Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada - Orientation Module

Competency Projects and Activities

Click on the buttons below to explore ways the Core Competencies for Public Health are being used and integrated in various settings across Canada.

Project or Tool: Skills Enhancement for Public Health in Canada: Skills Online

Description:
Led by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Skills Online is a continuing education program that aims to help public health practitioners across Canada develop and strengthen the knowledge and skills they need to practice effective public health. Through a series of Internet-based modules offered in English and French, Skills Online provides public health practitioners with access to high-quality continuing education designed to help them make sound evidence-informed decisions to protect and maintain the health of the public. Skills Online provides practitioners with an opportunity to acquire or maintain the Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada.

Interdisciplinary teams from across the country are connected through interactive discussion forums and guided by an expert, trained facilitator. The competency-based modules are specific to Canadian public health practice, and are designed using adult learning principles. Online, distance learning is both more affordable and flexible than other continuing education opportunities. There is no registration fee to participate; however, there is an eight-week time commitment and users must have access to a computer with Internet access.

For more information about Skills Online, visit the website at: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/skills

or email directly at:

Portfolio Development

Description:
Some practitioners in public health are required to keep and maintain a professional portfolio. A portfolio is evidence of your knowledge and skills and is a useful tool to evaluate the competencies/competency sets you have acquired or need. Portfolios may be used during performance evaluations or as proof of competence when applying for a new position. There are many resources available to support portfolio development.

For more information
Link:

Performance Management Toolkit

Description:
The Ontario Public Health Association (OPHA), in partnership with the City of Hamilton Public Health Services, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, Thunder Bay District Health Unit and Toronto Public Health, is working on a Health Force Ontario project to develop a performance management framework for Core Competencies for Public Health and accompanying competency-based performance management tools to both build and strengthen capacity among public health units across Ontario.

At project completion, a competency-based performance management toolkit will be available for use across Ontario public health units. It will include:

1. A competency-based performance management framework
2. A competency dictionary
3. A competency proficiency profile for 3 job clusters
4. A guidebook
5. An employee self assessment tool
6. A performance planner
7. A development/learning planner
8. An annual performance evaluation tool

For more information
Contact: Connie L. Uetrecht - Executive Director
Organization: Ontario Public Health Association
Phone: 416 367-3313 Ex 226
Email:
Link: http://www.opha.on.ca/

Ontario Public Health Standards 2008

Description:
The Ontario Public Health Standards establish requirements for fundamental public health programs and services, which include assessment and surveillance, health promotion and policy development, disease and injury prevention, and health protection. The Ontario Public Health Standards outline the expectations for boards of health, which are responsible for providing public health programs and services that contribute to the physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being of all Ontarians. It is imperative that public health professionals have the appropriate knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to implement these standards across Ontario.

Link: Ontario Public Health Standards 2008