methods.
Promotes ideas, resources, and strategies to benefit individuals, families, and communities.
Behavioral Indicators Are Essential to the New Competency Model
Each competency contains 5-10 behavioral indicators unique to each population. Behavioral indicators are observable and measurable practices that individuals employ when demonstrating a specific competency. They are used in the ITNA process to help the individual and supervisor more accurately assess the individual’s development needs within a competency. They are also used by the OCWTP to develop learning interventions and to target the recruitment of trainers and coaches for the program. Click the button below to see a full list of the competencies and behavioral indicators for CPS caseworkers, supervisors, and resource families.
The New ITNA and Development Plan Process for CPS Caseworkers and Supervisors
Every two years, CPS caseworkers and supervisors, in conjunction with their supervisors, complete an individual needs assessment of the ten competencies listed above in the CAPS LMS. Assessment of each competency involves rating their knowledge and skill level on the behavioral indicators associated with that competency. The average of their and their supervisor’s ratings determines their overall score for that competency. The ITNA also includes answering a short set of open-ended questions about their development needs in key practice areas. Upon completion, they review recommended development actions (instructor-led training, self-directed courses, videos, materials, coaching) tailored to their assessment results and select those they wish to add to their development plan in CAPS LMS. As they complete learning interventions in CAPS LMS, that progress is automatically captured in their development plan. Select a button below for detailed instructions on the new ITNA/IDP process:
Your Data Serves Many Purposes
The primary purpose of the ITNA process is to connect you to available learning interventions designed to address your priority training needs. But we also spend a lot of time analyzing aggregate ITNA data for planning purposes:
- Regional Training Centers regularly analyze data for their individual counties and region, to determine what needs to be offered where and how often to meet their region’s identified needs.
- The State Training Coordinator, OUCCAS, analyzes statewide data to determine when new learning interventions need to be developed and when additional expert trainers and coaches need to be added to our system to address identified needs.
Caregivers
Per OAC Rule 5101:2-5-33, recommending agencies shall develop and implement a written needs assessment and continuing training plan for each foster caregiver affiliated with the agency.
The OCWTP has developed an optional needs assessment for agencies and foster caregivers to use if they choose. The needs assessment will help caregivers identify key skill areas that need development. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Results will be emailed to the foster caregiver, their agency worker, and the regional training center that serves their agency.