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.
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
Environment 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
