ITNA
Individual Training Needs Assessment
The Individual Training Needs Assessment (ITNA) is one of three key ways the OHSTS and 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 OHSTS and OCWTP are 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.
The New ITNA and Development Plan Process for APS & CPS Staff
Every two years, OCWTP and OHSTS training populations (in conjunction with their supervisors) will complete an individual needs assessment of the ten competencies listed above. Both the individual’s side and their supervisor’s side of the assessment will be delivered and completed in the CAPS LMS. Assessment of each competency will involve rating their knowledge and skill level on a series of behavioral indicators associated with that competency. The average of their and their supervisor’s ratings will determine their overall score for that competency. When finished, they will be directed to their resulting individual development plan in the CAPS LMS. Development plans will include an objective for each competency, with recommended training options based on their scores. The individual and their supervisor can explore the training options listed and decide which to pursue.
In addition to their primary development plan, individuals will also be able to select from a series of supplemental practice-area-specific development plans, each with recommended training on one of the key practice areas (e.g., substance use, mental health, human trafficking, etc.).
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
ODJFS is still determining how best to address ITNAs for caregivers, as caregiver ITNAs and their resulting development plans need to work in conjunction with SACWIS and caregiver training stipends.
While a new process for caregivers is being decided, caregivers have access to an online survey (link to https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVwXndEaRJJpAkC) to help them identify key skill areas in which they 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.