Which of the following is NOT a competency category outlined by CMS in the DSW Core Competencies?

The correct answer is that "Marketing strategies" is not a competency category outlined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the Developmental Disabilities Services Workforce (DSW) Core Competencies. The DSW Core Competencies are focused primarily on the skills and areas of knowledge necessary for supporting individuals with developmental disabilities effectively.

Each of the other options—evaluation and observation, community inclusion and networking, and crisis prevention and intervention—reflect essential skills that support the well-being and empowerment of individuals in various care settings. These competencies emphasize understanding individual needs, facilitating community connections, and managing emergencies, which are critical for professionals in this field. Marketing strategies, while important for organizational growth and outreach, do not directly pertain to the competencies necessary for frontline staff working with individuals with developmental disabilities.

Hence, “Marketing strategies” stands out as the incorrect choice within the context of competencies related to mental health and developmental services.