Train to be a Community Health Worker
Have you ever tried to access health care services for yourself or a family member and thought it was far too difficult for the average person, much less someone who is more vulnerable? Do you want to help? Community Health Workers (CHWs) are shown to be effective in reaching vulnerable populations and removing obstacles to care. Castro Valley Adult & Career Education (CVACE) is offering a new certificate program in this growing field.
What is a Community Health Worker or Health Navigator? CHWs are public health workers who help build stronger communities through their understanding of the people they serve. They help people that are system impacted and missed by general public health campaigns. What they do and where they work can vary greatly. Their titles include Health Navigator, Peer Support Specialist, Promotora, Care Coordinator, 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.
What skills do you need? If you are organized, a good communicator and care about people, you have the most important qualities needed for this job. This course will give you the specific information you need to connect people to resources.
Topics include roles in public health, affordable housing resources, benefits programs like SSI and IHSS, analyzing health information data, supporting people with trauma, behavioral health, infection control, care coordination, transitions support, patient coaching/ health promotion, health literacy and more. You will also learn about career pathways.
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 on March 21 or April 4 by registering on www.cvadult.org or calling (510) 886-1000. Class starts in May and will run through November. It will be live online 2 days a week with 7 sessions in person on campus. The cost is $1,149 + books. Orientation will also include information on CVACE’s Clinical Medical Assistant Program.