Core Competencies and a Workforce Framework for Community Health Workers: A Model for Advancing the Profession

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Workforce Development

Background:

• Community health workers (CHWs) play a vital role in public health.
• Standardization of CHW roles and competencies is crucial for effective workforce development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a validated, standardized set of core competencies for CHWs.
• To develop a linked workforce framework for CHWs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on CHW competency development.
• Expert panel review and validation of competencies using a Likert scale survey.
• Development of a workforce framework categorizing CHWs based on training, workplace, and scope of practice.

Main Results:

• A workforce framework with 3 categories of CHWs was established.
• 27 measurable core competencies were validated.
• All competencies were rated as "extremely important" or "very important" by participants.

Conclusions:

• The development of measurable competencies and a linked workforce framework represents a significant advancement for CHW workforce development.
• Standardized core competencies and a workforce framework are essential for addressing health disparities and maximizing CHW effectiveness.