According to the American Public Health Association, a community health worker (CHW) is “a frontline public health workerwho isa trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the communityserved. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediarybetween health/social services and the community to facilitate access to servicesand improvethe quality and cultural competence of service delivery. A community health worker also buildsindividual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency througha range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support,and advocacy.”

What type of work do CHWs do?

CHWs work to address health disparities, particularly in communities most impacted by social, economic and environmental injustice. CHWs are employed in many different types of industries and settings. These include medical and healthcare facilities, public health agencies, community organizations and services, and schools, among others. Due to the variety of settings a CHW may work in, their roles can vary. Common roles and duties of CHWs include: 

• Provide health education to clients on topics such as chronic disease prevention and management, physical activity, and nutrition 
• Encourage participation in preventive healthcare services, such as health screenings and vaccinations 
• Assist individuals with eligibility and enrollment in health insurance and other healthcare and social services programs, such as SNAP and WIC. 
• Provide access to resources to help ensure individuals receive the care and services they need, such as food, transportation, and housing 

Are there other names for CHW roles? 

Yes, community health worker is considered an broad umbrella term to describe a variety of similar positions with many job titles. Each setting and organization where CHWs work may define the roles and duties of a CHW slightly differently. Some of the other names for those who are part of the CHW workforce include, but are not limited to: 

• Patient Navigators 
• Health Navigators 
• Peer Support Specialists 
• Health Education Specialists
• Promotores de Salud 

What are the key competencies of a community health worker addressed by the training program?

Competencies include patient/client advocacy, communication skills, promoting healthy lifestyles, individual and community assessment, health insurance basics and professional boundaries.  

Who is eligible for the CHW training program? 

• Trainees need to live in Colorado, be at least 18 years of age and be a U.S. citizens or permanent resident
• Trainees must have a high school diploma or GED
• Trainees may be brand new to the CHW field or newly employed as a CHW but have not yet received formal training. 

What is the time commitment for the training program? 

Training coursework is about 100 hours, followed by an internship of about 120 hours. Coursework is typically a few hours per week. Training can be structured around your schedule, even if you are working full time. Training and internship must be completed within one year of enrolling in the program. Apprenticeships are 1-year commitments of full time work and are paid.  

Can I learn at my own pace? 

There will be some self-paced coursework you can complete at your own pace. Other coursework will be instructor led, meaning there will be weekly deadlines and scheduled sessions, either live on Zoom or in-person.  

Can I take the program online? 

Yes, the entire program can be taken online. In-person courses will also be scheduled in metro Denver.  

What will be expected of me as a trainee?

• Provide data for HRSA reporting 
• Complete 80% of coursework 
• Complete course evaluations 
• Participate in internship or apprenticeship

What is the difference between an internship and apprenticeship? 

Internships are short-term (generally 120-135 hours) positions that may be unpaid or paid for hands-on learning and skills building among new trainees in the CHW field following completion of the full training curriculum. The training program will assist in matching trainees and employers to an internship opportunity that is a good fit. 

Apprenticeships are paid, 1-year placements where you do your training and on-the-job experience at the same time, managed by our partners at Trailhead Institute and the State Apprenticeship Agency. 

What are the costs required and payment available for participation in the training program as a trainee? 

Trainees accepted to the training program will be able to participate in the required training courses for free. The training fee will be paid by the HRSA grant. Participants who enroll in the full training program will be eligible to receive a $1,000 stipend to offset costs while in training. 

What are the benefits of enrolling in the training program? 

• Receive comprehensive training in the foundations of community health work and related topics at no cost to you. 
• Training plans are flexible to meet the needs of working participants and have in-person, online and self-paced options. 
• Participants who enroll in the full training program will receive a $1,000 stipend to offset costs while in training. 
• All trainees will be expected to complete an “on-the-job” practical experience component through either an internship or an apprenticeship, in addition to completing the training curriculum.  
• Following completion of the training program, you will be eligible to sit for the Colorado Health Navigator Registry Assessment (voluntary credentialing program)