Community Health Workers: Empowering Communities for Better Health Outcomes

What is a community health worker? 

Community health workers, or CHWs, can go by many different job titles, including patient care navigator, outreach worker, lifestyle coach, peer aide, support specialist, community health representative— the list goes on^2,3. But despite differences in title, there are several commonalities under the umbrella of community health worker jobs. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, community health workers are trained public health workers who serve as a bridge between communities, healthcare systems, and state health departments⁴. You can think of them as the “glue” of healthcare service delivery– they fill in the gaps between health care services, providers and patients in their communities. CHWs often share cultural, linguistic, or lifestyle similarities with the people they serve, like these Los Angeles-based CHWs that support justice-involved individuals with re-entry⁵. This combination of health training and local knowledge is ideal for improving community education, connecting people to health interventions, and reducing health disparities among vulnerable populations. 

What are common responsibilities and duties of community health workers? 

In 2007, the US Department of Health and Human Services conducted the Community Health Worker National Workforce Study, which is the only comprehensive national survey on CHW services⁶. This survey identified the most common work activities of CHWs, which include:  

• Health Education and Outreach: CHWs work to educate patients, providing vital information on preventive measures, healthy behaviors, and available health care resources. Common tasks include conducting workshops, preparing presentations, providing informal counseling to community members, and disseminating educational materials.

• Individual Assessment: They also help assess the health needs of individuals. Their duties can involve conducting health screenings, collecting some forms of health data, identifying barriers to care, and creating personalized plans to address those needs.

• Care Coordination: CHWs collaborate with healthcare providers to assist individuals in navigating the healthcare system. This can include scheduling appointments, ensuring follow-up on treatment plans, and promoting communication between different heath care providers. 

• Advocacy and Social Support: Community health workers advocate for the rights of community members to access quality health services. They offer emotional support and empower them to overcome challenges in the healthcare landscape. They can also support patients in accessing social services, such as health benefits, health insurance, federal income assistance, and culturally tailored support services. 

• Collaboration: In order to fulfill their day-to-day tasks, CHWs work in close collaboration with various stakeholders. Collaborators typically include:

  • Healthcare Professionals: CHWs collaborate with doctors, nurses, social workers, and case managers to ensure coordinated and holistic care for individuals. They act as liaisons between patients and providers by sharing information, providing updates, and facilitating referrals.

  • Community Leaders and Organizations: CHWs collaborate with community leaders, policymakers, and local organizations to advocate for health equity, develop community-specific strategies, and foster partnerships that enhance access to healthcare resources.

What are not common responsibilities and duties of community health workers? 

While CHWs are vital contributors to community health, there are certain tasks that fall outside their scope of practice. It is important to understand these limitations, which typically include direct medical treatment, diagnosing illnesses, and prescribing medications. CHWs are not primary care providers. These duties are reserved for trained and licensed healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses, and CHWs work in collaboration with these professionals to ensure individuals receive appropriate medical care. Under proper guidance and training, they may assist with administering some services, like blood pressure screening and first aid².

What training is needed to become a community health worker?

If you search for CHW training opportunities online, you will find an abundance of different community health worker program options online offered by different schools, professional associations, and government agencies. Sifting through this information can make it hard to discern what is required. 

The bottom line is that there isn’t a unifying guideline for required community health worker training requirements. Much like community health work itself, certification and training requirements are typically specific to the community where you plan to serve.

Requirements mostly depend on location and employer preferences. Typically, community health workers need at least a high school diploma and a brief period of on-the-job training⁸. CHW certification may be required or preferred for some health community health workers, but only some states require you to be a certified community health worker. For example, the Pennsylvania Certification Board provides statewide certifications for community health workers⁹. You should consult your state’s certification board to see if they provide CHW certifications and be referred to local resources. 

Advice for Those Considering a Career as a Community Health Worker

If you are contemplating a career as a community health worker, here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Learn about your education and training options: The training required to become a CHW can vary greatly by location. Check a credible state organization, like the Georgia Community Health Worker Initiative (CHWI), for the best information on your local CHW program options and requirements¹⁰. Overall, you’ll want to seek relevant training in public health, community health and engagement, and cultural competency to acquire a strong foundation for your career. These organizations also provide resources for keeping your certification up to date, such as continuing education credits. 

• Save time by doubling up: Because CHW training can be completed quickly, you can save time and money by integrating training into your other education plans. Check if your undergraduate or graduate school has community health worker training or certificate options that you can integrate into your schedule. You can also check with state professional organizations, like the Pennsylvania CHW Collaborative or Community Health Worker Network of NYC, which provide resources and information about trainings for CHWs^11,12. 

• Collaborate and Network: Foster collaborations with healthcare professionals, community organizations, and stakeholders. Networking can open doors to new opportunities, enabling you to make a greater impact as a CHW. The American Public Health Association has a community health worker section¹³. Consider becoming a member of attending events to connect with CHWs across the country. 

By understanding the common responsibilities, variations, collaborations, challenges, and valuable advice for aspiring CHWs, you can embark on a rewarding public health career path that makes a lasting difference in the lives of communities and individuals they serve.