Fill - Free fillable Competency Assessment Tier1 2014 PDF form

Competency Assessment

Tier 1 Public Health Professionals

2014 Version

Adapted by the Public Health Foundation from an assessment developed by Janet Place, MPH,

University of North Carolina (now at the University of South Carolina). Provided by the Council

on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice. May be modified as

needed.

Technical Note: This assessment was designed for use with Adobe Acrobat/Reader. Scoring

and other functions may not operate properly in other PDF viewers. To use the assessment,

download and save this PDF form before entering your scores.

Competency Assessment for Tier 1

Public Health Professionals

2014 Version

Introduction

The Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals

(Core Competencies) are a consensus

set of foundational skills for the broad practice of public health, as defined by the 10 Essential

Public Health Services. The Core Competencies are organized into eight skill areas or domains

that cut across public health disciplines. The purpose of this assessment is to help you explore

your level of competence within these eight domains.

A competency is any knowledge or skill of an individual or organization that has been shown

to cause or predict outstanding performance. A collection of competencies makes up a

behavioral roadmap that is directly related to both individual and organizational performance.

By assessing your level of knowledge or skill for each competency statement described, you

will be able to prioritize your learning time to focus on those areas that are most important to

you and to concentrate where the need for training and learning may be greatest.

How to Complete This Competency Assessment

The competency assessment should take about 20 minutes to complete. It is divided into the

following eight domains:

• Analytical/Assessment Skills

• Policy Development/Program Planning Skills

• Communication Skills

• Cultural Competency Skills

• Community Dimensions of Practice Skills

• Public Health Sciences Skills

• Financial Planning and Management Skills

• Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills

1) Read each competency statement listed within a domain.

2) In each domain, and for each competency statement, think about the level at which you are

currently able to perform the skill. Then rate your level of proficiency on each competency

statement by selecting the number on the continuum from “None” (1) to “Proficient” (4) that

best describes your self-reported level of expertise for that statement. Note: The

competency statements listed in each domain should be interpreted as broadly as possible

to apply to your position and principal setting of employment. In the example below, you

would select number “4” for “Proficient” if you think you are excelling at this competency or

select “1” for “None” if you feel you need a great deal of improvement.

Tier 1 – Front Line Staff/Entry Level: Tier 1 competencies apply to public health professionals who

carry out the day-to-day tasks of public health organizations and are not in management positions.

Responsibilities of these professionals may include data collection and analysis, fieldwork, program

planning, outreach, communications, customer service, and program support.

Example:

To what degree are you able to effectively…describe factors affecting the health of a

community (e.g., equity, income, education, environment)?

1 = None

I am unaware or have very little knowledge of the skill

2 = Aware

I have heard of, but have limited knowledge or ability to apply the skill

3 = Knowledgeable

I am comfortable with my knowledge or ability to apply the skill

4 = Proficient

I am very comfortable, am an expert, or could teach this skill to others

3) At the end of each domain there is a place to write any comments you have. For example, if

you feel like an expert but may still want training or learning opportunities in a particular skill,

please enter your comments in the comments section. You may also want to share this

assessment with your supervisor, colleagues, or others and ask them to add comments as

well. These comments may be helpful to you and your supervisor in planning for your

professional development.

4) After you have entered your responses for each domain, the sum of your scores will appear

in the column next to “Total Score.” Your average score will also appear in the column next

to “Average Total” and in the corresponding row of the “Your Results” section at the end of

the competency assessment.

5) Review your results and follow the guidance offered in the “Interpreting Your Results” section

to determine your next steps.

Analytical/Assessment Skills

1 = None I am unaware or have very little knowledge of the skill

2 = Aware I have heard of, but have limited knowledge or ability to apply the skill

3 = Knowledgeable I am comfortable with my knowledge or ability to apply the skill

4 = Proficient I am very comfortable, am an expert, or could teach this skill to others

To what degree are you able to effectively…

Describe factors affecting the health of a community (e.g., equity,

income, education, environment)

Identify quantitative and qualitative data and information (e.g., vital

statistics, electronic health records, transportation patterns,

unemployment rates, community input, health equity impact

assessments) that can be used for assessing the health of a community

Apply ethical principles in accessing, collecting, analyzing, using,

maintaining, and disseminating data and information

Use information technology in accessing, collecting, analyzing, using,

maintaining, and disseminating data and information

Select valid and reliable data

Select comparable data (e.g., data being age-adjusted to the same year,

data variables across datasets having similar definitions)

