In response to requests from the field, three tools have been expanded to assist public health agencies and academic institutions use the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (Core Competencies). These tools not only aid public health organizations in integrating the Core Competencies into their workforce development activities, they help health departments prepare for accreditation.
To assist public health organizations integrate the Core Competencies into job descriptions, 20 competency-based job descriptions are now available. These job descriptions incorporate competencies needed by individuals to successfully perform specific position work functions. Job descriptions address positions such as Program Director, Project Manager, Community Health Specialist, Health Educator, Public Health Nurse, Account Clerk, and Receptionist, and were developed by several public health agencies.
New examples to help clarify the meaning of individual competencies (or e.g.s) also have been developed. These examples, developed by the Core Competencies Workgroup of the Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice (Council on Linkages), have been requested by public health professionals to help them better understand how individual competencies relate to their work and the work of their organizations.
Finally, examples demonstrating attainment of competence have been added. These examples, also developed by the Core Competencies Workgroup, aim to show what competence may look like for specific competencies. In describing and illustrating competence in various professional contexts, these examples of attainment provide public health professionals with a way to relate individual competencies to specific roles and functions of public health workers.
As the Council on Linkages continues its efforts to expand and develop new tools to assist individuals and organizations use the Core Competencies, it also is exploring ways to improve the Core Competencies themselves. The Council on Linkages is currently reviewing the Core Competencies to determine whether revisions are necessary to ensure that these competencies keep pace with changes in the field of public health and continue to reflect the skills needed by public health professionals. As part of this review process, the Council on Linkages is seeking feedback from the public health community. Multiple opportunities to provide feedback exist, including through an online feedback form. Feedback is being accepted through December 2013. To learn more about the review process and ways to provide feedback, please visit the Core Competencies review process webpage or contact Jonathan Munetz at [email protected].