Guide to Competency Frameworks

2 FNHM Competencies Framework Project History –Indian Health Policy (1979) and RCAP recommended to build more capacity in FN communities on health –Announcement on Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative (AHHRI) mad at the 2004 First Ministers Meeting with Aboriginal Leaders –AFN’s Chiefs Committee on Health and FNIHB’s Executive Committee made HHR a priority in March 2005 –FNHM Advisory set up with nominations from the NFNHTN –In AFN, reports through to the CCOH

3 AHHRI Objectives: –Recruitment, retention and graduation of youth into health careers Visibility of health careers Cultural safety of post-secondary health programs –Recruitment and retention of health workers Supportive and conducive work environments –Research and data on Aboriginals in health careers –Establish standards of practice for allied health workers

4 FNHM Project Funded by AHHRI as a national project Activities: –Develop of a national set of FNHM Continuing Competencies that communities may wish to adopt –Identify effective FNHM recruitment and retention strategies –Develop a communication framework –Identify potential opportunities and challenges relating to transition (i.e., adoption of continuing competencies framework) –Identify training and educational needs and opportunities –Establish of a national network of FNHM –Develop an informative website and e-portal for FNHM

5 Activities to Date First Nations Centre at NAHO –Needs Assessment & Environmental Scan of FNHM Literature review Regional focus groups Assembly of First Nations – websitewww.fnhealthmanagers.ca –Champion on Canadian Health Leadership Network (CHLNet) –Regular updates to FN HHR Regional Coordinators, NFNHTN and CCOH –Organization of this national forum

6 Key Definition of FNHM Works in FN community or tribal council Have responsibility for management of health human resources, financial resources, and health programs. May also provide leadership and direction around resource planning, change management, and health and social program delivery. May have title of CEO, health director, health coordinator, or health manager May have the role of manager of a community health facility, health centre, and health programs

7 Vocabulary A skill is an ability, usually learned and acquired through training, to perform actions which achieve a desired outcome. A competency is a standardized requirement for an individual to properly perform a specific job. It encompasses a combination of knowledge, skills and attitude utilized to improve performance. Core competencies are the set of cross-cutting skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to effectively manage a health facility, and its related health and social programs. Continuing competencies are defined as the competencies required to create a supportive work environment and to effectively adapt to a changing work environment. Continuing competencies are comprised of core competencies, but also include skills such as self-assessment, health human resource planning and change management. A Competencies Framework is a holistic document of continuing competencies that represents the work and potential in a given job.

8 Ways to discuss a Framework Numerous ways to think about a Competencies Framework: –Individual – career entry, progression and satisfaction –Organizational – clarification of duties, performance review –Educational – entry-level education, continuing education –Systems – reduce inefficiencies in the system such as wait-times and referrals Values include economic, people-centred, and/or client- centred Important to clarify the goal first – what are the problem(s) to address with a Framework?

9 Issues in FN HHR Issue of “Continuum” of health work paraprofessional to professional –No clear line –Strict regulation of professionals hinders a community-based approach with multi-tasking and taskshifting –Risk of ghettoizing paras into the role, with no ability to move up into a professional role Jurisdiction and role confusion –PT mandate: post-secondary education, most professional accreditation –Federal mandate: funding for FN health –FN community mandate: balance the needs and the available funds Status quo versus planning for the future

10 Intent of National Forum Review and comment on the work done to date by the First Nations Centre Learn about promising practices and procedures from across the country Network and build linkages