Commitment to training.....

The primary goal of the Public Health Prevention Service is to develop the next generation of public health program managers skilled in planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health programs.  By the end of the 3-year period, Prevention Specialists will have successfully completed the program's Performance Requirements.  These requirements represent the core set of activities necessary to manage public health programs.

To create a highly skilled workforce, PHPS uses a combination of on-the-job and structured training.  The formal training is organized around a set of competencies.  These competencies serve as the framework for Prevention Specialists' activities.

Throughout the program, numerous training opportunities exist to enhance the academic preparation and work-related experience of Prevention Specialists, including the following:

Fall Training

This 2-week course orients incoming Prevention Specialists to PHPS, CDC, and public health at the Federal level.  Emphasis is also placed on the development of basic public health skills leading to skills in program management.  Workshops include epidemiology, surveillance, project management, terrorism and emergency response, cultural competency, interpersonal communication, and proper evaluation.  Other activities include an introduction to employee resources, lectures, and group discussions.

Scientific Ethics

This self-study, Internet-based, course is designed to familiarize researchers and other public health professionals with ethical principles, policies, and procedures for the responsible conduct of science.

Evaluation Project

PHPS has developed a comprehensive approach to evaluation that includes ongoing training, assignment of related projects, and the opportunity to apply these skills in a public health setting. The PHPS evaluation project enables Prevention Specialists to plan an evaluation of a CDC/ATSDR program by using the CDC Evaluation Framework as a guide.

Mid-Year Training

The training focuses on program planning, implementation, and evaluation.  Sessions provide a comprehensive overview of public health functions, including an overview of CDC’s budget cycle, an introduction to funding mechanisms and the funds allocation process, as well as skill-building in budget formulation and execution. Prevention Specialists have the opportunity to review a Request for Application (RFA), critique grant applications, and participate in a mock review panel.

Introduction to Congrssional Policy Making and Appropriations

This seminar is designed for participants to gain a better understanding of the Congressional policy-making and appropriations processes and how they impact the work of CDC. Speakers from within and outside the agency discuss the role of CDC and its partners in shaping public policy, the legal limitations of advocacy by federal employees, how money is appropriated, and who the key Congressional players are.

PHPS Seminars

Participation in PHPS seminars enables Prevention Specialists to discuss emerging public health concerns, gain an in-depth understanding of cross-cutting issues in public health practice, and learn about CDC/ATSDR functions and programs. Topics include program evaluation, group facilitation, ethics, oral presentation, scientific writing, strategic planning, risk communication, media relations, and cultural competency.

Annual Conference

The annual conference allows Prevention Specialists the opportunity to share experiences, learn about emerging public health issues, and make presentations based on the work accomplished in their assignments.

The Legal Basis of Public Health

This collaborative, Internet-based course is designed for public health practitioners, with the goals of explaining the public health legal system, clarifying legal language, and encouraging the effective use of legal tools in forwarding public health goals.

Leadership and Management Training

This training provides participants with management and leadership skills, the ability to adapt successfully to organizational change, and to communicate more effectively through coaching, mentoring, negotiation, and conflict resolution.  Training in cultural competency and employment workshops are also included.