Identify gaps in data

Collect valid and reliable quantitative and qualitative data

Describe public health applications of quantitative and qualitative data

Use quantitative and qualitative data

Describe assets and resources that can be used for improving the health

of a community (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs, public libraries, hospitals, faith-

based organizations, academic institutions, federal grants, fellowship

programs)

Contribute to assessments of community health status and factors

influencing health in a community (e.g., quality, availability, accessibility,

and use of health services; access to affordable housing)

Explain how community health assessments use information about

health status, factors influencing health, and assets and resources

Describe how evidence (e.g., data, findings reported in peer-reviewed

literature) is used in decision making

Total Score (Add all scores and enter total here)

Average Total (Divide the “Total Score” by 14 and enter the result here

and into the corresponding row of the “Your Results” section)

Comments:

0.0

Policy Development/Program Planning Skills

1 = None I am unaware or have very little knowledge of the skill

2 = Aware I have heard of, but have limited knowledge or ability to apply the skill

3 = Knowledgeable I am comfortable with my knowledge or ability to apply the skill

4 = Proficient I am very comfortable, am an expert, or could teach this skill to others

To what degree are you able to effectively…

Contribute to state/Tribal/community health improvement planning (e.g.,

providing data to supplement community health assessments,

communicating observations from work in the field)

Contribute to development of program goals and objectives

Describe organizational strategic plan (e.g., includes measurable

objectives and targets; relationship to community health improvement

plan, workforce development plan, quality improvement plan, and other

plans)

Contribute to implementation of organizational strategic plan

Identify current trends (e.g., health, fiscal, social, political, environmental)

affecting the health of a community

Gather information that can inform options for policies, programs, and

services (e.g., secondhand smoking policies, data use policies, HR

policies, immunization programs, food safety programs)

Describe implications of policies, programs, and services

Implement policies, programs, and services

Explain the importance of evaluations for improving policies, programs,

and services

Gather information for evaluating policies, programs, and services (e.g.,

outputs, outcomes, processes, procedures, return on investment)

Apply strategies for continuous quality improvement

Describe how public health informatics is used in developing,

implementing, evaluating, and improving policies, programs, and services

(e.g., integrated data systems, electronic reporting, knowledge

management systems, geographic information systems)

Total Score (Add all scores and enter total here)

Average Total (Divide the “Total Score” by 12 and enter the result here

and into the corresponding row of the “Your Results” section)

0.0

Comments:

Communication Skills

1 = None I am unaware or have very little knowledge of the skill

2 = Aware I have heard of, but have limited knowledge or ability to apply the skill

3 = Knowledgeable I am comfortable with my knowledge or ability to apply the skill

4 = Proficient I am very comfortable, am an expert, or could teach this skill to others

To what degree are you able to effectively…

Identify the literacy of populations served (e.g., ability to obtain, interpret,

and use health and other information; social media literacy)

Communicate in writing and orally with linguistic and cultural proficiency

(e.g., using age-appropriate materials, incorporating images)

Solicit input from individuals and organizations (e.g., chambers of

commerce, religious organizations, schools, social service organizations,

hospitals, government, community-based organizations, various

populations served) for improving the health of a community

Suggest approaches for disseminating public health data and information

(e.g., social media, newspapers, newsletters, journals, town hall

meetings, libraries, neighborhood gatherings)

Convey data and information to professionals and the public using a

variety of approaches (e.g., reports, presentations, email, letters)

Communicate information to influence behavior and improve health (e.g.,

use social marketing methods, consider behavioral theories such as the

Health Belief Model or Stages of Change Model)

Facilitate communication among individuals, groups, and organizations

Describe the roles of governmental public health, health care, and other

partners in improving the health of a community

Total Score (Add all scores and enter total here)

Average Total (Divide the “Total Score” by 8 and enter the result

here

and into the corresponding row of the “Your Results” section)

0.0

Comments:

Cultural Competency Skills

1 = None I am unaware or have very little knowledge of the skill

2 = Aware I have heard of, but have limited knowledge or ability to apply the skill

3 = Knowledgeable I am comfortable with my knowledge or ability to apply the skill

4 = Proficient I am very comfortable, am an expert, or could teach this skill to others

