Community Health Worker

This course is designed to provide individuals with the required knowledge, tools, and resources to become recognized as a certified Community Health Worker (CHW) in North Carolina working in a variety of healthcare and community settings (Health Departments, Hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Clinics, Faith-based Organizations, etc.).

Instruction is designed to cover the nine core competencies essential to working as a certified CHW which include:

• Talking and listening effectively (communication)
• Helping people build skills and confidence (capacity building)
• Connecting people to services (service coordination)
• Working well with others (interpersonal skills)
• Speaking up for others (advocacy)
• Reaching out to the community (outreach)
• Growing personally and professionally

The knowledge base competencies will cover health and social issues that disproportionately impact clients including but not limited to chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, and cancer. Some of the social issues covered will include safety, emergency preparedness, social isolation, and adverse childhood experiences (ACES). Students will also learn about the changing health care landscape in North Carolina and how to work with their clients in connecting them to resources through NCCARES 360 and others.

Upon completion of this training students will be eligible for listing as a NC Certified Community Health Worker.