New Program Trains People for Jobs That Make a Difference
Do you want to build a better community through advocacy, health education, and outreach? If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s what is important. Unfortunately, we have also seen some groups suffer more than others. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are shown to be effective in reaching vulnerable populations and making a difference in their own community. Castro Valley Adult & Career Education (CVACE) is offering a new certificate program in this growing field.
What is a Community Health Worker? CHWs are public health workers who help build stronger communities through their understanding of the people they serve. Broad public health campaigns do not always reach specific communities. CHWs bridge this gap. What they do and where they work can vary greatly. Their titles include Health Navigator, Promotora, Community Organizer, Health Educator and more. A CHW may help homeless people access medical care. They may lead a pedestrian safety campaign in Spanish or youth in advocating for healthier neighborhoods. They may help single mothers access food for their families or navigate new refugees through the health care system. This is a great career pathway for social work and health and human services positions.
Why are they important? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there will be a worldwide shortage of approximately 12.9 million healthcare workers by 2035. Its report, “A Universal Truth: No Health Without a Workforce," stresses the need for CHWs to keep services accessible to all communities.
What will you learn? Your life experience and empathy are important in this field and the course will give you solid knowledge to help people. Topics include roles in public health, affordable housing resources, benefits programs (SSI, IHSS, CalFresh, EBT), care coordination, transitions support, recovery support, accurate documentation, patient coaching/ health promotion, health literacy and career development.
What is the job outlook? According to Kerry Principato, Career Technical Education Coordinator at CVACE, the employment outlook is bright with an average hourly wage between $22-27/hr. She sees growing need as Medicare is now covering CHW services and Alameda County is growing their use of CHWs. Need is strong among populations experiencing behavioral health, housing and substance abuse challenges.
We’re at a time in history when the world needs caring people to reach the most vulnerable. If this sounds like a good fit, sign up today for the mandatory orientation by registering on www.cvadult.org or calling (510) 886-1000. Class starts in November and will run through May. It will be live online 2 days a week with 7 sessions in person on campus. The cost is $1,149.
