Core Competencies for Effective Communication and Assessment

This course introduces the core competencies that support effective service delivery within Military Family Readiness Programs, with a focus on communication, intake, and assessment practices.

Participants will explore foundational communication strategies, including active listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, and techniques for managing challenging conversations. The course also examines key intake and assessment processes, emphasizing rapport building, professional boundaries, cultural awareness, and the use of assessment tools to identify client needs and connect military members and families with appropriate services. Throughout the course, learners will gain an understanding of how these competencies contribute to high-quality, client-centered support and ongoing professional development.

Learning Objectives

After engaging in this course, learners will be able to:

1. Identify the core competencies that support effective service delivery within the Military Family Readiness System.

2. Explain how effective communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and feedback, support interactions with military members and families.

3. Apply communication, intake, assessment, planning, and referral strategies to identify client needs and connect military members and families with appropriate support services.

4. Recognize foundational concepts that contribute to effective service delivery, including collaboration, crisis response, compassion fatigue awareness, and professional presentations.

This course content was developed by MilLife Learning. Its hosting, ongoing maintenance, and continued availability are made possible through the support of OneOp. Together, MilLife Learning and OneOp are committed to providing high-quality professional development resources for those serving military families.

• Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences (CFCS): This course is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close on 11/2/2028.
• Board Certified Patient Advocates (BCPA): This course is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) contact hours by The Patient Advocate Certification Board. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close on 11/2/2028.
• Board Certified Case Managers: This course is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hours from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close on 11/2/2027.
• Board Certified Disability Management Specialists: This course is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) clock hours from the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close on 11/2/2027.
• Certified Family Life Educators (CFLE):  This course is approved for 1.5 continuing education (CE) credits from the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close on 11/2/2029.
• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES): This course is approved for 1.5 continuing education credits from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close on 11/2/2028.
• Human Resource Professionals: This course is approved for 1.5 continuing education credits from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close on 7/31/2028.
• Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: This course is approved for 1.5 continuing education credits from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Check with your state licensing agency for reciprocity and/or credit approval if licensed for other professions or in one of the following states: CO, FL, HI, IA, KS, KY, MI, NY, ND, OH, OK. Note: Eligibility for CE credit will close on 11/2/2028.
• OneOp Certificates of Attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.