NPS Essential Competencies: Organization Development Career Development Specialist

CAREER DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Career Development Specialist assists organizations to design career programs for an entire occupational or functional group, and helps individuals select HRD alternatives for their own career progression. The competencies needed are:

A. Design Career Programs

1. Conduct workforce population analysis and identify career paths based on organizational data such as strategic plans, budget, staffing patterns, etc.

2. Gather information about career development from experts in the occupational series.

3. Develop career programs for specific occupational groups.

4. Develop implementation policies, procedures and structures.

5. Define roles, selection criteria, and responsibilities of mentors, coaches, and program instructors.

6. Interpret and apply governmentwide and agency specific regulations to ensure compliance.

7. Select training and developmental programs appropriate to career programs.

8. Evaluate program operations and outcomes to measure accomplishments and to ensure continued improvement.

B. Provide Career Counseling Services to Individuals and Groups

1. Interview employees and administer and interpret career assessment tools to obtain information on individual training needs and career interests.

2. Provide information on career alternatives and resources.

3. Use effective counseling skills to assist employees in developing and implementing IDPs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies listed below are taken from OPM's Roles and Competencies of the Human Resource Development Specialist in the Federal Government published in 1992:

Knowledge of major components, key personnel and mission responsibilities of the National Park Service

Knowledge of the principles and practices of adult learning.

Knowledge of instructional design systems

Knowledge of HRD and related (personnel administration, procurement, records management, etc.) policies and procedures within the Federal government.

Knowledge of ethical principles in HRD.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of organizational behavior.

Skill in gathering and analyzing information.

Skill in managing databases.

Skill in using group processes.

Ability to analyze problems and develop solutions.

Ability to establish rapport and credibility among organization's management and employee.

Ability to interact effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to plan, organize and administer HRD programs.

National Park Service
Training and Development Division
Essential Competencies
careerds.htm