What Community Health Workers Do

Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers who develop a relationship with the communities they serve, allowing them to function as a connector between community members and health or social services. CHWs facilitate access to resources and improve the cultural competence of services provided. They work alongside many individual and community developers to deliver and promote community empowerment and social justice. CHWs work in a variety of geographic and cultural settings. Many CHWs have similar or shared life experiences with the communities they serve.

Types of Work Environments

  • Community health centers
  • Faith-based organizations
  • Homes
  • Hospitals
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Private clinics
  • Public health clinics
  • Public housing organizations
  • Sponsoring agencies

Education and training requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D. with additional training. Some employers require a college degree. Certification may be required or preferred.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median salary for community health workers is approximately $62,860 per year.

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