How to Be Community Health Worker - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 29, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The role of a Community Health Worker (CHW) is increasingly important in today's society, as they bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and underserved communities. By providing tailored health education, resources and services to individuals in their own neighborhoods, CHWs can help reduce disparities in access to healthcare faced by minority and low-income communities. This can result in improved health outcomes, as well as increased trust in healthcare professionals from these communities.

CHWs can help to reduce the strain on healthcare systems by providing resources for preventative care and improving communication between patients and providers. This can lead to decreased hospital visits, reduced costs, and increased efficiency of care. the presence of CHWs can make a huge impact on the health of underserved communities.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers will require a high school diploma or GED to become a Community Health Worker.
Complete a Postsecondary Education Program. Most employers will require completion of a postsecondary education program in community health or a related field such as public health, social work, sociology, or health education. Degree programs are available at community colleges, universities, and online schools.
Obtain Certification. Certification is often required by employers. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies offers the Certified Community Health Worker credential. To qualify, applicants must have completed an approved educational program and have experience in the field.
Pursue Additional Training. Many employers may require additional training to become a Community Health Worker. This includes specialized training in areas such as HIV/AIDS, chronic disease management, substance abuse, nutrition, and mental health.
Obtain Licensure. Some states may require licensure for Community Health Workers. License requirements vary widely from state to state.
Obtain Employment. Community Health Workers can find employment in hospitals, public health departments, community health centers, and other health care settings. They may also find employment in social service agencies and government organizations.

The role of a Community Health Worker (CHW) is to provide health education, outreach, and support services to individuals and families in their community. To ensure that they are up-to-date and efficient, CHWs should regularly participate in continuing education and training, keep current on health-related news and trends, and utilize new technology to enhance their skills. By doing so, CHWs can ensure that they are well-informed on the latest health-related information and can provide the best possible care to those they serve.

Furthermore, by staying up-to-date on the latest health-related news, they can be informed on any changes in regulations or services that may affect the community. Finally, by utilizing technology to enhance their skills, CHWs can quickly access information and resources to better serve their clients. All of these efforts will result in a more effective and efficient service for their clients, ultimately improving the overall health of the community.

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Job Description

Assess community health needs and develop plans to address identified gaps.
Provide health education and health promotion services to individuals and communities.
Advocate for health and social services to improve access to resources.
Conduct outreach activities within the community to identify and bring awareness to health issues.
Refer individuals to appropriate health care providers.
Follow up with clients to ensure they receive needed services.
Monitor patient progress and document outcomes.
Provide one-on-one or group health coaching services.
Assist with administration of health screenings in the community.
Facilitate communication between community members and health care providers.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Communication: Ability to effectively communicate with clients, clinicians, and other community members.
Cultural Competency: Understanding of cultural differences and the ability to work with a diverse population.
Basic Medical Knowledge: Knowledge of health promotion, disease prevention, and basic medical procedures.
Community Outreach: Ability to identify and connect with target populations in the community.
Empathy and Compassion: Ability to understand and respond to the needs of clients.
Problem Solving: Ability to recognize and address health-related issues in the community.
Documentation and Record Keeping: Ability to accurately document client interactions and health-related activities.
Professionalism and Ethics: Knowledge of ethical standards and laws related to health care.
Advocacy: Ability to advocate for clients, their families, and the community at large.
Leadership: Ability to motivate, inspire, and guide others in the community.

One of the most important skills for a Community Health Worker is the ability to develop and maintain partnerships with community members and local organizations. This skill is essential for a successful Community Health Worker, as it allows them to effectively communicate and collaborate in order to identify needs, develop strategies and resources, and promote health and wellbeing within their community. When these partnerships are established, they create a strong network of support that not only helps the Community Health Worker provide meaningful services to their community, but also allows them to gain a better understanding of the various challenges and opportunities that exist within the community.

This knowledge can then be used to create more meaningful and effective health programs and services that are tailored to the needs of the community. In turn, these programs and services can help improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with communities in public health settings?
How do you think education is the key to improving health outcomes?
Describe a successful project or program you implemented in a community health setting.
What strategies would you use to ensure the successful implementation of a new program?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in public health?
How have you worked with other community organizations to create a positive impact on public health?
Describe a challenging situation you faced while working in a community health setting and how you overcame it.
How do you ensure that all stakeholders are engaged in decision making?
What strategies have you used to build and maintain relationships with community members?
How do you respond to cultural competency issues when working with diverse populations?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Health Records (EHR). A secure digital database that stores patient information, including medical records and test results. (eg. Epic EHR system)
Health Information Exchange (HIE). A secure platform for sharing patient medical records between healthcare providers. (eg. Carequality HIE)
Telemedicine Platforms. Technology that enables remote video consultation between patients and healthcare providers. (eg. Teladoc)
Mobile Applications. Applications that enable patients to access and manage their health information from a smartphone or tablet. (eg. MyChart app)
Point-of-Care Testing. Point-of-care testing allows healthcare professionals to quickly and accurately diagnose diseases. (eg. Cepheid's GeneXpert System)
Wearable Devices. Wearable devices that monitor vital signs to detect changes in patient health status. (eg. Fitbit activity tracker)
Decision Support Systems. Automated systems that provide healthcare professionals with evidence-based clinical decision support. (eg. UpToDate Clinical Decision Support System)
Electronic Prescribing Software. Software that allows healthcare providers to electronically write, transmit, and refill prescriptions. (eg. Surescripts E-Prescribing System)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW)
National Council of Community Behavioral Healthcare
National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health
National Network of Public Health Institutes
American Public Health Association
National Council of Certified Doulas
Patient Advocate Foundation
American College of Healthcare Executives
National Rural Health Association
American Academy of Community Health Workers

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Common Important Terms

Community Health Promotion. The practice of promoting health and wellbeing within a community by encouraging healthy behaviors and lifestyles.
Community Health Assessment. The process of gathering and analyzing data to identify the health needs of a community, which can be used to create and implement health-related programs and initiatives.
Public Health. The science and practice of protecting and improving the health of a population through the prevention and treatment of disease, injury, and other physical and mental impairments.
Health Education. The process of providing information to individuals and communities about the importance of healthy behaviors and lifestyles.
Health Advocacy. Working to improve access to healthcare services and resources for individuals, families, and communities.
Health Equity. The fair and just distribution of resources and opportunities for health, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, or other factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Community Health Worker?

A Community Health Worker is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community they serve. They provide a link between the community and health care, government, and social services.

What are the roles of a Community Health Worker?

The roles of a Community Health Worker include providing health education, health promotion, and disease prevention services; helping individuals to access health care services; and advocating for improved health care services in the community.

How many Community Health Workers are there in the US?

There are an estimated 250,000 Community Health Workers in the United States.

What qualifications do Community Health Workers need?

Community Health Workers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as specialized training in health topics such as nutrition, chronic disease management, and health literacy. Some states also require certification.

What are the benefits of having a Community Health Worker?

The benefits of having a Community Health Worker include improved access to healthcare, increased trust in healthcare providers, improved health outcomes, and enhanced patient satisfaction.