Competency Overview

In Arkansas, Certified CHWs will learn about the 11 required competencies detailed in the Core Consensus (C3) Project. These competencies range from communication skills to knowledge base. Many state CHW certification training programs stem from the set list of competencies described in the C3 Project to ensure that the certified CHWs are properly prepared to support their communities in need.

Certified CHWs in Arkansas must be able to demonstrate the following core competencies and skills:

1) Communication Skills

  • Using language confidently

  • Using language in ways that engage and motivate

  • Communicating using plain and clear language

  • Communicating with empathy Listening actively

  • Preparing written communication including electronic communication

  • Documenting work

  • Communicating with the community

2) Interpersonal & Relationship Building Skills

  • Providing coaching and social support 

  • Conducting self-management coaching 

  • Using interviewing techniques (e.g., motivational interviewing) 

  • Working as a team member 

  • Managing conflict 

  • Practicing cultural humility 

  • Understanding the culture of institutions

3) Service Coordination and Navigation Skills

  • Coordinating care (includes identifying and accessing resources and overcoming barriers) Making appropriate referrals 

  • Facilitating the development of an individual and/or group action plan and goal attainment Coordinating CHW activities with clinical and community services 

  • Follow-up and tracking care and referral outcomes

4) Capacity Building Skills

  • Helping others to identify goals and develop to their fullest potential 

  • Working in ways that increase individual and community empowerment 

  • Networking, building community connections, and building coalitions Teaching self-advocacy skills 

  • Conducting community organizing

5) Advocacy Skills 

  • Contributing to policy development 

  • Advocating for policy change 

  • Speaking up for individuals and communities

6) Education and Facilitation Skills

  • Using empowering and learner-centered teaching techniques 

  • Using a range of appropriate and effective educational techniques 

  • Facilitating group discussions and decision-making Planning and conduct classes and presentations for a variety of groups 

  • Seeking out appropriate information and responding to questions about pertinent topics Finding and sharing requested information Collaborating with other educators 

  • Collecting and using information from and with community members

7) Individual and Community Assessment Skills

  • Participating in individual assessment through observation and active inquiry 

  • Participating in community assessment through observation and active inquiry)

8) Outreach Skills

  • Conducting case-finding, and recruitment. and follow-up 

  • Preparing and disseminating materials 

  • Building and maintaining a current resource inventory

9) Professional Skills & Conduct

  • Setting goals and developing and following a work plan 

  • Balancing priorities and managing time 

  • Applying critical thinking techniques and problem-solving 

  • Using pertinent technology 

  • Pursuing continued education and lifelong learning opportunities 

  • Maximizing personal safety while working in community and/or clinical setting 

  • Observing ethical and legal standards (e.g. CHW Code of Ethics, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)) 

  • Identifying situations for mandatory reporting and carry out reporting requirements 

  • Participating in professional development of peer CHWs and in CHW networking groups

  • Setting boundaries and practicing self -care

11) Knowledge Base

  • Social determinants of health and related disparities 

  • Pertinent health issues 

  • Healthy lifestyles and self-care 

  • Mental/behavioral health issues and their connection to physical health 

  • Health behavior theories 

  • Basic public health principles 

  • Community served 

  • United States health and social service system

10) Evaluation and Research Skills

  • Identify important concerns and conduct evaluation and research to better root causes

  • Apply the evidence–based practices of Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and Participatory Action Research (PAR)

  • Participate in evaluation and research processes 

  • i) Identifying priority issues and evaluation/research questions 

  • ii) Developing evaluation/research design and methods 

  • iii) Data collection and interpretation iv) Sharing results and findings 

  • v) Engaging stakeholders to take action on findings