New tools for using the 2014 Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals

The Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (Core Competencies) are a consensus set of skills for the broad practice of public health, as defined by the 10 Essential Public Health Services. Developed by the Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice, the Core Competencies reflect foundational skills desirable for professionals engaging in the practice, education, and research of public health and were most recently revised in 2014. The Core Competencies are being used within health departments and academic institutions across the country to develop job descriptions and evaluate performance, plan curricula and courses, identify and prioritize opportunities for professional development, and create workforce development plans. To support public health professionals and organizations in using the Core Competencies, resources and tools have been developed and made freely available online. This session will provide an overview of tools designed to help with the transition to the 2014 version of the Core Competencies and the integration of the Core Competencies into workforce development efforts. These tools include a crosswalk of the 2010 and 2014 Core Competencies, competency self-assessments, collections of job descriptions and workforce development plans that incorporate the Core Competencies, a set of frequently asked questions about the Core Competencies, and examples illustrating how public health organizations have used the Core Competencies. Plans for future tool development will also be shared.