Core Competencies For Community Health Workers
Communication Skills
- Listening
- Use Language Confidently and Appropriately
- Ability to Read and Write Well Enough to Document Activities
Capacity Building Skills
- “Empowerment” Ability to Identify Problems and Resources to Help Clients Solve Problems
- Leadership
- Ability to Strategize
- Ability to Motivate
Organizational Skills
- Ability to Set Goals and Plan
- Ability to Juggle Priorities and Manage Time
- Knowledge Base of Specific Health Issues
- Broad Knowledge About the Community
Interpersonal Skills
- Counseling
- Relationship Building
- Ability to Work as a Team Member
- Ability to Work Appropriately with Diverse Groups of People
Advocacy Skills
- Ability to Speak Up for Individuals or Communities and Withstand Intimidation
- Ability to Use Language Appropriately
- Ability to Overcome Barriers
Knowledge About Specific Health Issues
- Broad Knowledge About the Community
- Knowledge About Specific Health Issues
- Knowledge of Health and Social Service Systems
- Ability to Find Information
Service Coordination Skills
- Ability to Identity and Access Resources
- Ability to Network and Build Coalitions
- Ability to Provide Follow-Up
Teaching Skills
- Ability to Share Information One-On-One
- Ability to Master Information, Plan and Lead Classes, and Collect and Use Information from Community People