Community Health Worker

Program Description

This course provides students with the knowledge and training to fulfill the front line role as a 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 include: 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:

Baltimore County College Promise
Continuing Education Opportunity Grant
Partial Payment Option (through Nelnet Business Solutions)
Tuition Waiver for those who qualify
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

High School Diploma or GED

Application Process

To apply, go to www.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

Additional Information

Additional Expenses:Membership in the American Public Health Association is recommended: $225 per year.

Career Opportunities:
Community Health Worker

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

Program Contact Information

Program Coordinator:  Katie York |kyork@ccbcmd.edu |443-840-1152 |Essex | HTEC 013

Administrative Assistant:  Claire Loeblein |  cloeblein@ccbcmd.edu   |443-840-1389 |Essex | HTEC 005

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