What Is Workforce Development?
Workforce development is about helping staff to learn and improve their skills. It helps them gain knowledge and understanding to do their jobs well and continually improve the services they deliver. Workforce development is based on acquiring workforce competencies. Behavioural competencies help identify attitudes and behaviours that are appropriate for each role. Technical competencies are used to identify and develop the knowledge and skills needed to do the job.
Workers in the substance use and addictions field need support and resources to help them learn and grow in their professional roles. Workforce competencies provide a framework for assessing their current skill set and identifying what their ongoing learning needs are.
We are in the process of updating our resources to reflect changes in language and practice.
Featured Resource
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Accountability for Safe, Quality Care in Bed-Based Addiction Treatment Summary Report
Summarizes the findings from the Accountability for Safe, Quality Care in Bed-Based Addiction Treatment report, which discusses voluntary and regulatory approaches to advancing an accountable, accessible and inclusive continuum of safe, quality substance use and addiction services and supports across Canada. CCSA created this report in response to requests from policy makers for strategies to improve accountability for community bed-based (also called residential) settings. The report offers recommendations for jurisdictions and pan-Canadian collaboration.
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Research
The substance use health and addiction workforce plays a vital role in caring for individuals with substance use concerns and disorders. Research helps identify workforce challenges and support strategies, including insights on physician payment for patient care.
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Learning Opportunities
Accreditation evaluates whether an organization meets quality standards through self-assessment and peer review, ensuring best practices are maintained. Certification helps substance use health professionals develop skills and meet high service standards through continuing education, ethics codes and regular reviews.
Get to know our team of experts
Bryce Barker, PhD, CE
Senior Knowledge Broker
Area of Expertise:
Doug Beirness, MSc, PhD
Senior Research Associate
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Alexander Caudarella, MDCM CCFP AM ABAM(d)
CEO
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Karen Cumberland, MPA
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Community Outreach
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Timothy Deloughery, CCAC, CCS-AC
Substance Use Health Specialist
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Robert Gabrys, PhD
Senior Research and Policy Analyst
Area of Expertise:
François Gagnon, PhD
Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor
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Latest CCSA Updates
Canada Gets its First National Guidance on AI for Mental and Substance Use Health
Ottawa (October 14, 2025): In a first-of-its-kind initiative, national guidance for using artificial intelligence (AI) in the mental and substance use health field is being…
Ottawa (October 14, 2025): In a first-of-its-kind initiative, national guidance for using artificial intelligence (AI) in the mental and substance use health field is being…
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Guidance, Tools and Resources
CCSA produces research-based publications, tools, and resources to support evidence-based decision-making on substance use health issues. Select your area of interest from the six categories below:
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Substances
Delve into key resources on commonly used substances, such as alcohol, cannabis, opioids, stimulants and psychedelics. Learn about their effects, usage patterns, associated health and social consequences, and harm reduction considerations
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Personal and Societal Impacts
Get insights on the personal and societal impacts of substance use and addiction , including gambling and impaired driving, and their effects on health, safety, and social well-being. Learn about effective prevention and harm-reduction strategies in various sectors.
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Communities
Communities share common interests, values or goals, and interact with one another to build relationships and help networks. These materials support more inclusive, equitable, and community-informed responses to substance use and addiction. Dive into resources highlighting people with lived and living experience, stigma, sex- and gender-based analysis, Indigenous Peoples, and housing.
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Treatment and Prevention
Explore medical, psychological, and social approaches aimed at helping individuals avoid or recover from substance use disorders. Get the facts on public health topics and learn about collaborative efforts to reduce stigma and promote more equitable, inclusive responses to substance use.
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Youth
Learn about factors influencing substance use in young people, including childhood trauma and brain development, and get tools to support adult allies in leading meaningful, evidence-informed conversations with youth. Content promotes early prevention, harm reduction and supportive environments for youth up to age 25.
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Substance Use and the Workplace
Substance use has a significant impact on the workplace, potentially affecting safety, productivity and employee well-being. Explore research on substance use in various industries. Resources support workplace leaders in building more supportive, stigma-free environments through practical strategies, improved approaches and initiative-taking education.
