Community Health Workers

Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers who are trusted members of and/or have an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables CHWs to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.

Job Description

The work of a community health worker is highly interpersonal and focuses on bridging gaps between healthcare systems and the communities they serve. Their duties typically include:

• Health Education: Providing basic health education and information on topics such as disease prevention, nutrition, chronic disease management, and healthy lifestyles.
• Advocacy: Advocating for individuals and communities to ensure they receive appropriate healthcare and social services.
• Resource Navigation: Helping individuals navigate complex healthcare systems, connect with social services, and access community resources (e.g., food banks, housing assistance, transportation).
• Outreach: Conducting outreach activities to identify individuals in need of health services and engage them in care.
• Data Collection: Collecting data on community health needs, health outcomes, and service utilization to inform public health programs.
• Cultural Brokerage: Acting as a cultural liaison between healthcare providers and patients, helping to overcome language barriers and cultural misunderstandings.
• Case Management Support: Providing support to individuals in managing their health conditions, adhering to treatment plans, and attending appointments.
• Community Organizing: Mobilizing communities to address health disparities and advocate for policy changes that promote health equity.

CHWs work in various settings, including community clinics, hospitals, public health departments, non-profit organizations, schools, and directly within communities.

Required Skills

To succeed as a community health worker, a blend of interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and practical knowledge is essential:

Interpersonal and Communication Skills:

• Empathy and Compassion: The ability to understand and relate to the experiences and challenges of community members.
• Active Listening: Attentively listening to individuals' concerns and needs.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, often in multiple languages, to effectively convey health information and build trust.
• Cultural Competence: Deep understanding and respect for the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of the community served.
• Trust-Building: Ability to establish and maintain trusting relationships with community members.

Practical and Organizational Skills:

• Resource Navigation: Knowledge of local health and social service resources.
• Problem-Solving: Identifying barriers to care and finding practical solutions for individuals.
• Organizational Skills: Managing caseloads, appointments, and documentation.
• Basic Health Knowledge: Understanding of common health conditions, preventive care, and healthy behaviors.
• Advocacy: Ability to advocate effectively on behalf of individuals and communities.

Career Outlook

The career outlook for community health workers is generally positive and growing, driven by an increasing emphasis on preventive care, population health management, and addressing health disparities.

Key factors influencing the outlook include:

• Focus on Preventive Care: Healthcare systems are increasingly recognizing the value of CHWs in promoting wellness and preventing chronic diseases.
• Addressing Health Disparities: CHWs are crucial in reaching underserved populations and reducing health inequities.
• Aging Population: The growing elderly population requires more support in navigating healthcare and accessing services.
• Integration into Healthcare Teams: CHWs are increasingly being integrated into healthcare teams, working alongside doctors, nurses, and social workers.
• Public Health Initiatives: Ongoing public health campaigns and initiatives often rely on CHWs for community engagement and education.
• Funding and Policy Support: Growing recognition and funding for CHW programs at federal and state levels.

While formal education requirements vary, many CHWs have a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification. Lived experience within the community served is often highly valued. Continuous professional development is essential to stay updated on health information and community resources. Experience can lead to supervisory roles, program coordination, or specialization in specific health areas.