To what degree are you able to effectively…

Describe the concept of diversity as it applies to individuals and

populations (e.g., language, culture, values, socioeconomic status,

geography, education, race, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation,

profession, religious affiliation, mental and physical abilities, historical

experiences)

Describe the diversity of individuals and populations in a community

Describe the ways diversity may influence policies, programs, services,

and the health of a community

Recognize the contribution of diverse perspectives in developing,

implementing, and evaluating policies, programs, and services that affect

the health of a community

Address the diversity of individuals and populations when implementing

policies, programs, and services that affect the health of a community

Describe the effects of policies, programs, and services on different

populations in a community

Describe the value of a diverse public health workforce

Total Score (Add all scores and enter total here)

Average Total (Divide the “Total Score” by 7 and enter the

result here

and into the corresponding row of the “Your Results”

section)

0.0

Comments:

Community Dimensions of Practice Skills

1 = None I am unaware or have very little knowledge of the skill

2 = Aware I have heard of, but have limited knowledge or ability to apply the skill

3 = Knowledgeable I am comfortable with my knowledge or ability to apply the skill

4 = Proficient I am very comfortable, am an expert, or could teach this skill to others

To what degree are you able to effectively…

Describe the programs and services provided by governmental and non-

governmental organizations to improve the health of a community

Recognize relationships that are affecting health in a community (e.g.,

relationships among health departments, hospitals, community health

centers, primary care providers, schools, community-based

organizations, and other types of organizations)

Suggest relationships that may be needed to improve health in a

community

Support relationships that improve health in a community

Collaborate with community partners to improve health in a community

(e.g., participate in committees, share data and information, connect

people to resources)

Engage community members (e.g., focus groups, talking circles, formal

meetings, key informant interviews) to improve health in a community

Provide input for developing, implementing, evaluating, and improving

policies, programs, and services

Use assets and resources (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs, public libraries,

hospitals, faith-based organizations, academic institutions, federal grants,

fellowship programs) to improve health in a community

Inform the public about policies, programs, and resources that improve

health in a community

Describe the importance of community-based participatory research

Total Score (Add all scores and enter total here)

Average Total (Divide the “Total Score” by 10 and enter the

result here

and into the corresponding row of the “Your Results”

section)

0.0

Comments:

Public Health Sciences Skills

1 = None I am unaware or have very little knowledge of the skill

2 = Aware I have heard of, but have limited knowledge or ability to apply the skill

3 = Knowledgeable I am comfortable with my knowledge or ability to apply the skill

4 = Proficient I am very comfortable, am an expert, or could teach this skill to others

To what degree are you able to effectively…

Describe the scientific foundation of the field of public health

Identify prominent events in the history of public health (e.g., smallpox

eradication, development of vaccinations, infectious disease control, safe

drinking water, emphasis on hygiene and hand washing, access to health

care for people with disabilities)

Describe how public health sciences (e.g., biostatistics, epidemiology,

environmental health sciences, health services administration, social and

behavioral sciences, and public health informatics) are used in the

delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services

Retrieve evidence (e.g., research findings, case reports, community

surveys) from print and electronic sources (e.g., PubMed, Journal of

Public Health Management and Practice, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly

Report, The World Health Report) to support decision making

Recognize limitations of evidence (e.g., validity, reliability, sample size,

bias, generalizability)

Describe evidence used in developing, implementing, evaluating, and

improving policies, programs, and services

Describe the laws, regulations, policies, and procedures for the ethical

conduct of research (e.g., patient confidentiality, protection of human

subjects, Americans with Disabilities Act)

Contribute to the public health evidence base (e.g., participating in Public

Health Practice-Based Research Networks, community-based

participatory research, and academic health departments; authoring

articles; making data available to researchers)

Suggest partnerships that may increase use of evidence in public health

practice (e.g., between practice and academic organizations, with health

sciences libraries)

Total Score (Add all scores and enter total here)

Average Total (Divide the “Total Score” by 9 and enter the

result here

and into the corresponding row of the “Your Results”

section)

0.0

Comments:

Financial Planning and Management Skills

1 = None I am unaware or have very little knowledge of the skill

2 = Aware I have heard of, but have limited knowledge or ability to apply the skill

3 = Knowledgeable I am comfortable with my knowledge or ability to apply the skill

