American Humanics Compentencies

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American Humanics Competencies
Foundation Competencies
Career Development and Exploration
  • Describe opportunities for careers in nonprofit youth and human services management.
  • Discuss the realities of the entry-level employment market including opportunities for growth, the need for relocation and expected salary ranges.
  • Describe the changing nature of work in the nonprofit sector.
  • Communicate the primary focus of the mission for three or four of American Humanics 17 national/nonprofit partners.
  • Identify one’s own personal and professional development needs.
Communication Skills
  • Use effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
  • Use proper grammar and vocabulary in written and verbal communication.
  • Demonstrate effective public speaking skills.
  • Use effective listening techniques.
  • Demonstrate the ability to address members of various constituent groups appropriately.
  • Explain the importance of cross-cultural communication skills.
  • Develop positive working relationships with staff and volunteers.
  • Handle constituent requests.
  • Demonstrate the ability to resolve conflicts.
  • Explain the importance of understanding group dynamics.
Employability Skills
  • Develop an effective resume.
  • Prepare appropriate job-search correspondence.
  • Research an organization to determine compatibility with personal values and goals.
  • Prepare for an interview.
  • Exhibit appropriate personal appearance.
  • Demonstrate effective interviewing skills.
  • Demonstrate appropriate interview follow-up practices.
  • Demonstrate basic computer literacy skills.
Personal Attributes
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude.
  • Demonstrate initiative.
  • Demonstrate commitment to the mission of an organization.
  • Exhibit responsible behavior.
  • Discuss the importance of ethical behavior.
  • Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
  • Explain the importance of a commitment to service.
  • Explain the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
  • Explain the importance of accountability in a nonprofit organization.
Historical and Philosophical Foundations
  • Describe the role of nonprofit organizations to meet human service needs in American society.
  • Describe the philanthropic structure of nonprofit organizations.
  • Explain the importance of a mission orientation for nonprofit organizations.
  • Discuss the personal rewards of a career in nonprofit youth and human service.
  • Demonstrate ability to be an effective team member.
Youth and Adult Development
  • Describe the developmental needs of children and youth.
  • Explain the ways in which nonprofit organizations meet the developmental needs of youth.
  • Describe the developmental needs of adults.
  • Explain the ways in which nonprofit organizations meet the developmental needs of adults.
  • Discuss the adult learning process and how it differs from that of youth.
Professional Development Competencies
Board/Committee Development
  • Explain the purpose and structure of nonprofit boards and their relationship(s) to the organization.
  • Discuss strategies for determining staff support needs for committees and boards.
  • Explain techniques for the recruitment of volunteers to serve on committees.
  • Discuss the importance of providing supervision and support for committee and board members.
  • Discuss strategies for recruiting members to the board of directors.
  • Explain the importance of fostering board/ volunteer/staff relationships.
  • Explain the importance of board recognition and evaluation.
Fundraising Principles and Practices
  • Discuss the importance of developing fundraising activities that support the mission of the organization.
  • Explain ethical considerations and accountability of funds, which should guide fundraising efforts for the organization.
  • Plan fundraising activities.
  • Conduct fundraising activities.
  • Evaluate fundraising effectiveness.
  • Identify the segments of donors that may support an organization.
  • Discuss factors that may motivate donors and concerns that donors may have.
  • Explain strategies for securing in-kind support.
  • Develop grant proposals.
  • Explain techniques for recognizing donations.
Human Resource Development and Supervision
  • Identify factors that motivate individuals to volunteer their services to a nonprofit.
  • Identify sources for staff/volunteer recruitment.
  • Explain strategies for:
    - the recruitment of staff and volunteers.
    - selecting staff and volunteers.
    - providing an orientation to staff and volunteers.
    - training staff and volunteers.
    - motivating staff and volunteers.
    - supervising staff and volunteers.
    - evaluating staff and volunteers.
    - recognizing staff and volunteers.
    - terminating staff and volunteers.
  • Explain the importance of delegation as a technique for the effective utilization of staff and volunteer talents.
  • Exhibit basic knowledge of human resources issues.
General Nonprofit Management
  • Demonstrate time-management skills.
  • Utilize effective techniques for problem-solving.
  • Exhibit effective decision-making.
  • Demonstrate effective supervisory skills.
  • Explain the importance of building an organization that acts with the interests of clients in mind.
  • Explain the importance of developing services that effectively respond to diversity in the community.
  • Explain the importance of collaborating with other nonprofit organizations to meet community needs.
  • Possess basic knowledge of nonprofit management trends.
Nonprofit Accounting and Financial Management
  • Describe correct procedures for handling cash.
  • Explain the importance of policies and procedures for requisitioning.
  • Explain procedures for developing a program budget.
  • Explain the importance of reporting mechanisms and requirements.
  • Read and interpret financial statements.
Nonprofit Marketing
  • Explain the importance of a marketing philosophy in a nonprofit organization.
  • Explain the nature of public relations activities for nonprofit organizations.
  • Explain the role of community outreach activities.
  • Discuss strategies for conducting a community needs assessment.
  • Develop strategies for obtaining client feedback.
  • Explain the importance of maintaining information systems.
Nonprofit Program Planning
  • Describe the process for developing and implementing new programs.
  • Explain the importance of planning programs that are consistent with the mission of a nonprofit organization.
  • Discuss the importance of planning programs that are consistent with community goals and diverse cultural values.
  • Explain various youth and human service implementation models.
  • Explain strategies for facilitating team building among program staff.
  • Discuss scheduling considerations for both staff and activities.
  • Describe how programs may be promoted accessing various channels.
  • Discuss criteria for evaluating program outcomes.
Nonprofit Risk Management
  • Explain the role and importance of risk management to the overall organizational management plan.
  • Explain the importance of a working knowledge of nonprofit and employment law and regulations.
  • Explain the importance of understanding policy and procedures to follow in the case of crisis incidents.
  • Explain the importance of recognizing red flags and engaging in appropriate follow-up for child protection issues.
  • Explain effective risk-and crisis-management procedures.
  • Follow personal precautions in an effort to minimize personal and organizational liability and vulnerability.
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