Community Health Worker

Community Health Worker, Continuing Education Workforce Certificate

Community health workers assist members of the community to maneuver through the health and human services system. Topics in this course series include: advocacy and community capacity building skills, effective oral and written communication skills, cultural competency/anti-oppressive practice, knowledge of local resources and system navigation, care coordination support skills, teaching skills to promote healthy behavior change, outreach methods and strategies, and understanding of public health concepts and health literacy.

This program is accredited by the Maryland Department of Health (Accreditation Number: 009-2021-G). Upon successful completion, students are eligible to apply for CHW certification from the Maryland Department of Health. Additional information on the Maryland CHW certification process is available on the Maryland Department of Health website.

Program objectives

At the completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1. perform entry-level work as a community health worker (CHW) and demonstrate ethical behavior, critical thinking, and problem solving skills;

2. prepare for state certification and professional mobility consistent with recognized standards of medical and professional ethics; and

3. foster a commitment to life-long learning.

CCBC Pathway

Program Credentials

Financial Aid and Payment Options

Length of Training

Program Requirements

Application Process

Prior Learning Assessment

Program Course Sequence

Additional Information

Program Contact Information

Technical Standards

Technical Standards for CCBC's Community Health Worker Program

The primary goal of the Community College of Baltimore County's Community Health Worker (CHW) is to adequately prepare students for an entry-level position as a frontline public health worker. CHW duties require the ability to sit for long hours and focus on the task at hand. CHWs must also have outstanding communication skills, empathy for others, and strong human relations skills. They must pay attention to detail, be computer literate, and demonstrate problem-solving skills.

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

Physical Requirements:

A. Sufficient strength and mobility to:

Lift or otherwise maneuver papers/folders/charts/equipment up to 30 pounds
Stand or sit in one area for long periods of time

Perform basic keyboarding functions
Apply infection control techniques (as needed)

B. Coordination sufficient to perform tasks such as:

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

C. Adequate vision and hearing to:

Read and understand displays on computers/laptops/tablets
Read and understand forms and communications from all entities
Hear and understand language in person and over the telephone in a noisy environment

Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism:

A. Have the ability to:

Work in a professional manner under sometimes extremely stressful situations
Pay close attention to detail and recordkeeping to maintain accurate client records
Commitment to learning and understanding new technologies, regulations, and laws
Commitment to following approved standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures
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
Maintain proper certifications required to perform the duties of the profession
Accurately utilize all resource material available to remain current in the profession, including attending departmental in-service training
Willingness to precept (train) others

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 all team members

C. Intellectual ability and emotional stability to:

Advise clients or community groups on issues related to improving general health
Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills
Exercise independent judgment to properly perform tasks at hand
Accurately utilize all resource material available to perform the task at hand
Work calmly and efficiently in a fast-paced, stressful environment
Maintain calm during emergency situations
Accept feedback from others

Environmental Requirements:

Ability to work in an environment that may be noisy at times
Providing proof of recent immunizations against infectious diseases as requested
Submit to periodic drug screening

Course Number	Course Title	Course Hours	Textbook Information (approximate cost; subject to change)	Costs T=Tuition/F=Fees
AHL233	Community Health and Contact Tracing	20	Foundations for Community Health Workers, 2nd Edition (2016). Timothy Berthold (Editor) ISBN:978-1-119-06081-9. Note: Textbook is provided on the first day of class at no cost for all students.	$229 T-$69/F-$160
AHL258	Expanded Concepts of Community Health	80	Same as Community Health and Contact Tracing	$1,139 T-$342/F-$797
AHL259	Community Health Worker Practicum	40	N/A	$329 T-$99/F-$230
Course Series Totals		140		$1,697 T-$510/F-$1,187
Course Series & Prerequisite/Corequisite Totals:		158		$1,856 T-$558/F-$1,298