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Long-term Care, Supports, and Services

Long-term Care, Supports, and Services Competency Model

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has worked with technical and subject matter experts from education, business, and industry to develop a comprehensive competency model for the long-term care, supports, and services industry. The model is designed as a resource supporting workforce development efforts to prepare the workers who make it possible for the aging population and those with disabilities to live their lives with independence and dignity. The American Health Care Association (AHCA), the Paraprofessionals Healthcare Institute (PHI), the College of Direct Support, National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), Institute for the Future of Aging Services, the University of Minnesota Institute on Community Integration, and the University of Alaska, Anchorage Center for Human Development, and the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) provided input and will continue to ensure that the model evolves to accommodate changing skill requirements.

 
In 2025, the foundational tiers of the model were updated to align with changes in the Building Blocks Model. For more information, download the Summary of Changes.

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Long-term Care, Supports, and Services Competency Model


Long-term Care, Supports, and Services Building Blocks Pyramid

<strong>1.1 Interpersonal Skills</strong> Demonstrating the ability to work effectively with others. <strong>1.2 Integrity</strong> Displaying accepted social and work behaviors. <strong>1.3 Professionalism</strong> Maintaining a professional demeanor at work. <strong>1.4 Initiative</strong> Demonstrating a willingness to work. <strong>1.5 Dependability and Reliability</strong> Displaying responsible behaviors at work. <strong>1.6 Adaptability and Flexibility</strong> Displaying the capability to adapt to new, different, or changing. <strong>1.7 Lifelong Learning</strong> Displaying a willingness to learn and apply new knowledge and skills. <strong>2.1 Reading</strong> Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. <strong>2.2 Writing</strong> Using standard English to communicate thoughts, ideas, and information in written form. <strong>2.3 Mathematics</strong> Using principles of mathematics to solve problems. <strong>2.4 Science</strong> Using scientific methods to solve problems. <strong>2.5 Communication - Listening and Speaking</strong> Giving full attention to what others are saying and speaking in English well enough to be understood by others. <strong>2.6 Critical and Analytical Thinking</strong> Using logic, reasoning, and analysis to address problems. <strong>2.7 Basic Computer Skills</strong> Using information technology and related applications, including adaptive devices and software, to convey and retrieve information. <strong>3.1 Teamwork</strong> Working cooperatively with others to complete work assignments. <strong>3.2 Customer Focus</strong> Actively looking for ways to ensure that a person-centered focus is used to providing care and support. <strong>3.3 Planning and Organizing</strong> Planning and prioritizing work to manage time effectively and accomplish assigned tasks. <strong>3.4 Problem Solving and Decision Making</strong> Applying critical-thinking skills to solve problems by generating, evaluating, and implementing solutions. <strong>3.5 Working with Tools and Technology</strong> Selecting, using, and maintaining tools and technology to facilitate work tasks. <strong>3.6 Scheduling and Coordinating</strong> Making arrangements and scheduling appointments. <strong>3.7 Instructing</strong> Teaching or showing someone how to do something. <strong>3.8 Business Fundamentals</strong> Knowledge of basic business principles, trends, and economics. <strong>3.9 Workplace Health and Safety</strong> Complying with procedures for a safe and healthy work environment <strong>4.1 Long-term Care, Supports, and Services</strong> Knowledge of the broad range of services and supports designed to ensure the health and safety, and promote independence of individuals receiving services. <strong>4.2 Supporting Daily Living</strong> Effective application of the knowledge, skills and ethics necessary to assist and support individuals who require health and human services to live a self-determined life in a safe and healthy manner. <strong>4.3 Crisis Prevention and Conflict Resolution</strong> Knowledge of potential crisis situations or behavior, and the appropriate procedures to de-escalate the situation or minimize the likelihood of danger. <strong>4.4 Ethics</strong> Practice responsibly within the ethical framework of the profession. <strong>4.5 Documentation</strong> Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic format to efficiently manage record-keeping. <strong>4.6 Laws and Regulations</strong> Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations that impact the delivery of long-term support, care, and services. <strong>4.7 Patient Health and Safety</strong> Implement procedures and protocols to promote the health and wellness of person receiving supports, care, or services. 15 NADSP Competency Areas Click here to search for O*NET Occupational Competencies Profiles