Get in Touch

Get in Touch

Email

chw@dshs.texas.gov

CHW Certification Phone

Fax

Instruction or Training Program Certification Phone

Mailing Address

Texas Department of State Health Services
PO Box 149347 MC 1945
Attn: CHW Training and Certification Program
Austin, TX 78714-9347
United States

Core Competencies

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Core Competencies are a set of skills, knowledge, and qualities Community Health Workers (CHWs) or promotores, and CHW instructors must demonstrate. These core competencies make CHWs a capable and cost-effective workforce that can help healthcare teams to address non-medical drivers of health.

To be certified as a CHW or CHW instructor in Texas, you must show evidence of mastery of these competencies through training or significant experience. The Texas Department of State Health Services CHW certification is voluntary for a CHW who provides services without receiving compensation, and required for a CHW who provides services for compensation.

Core Competencies

DSHS established the CHW Program in May 2001 to certify persons who act as promotores or CHWs and adopted eight (8) CHW Core Competencies.

Note: The Core Competencies will be updated in 2026. View the changes

Communication Skills

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

Interpersonal Skills

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
Provide informal counseling
Use interviewing techniques (e.g. motivational interviewing)
Work as a team member
Act within ethical responsibilities as set forth in Rules regarding Training and Certification of CHWs, Section §146.7. Professional and Ethical Standards
Maintain confidentiality of client information and act within the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements
Model behavior change
Ability to network

Service Coordination Skills

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 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

Capacity-Building Skills

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

Advocacy Skills

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 barriers to services
Utilize coping strategies for managing stress and staying healthy

Teaching 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

Organizational Skills

Knowledge Base on Specific Health Issues

Gain and share basic knowledge of the community, health, and social services, specific health issues
Understand social impacts on health and health disparities
Stay current on health issues affecting clients and know where to find answers to difficult questions
Understand consumer rights
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,h and behavioral health among others
Use and apply public health concepts