CHW Core Competencies Update

No changes

• Understand basic principles of verbal and non-verbal communication
• Listen actively, communicate with empathy and gather information in a respectful manner
• Use language confidently and appropriately
• Identify barriers to communication
• Give information to clients and groups in a clear and concise way
• Speak and write in client’s preferred language and at appropriate literacy level
• Document activities and services and prepare written documentation
• Collect data and provide feedback to health and human services agencies, funding sources, and community-based organizations
• Gather information in a respectful manner
• Assist in interpreting and/or translating health information

Title change to Interpersonal Skills and Relationship-Building Core Competency

• Represent others, their needs, and needs of the community
• Be sensitive, honest, respectful, and empathetic
• Establish relationships, and assist in individual and group conflict resolution
• Understand basic principles of culture, cultural competency, and cultural humility
• Recognize and appropriately respond to the beliefs, values, cultures, and languages of the populations served
• Set personal and professional boundaries and respect professional standards
• Provide informal counseling
• Use interviewing techniques (e.g., motivational interviewing)
• Work as a team member
• Act within Professional and Ethical Standards in Texas Administrative Code, Section 146.7
• Maintain confidentiality of client information and act within the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements
• Model behavior change
• Network with peer CHWs in CHW associations/groups

Title change to Service Coordination and Navigation Skills Core Competency

• Identify and access resources and maintain a current resource inventory
• Help improve access to resources
• Conduct outreach to encourage participation in health events
• Coordinate CHW activities with clinical and other community services
• Develop networks to address community needs
• Coordinate appropriate referrals, follow-up, track care and referral outcomes
• Help others navigate services and resources in health and human services systems
• Provide education, assessment and social support to clients and communities
• Plan and facilitate individual and organizational goals and/or group action plan and goal attainment

• Identify problems and resources to encourage and help clients solve problems themselves
• Collaborate with local partnerships to improve services, network and build community connections
• Learn new and better ways of serving the community through formal and informal training
• Assess the strengths and needs of the community
• Build leadership skills for yourself and others in the community
• Facilitate support groups
• Organize with others in the community to address health issues or other needs/concerns
• Collect and use information from and with community members 

No changes

• Participate in organizing others, use existing resources, and current data to promote a cause
• Identify and work with advocacy groups
• Inform health and social service systems and carry out mandatory reporting requirements
• Stay abreast of structural and policy changes in the community and in health and social services systems
• Speak up for individuals or communities to overcome intimidation and other barriers
• Utilize coping strategies for managing stress and staying healthy

Title change to Teaching and Education Skills

• Use methods that promote learning and positive behavior change
• Use a variety of interactive teaching and coaching methods for different learning styles and ages
• Organize presentation materials
• Identify and explain training and education goals and objectives
• Plan and lead classes
• Evaluate the success of an educational program and measure the progress of individual learners
• Use audiovisual materials and equipment to enhance teaching
• Prepare and distribute education materials and present at community events
• Facilitate group discussions and decision making in ways that engage and motivate learners

No changes

• Plan and set individual and organization goals
• Plan and set up presentations, educational/training sessions, workshops, and other activities
• Effectively manage time and prioritize activities, yet stay flexible
• Maintain and contribute to a safe working environment
• Gather, document, and report on activities within legal and organization guidelines

• Gain and share basic knowledge of the community, health and social services, specific health issues
• Understand non-medical drivers of health and health disparities
• Stay current on health issues affecting clients and know where to find answers to difficult questions
• Understand consumer rights pertaining to federal and state regulators and adherence to ethical standards
• Find information on specific health topics and issues across all ages [lifespan focus], including healthy lifestyles, maternal and child health, heart disease and stroke, diabetes, cancer, oral health and behavioral health
• Use and apply public health concepts

• Identify important concerns and conduct evaluation and research to better understand root causes
• Apply the evidence-based practices of Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and Participatory Action Research (PAR)
• Participate in evaluation and research processes
• Participate in individual assessment through observation and active inquiry
• Participate in community assessment through observation and active inquiry
• Collaborate with other educators