4 = Proficient I am very comfortable, am an expert, or could teach this skill to others

To what degree are you able to effectively…

Describe the structures, functions, and authorizations of governmental

public health programs and organizations

Describe government agencies with authority to impact the health of a

community

Adhere to organizational policies and procedures

Describe public health funding mechanisms (e.g., categorical grants,

fees, third-party reimbursement, tobacco taxes)

Contribute to development of program budgets

Provide information for proposals for funding (e.g., foundations,

government agencies, corporations)

Provide information for development of contracts and other agreements

for programs and services

Describe financial analysis methods used in making decisions about

policies, programs, and services (e.g., cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit,

cost-utility analysis, return on investment)

Operate programs within budget

Describe how teams help achieve program and organizational goals

(e.g., the value of different disciplines, sectors, skills, experiences, and

perspectives; scope of work and timeline)

Motivate colleagues for the purpose of achieving program and

organizational goals (e.g., participating in teams, encouraging sharing of

ideas, respecting different points of view)

Use evaluation results to improve program and organizational

performance

Describe program performance standards and measures

To what degree are you able to effectively…

Use performance management systems for program and organizational

improvement (e.g., achieving performance objectives and targets,

increasing efficiency, refining processes, meeting Healthy People

objectives, sustaining accreditation)

Total Score (Add all scores and enter total here)

Average Total (Divide the “Total Score” by 14 and enter the

result here

and into the corresponding row of the “Your Results”

section)

Comments:

0.0

Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills

1 = None I am unaware or have very little knowledge of the skill

2 = Aware I have heard of, but have limited knowledge or ability to apply the skill

3 = Knowledgeable I am comfortable with my knowledge or ability to apply the skill

4 = Proficient I am very comfortable, am an expert, or could teach this skill to others

To what degree are you able to effectively…

Incorporate ethical standards of practice (e.g., Public Health Code of

Ethics) into all interactions with individuals, organizations, and

communities

Describe public health as part of a larger inter-related system of

organizations that influence the health of populations at local, national,

and global levels

Describe the ways public health, health care, and other organizations can

work together or individually to impact the health of a community

Contribute to development of a vision for a healthy community (e.g.,

emphasis on prevention, health equity for all, excellence and innovation)

Identify internal and external facilitators and barriers that may affect the

delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services (e.g., using root cause

analysis and other quality improvement methods and tools, problem

solving)

Describe needs for professional development (e.g., training, mentoring,

peer advising, coaching)

Participate in professional development opportunities

Describe the impact of changes (e.g., social, political, economic,

scientific) on organizational practices

Describe ways to improve individual and program performance

Total Score (Add all scores and enter total here)

Average Total (Divide the “Total Score” by 9 and enter the

result here

and into the corresponding row of the “Your Results”

section)

0.0

Comments:

Your Results

Enter the average total from each domain in the corresponding row below.

Domain

Average Total

Analytical/Assessment Skills

Policy Development/Program Planning Skills

Communication Skills

Cultural Competency Skills

Community Dimensions of Practice Skills

Public Health Sciences Skills

Financial Planning and Management Skills

Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills

Interpreting Your Results

Based on the averages you have for each domain in the “Your Results” section above, you are

now ready to identify the strengths in your practice and the areas that you would like to improve

or strengthen.

For example, if you have scored a “1” in any domain, you will want to consider focusing your

time and energy toward achieving the competencies in that domain, followed by domains in

which you scored a “2,” with a lower priority given to domains in which you scored a “3” or

higher.

Once you have identified your priorities, you can use this information to guide you in developing

a learning plan with one or more personal professional goals for the next year; in engaging in a

discussion with your supervisor, mentor, or coach; and in choosing learning opportunities that

will help you reach your goals and meet the requirements for continuing competence in your

occupation or discipline.

0.0

Download
Save PDF to desktop

Email
Email completed PDF

Send for Signing
Email for others to sign

Print
Print document

NAME

Competency Assessment Tier1 2014

View Audit Log
Print With Audit Log
Duplicate Document

Fill Online, Printable, Fillable, Blank Competency Assessment Tier1 2014 Form

Related forms

Fillable Competency Assessment Tier1 2014

Fill Online, Printable, Fillable, Blank Competency Assessment Tier1 2014 Form

Related forms

First 20 documents completely FREE!