Based on the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (Core Competencies) and the Core Competencies for Performance Improvement Managers, the Competencies for Performance Improvement Professionals in Public Health (PI Competencies) are a set of skills desirable for performance improvement (PI) professionals working in public health. These competencies are designed to support workforce development for PI professionals, including the creation of workforce development and training plans, as well as the development of job descriptions and performance objectives, creation of academic curricula, and preparation for health department accreditation.

Development of the PI Competencies was supported by the PI Competencies Subgroup of the Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice’s Core Competencies Workgroup and shaped by input from numerous PI professionals working in public health. Development was informed by a comprehensive environmental scan that included listening sessions and other opportunities for PI professionals to provide feedback about the key knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for working in this area, as well as a review of literature and resources related to competency development. In addition, the PI Competencies reflect input from national organizations and technical assistance providers and trainers who have worked with over 500 health departments on PI activities. For more information about the PI Competencies, please visit the PI Competencies webpage or contact Kathleen Amos at kamos@phf.org.  

1. Coordinates development, implementation, and evaluation of a continuous quality improvement plan.
2. Collaborates with colleagues for the development, implementation, and evaluation of a performance management system and quality improvement policies and programs.
3. Leads development, implementation, the reporting process, and evaluation of an organization-wide performance management system.
4. Implements strategies to evaluate the effectiveness and quality of policies, programs, and services.
5. Uses evidence (e.g., best practice, literature, model practice) in developing, implementing, evaluating, and improving a performance management system and quality improvement policies and programs.
6. Uses evaluation results and the performance management system to improve individual, program, and organizational performance.
7. Uses valid and reliable quantitative and qualitative data in the improvement of organizational processes and performance (e.g., data driven decision making).
8. Coordinates the use of teams for improvement of organizational processes and performance.
9. Uses financial analysis methods (e.g., cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, cost-utility analysis, and return on investment) for decision making and programmatic prioritization related to performance management and quality improvement.
10. Uses information technology systems in accessing, collecting, analyzing, maintaining, and disseminating data and information.
11. Ensures continuous improvement of individual, program, and organizational performance through professional development opportunities in performance management and quality improvement.
12. Applies performance management and quality improvement practices across programs and the organization.
13. Coordinates performance management and quality improvement work to align with organization and community plans, such as the strategic plan, community health improvement plan, communication plan, and all hazards emergency operations plan.
14. Assures continuous improvement of the performance management system and quality improvement policies and programs.

 
View this archived webinar to learn more about these resources to assist with implementation of the PI Competencies.

Other tools to support the work of PI professionals can be found in the Public Health Improvement Resource Center, a database of resources collected to support public health efforts in performance improvement, including performance management, quality improvement, workforce development, and accreditation preparation.