Program: Community Health Worker - Community College of Baltimore County

Program Description

This course provides students with the knowledge and training to fulfill the front line role of Community Health Worker. Community Health Workers assist members of the community to maneuver through the health and human services system. Topics in this course series included: the role of the community health worker; cultural competencies; interview techniques; and methods to assist community members in maneuvering through the healthcare and human service systems.

Program Outcomes

Successful Completion:

CCBC Credential: Students will be awarded a CCBC Workforce Training Certificate, and have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

Financial Aid and Payment Options:

Continuing Education Opportunity Grant
Partial Payment Option (through Nelnet Business Solutions)
Tuition Waiver for those who qualify
Baltimore County College Promise
Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship
Employer/Sponsor Paid Tuition
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
Local Office of Workforce Development
Students may apply for a career training scholarship through Central Scholarship (http://www.central-scholarship.org/)

Program Length

10-12 weeks

Program Requirements

A High School Diploma or GED is NOT required for program entry but may be required for employment

Application Process

To apply, go to ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Non-Credit Workforce Training Certificate application. An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Recommended Program Course Sequence

Course Number	Course Title	Course Hours	*Textbook Information (approximate cost; subject to change) * Refer to Campus Bookstore for appropriate Textbook	Costs T=Tuition/F=Fees
AHL 140	Essential Skills for the Health Care Professional	20	Handouts online	$179 T-$90/F-$89
AHE 985	Heartsaver First Aid/ CPR/ AED Training	7	Book provided and included in course costs	$99 T-$39/F-$60
AHL 932	Mental Health First Aid	8	Book provided and included in course costs	$130 T-$55/F-$75
AHL 920	Community Health Worker Training	60	Foundation for the Community Health worker by Tim Berthold, Alma Avila, and Jennifer Miller; Jossey Bass ISBN#9780470179970 $78*	$475 T-$22/F-$453
Course Series Totals:		95	$78*	$ 843 T-$206/F-$647

All courses must be finished for successful program completion

Additional Information

Additional Expenses:
Membership in the American Public Health Association is recommended: $200 per year.

Career Opportunities:
Community Health Worker

Skills for Success:
See technical standards at end of this document.

Program Contact Information

Technical Standards

Technical Standards for CCBC’s Community Health Worker Training
The primary goal of CCBC’s Community Health Worker training is to adequately prepare students for an entry-level position as a Community Health Worker (CHW). The duties of a CHW require the ability to conduct home visits and interview clients.

Following is a partial listing of the types of skills typically required for adequate job performance:

Physical Requirements:
A. Coordination sufficient to perform tasks such as:

Adjust actions in relation to others’ reactions
Attend community meetings or health fairs to understand community issues or build relationships with community members
Distribute flyers, brochures or other informational or educational documents to inform members of a targeted community

B. Adequate vision to:

See details at close range (within a few feet of the person)
Read instruction sheets and computer screens

C. Sufficient hearing to:

Perform active listening, giving full attention to what other people are saying, and asking questions as appropriate

D. Sufficient speech clarity to:

Speak clearly so others can understand you
Identify and understand the speech of another person

E. Apply infection control techniques (as needed)

Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism:
A. Have the ability to:

Perform for or work directly with the public, including receiving clients or guests.
Identify and/or contact, in person, by phone, or in writing, members of high-risk or otherwise targeted groups, including members of minority populations, low-income populations, or pregnant women, to ensure they have completed required or recommended actions
Interact in a professional manner with many personalities and attitudes and with people from many different backgrounds
Respect and protect patient rights and confidentiality without regard to personal beliefs and judgments
Be attuned to potential problems; able to recognize when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong

B. Sufficient communication skills to:

Give and receive accurate written and verbal instructions
Carry out all written and verbal instructions
Follow proper channels of communication
Communicate in a calm and professional manner
Communicate clearly and effectively to any team members regarding issues that may be difficult to address
Read and understand information and ideas presenting in writing
Communicate information and ideas when speaking so others will understand
Communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand
Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
Interpret the meaning of information for others — translate or explain what information means and how it can be used

C. Establish and maintain interpersonal relationships:

Develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others

D. Sufficient professional skills to:

Develop specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work
Communicate with supervisors, peers, and/or subordinates, providing information by telephone, in writing, e-mail, and/or in person
Pay close attention to detail and recordkeeping
Document information - enter, transcribe, record, store, and maintain information in written or electronic/magnetic form
Work with computers and computer systems, using hardware and software, to set up functions, enter data, and/or process information
Accurately utilize all resource material available to remain current in the profession, including attending departmental in-service training

Intellectual Ability and Emotional Stability To:

Maintain updated client records with plans, notes, appropriate forms, or related information
Advise clients or community groups on issues related to improving general health, such as diet or exercise
Refer community members to needed health services
Be service oriented - actively look for ways to help people
Use critical thinking, logic, and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
Practice active learning - understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
Maintain calm during emergency situations
Accept feedback from others