What Is a Community Health Worker?

Community health workers play an important role in promoting wellness by helping people adopt healthy behaviors through advocacy, engagement, and assessing and providing for community needs. While this may be a newer field, it is a growing one. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of community health workers is projected to grow 14% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Exactly what does a community health worker do, and how do you become one? We sat down with Michael Taylor, a faculty member in Purdue Global’s Health Sciences Graduate Program, to discuss this important career path.

Defining the Community Health Worker Role

What sets the role of a community health worker apart from other health care positions is that they live in or deeply understand the community they serve.

“[Community health workers] are the link between the health care system and the community, facilitating and advocating for services and sharing key information with the community members,” Taylor says.

Community health workers educate marginalized groups on the various resources available to help with health care issues and chronic conditions. And because they have in-depth community knowledge, Taylor says “they are able to identify and remove barriers preventing community members from accessing the services they need. For example, they might help connect people with housing or transportation needs with related support services so individuals can increase access to care.”

What Are the Responsibilities of a Community Health Worker?

Community health workers are key to improving health outcomes and increasing health care utilization in underserved populations. Taylor explains that their role centers on sharing information, advocating, and serving as a liaison.

“These workers share vital information about available health care services,” he says, “but they also act as an advocate.”

While day-to-day tasks will vary, workers in this role spend a significant amount of time interacting with the community. They might organize health workshops, provide health education, and conduct health assessments.

Additionally, community health workers typically do the following:

• Discuss health concerns with community members and direct them to applicable services
• Provide information on the types of health services available and how to access them
• Identify barriers that limit or prevent health care access and make referrals to services that overcome them
• Offer basic health services, including height and weight measurements, first aid, or diabetic foot checks
• Organize and conduct health outreach programs

Where Do Community Health Workers Work?

According to the BLS, 20% of all community health workers work in social assistance. The remaining workers are shared between the following types of organizations:

• Ambulatory health care services: 17%
• Local government (excluding education and hospitals): 15%
• Hospitals (state, local, and private): 10%
• Religious, civic, professional, and similar organizations: 10%

“Hospitals, medical centers, clinics, some nonprofits, and any facility that provides clinical care can use community health workers to help achieve their objectives,” Taylor says. 

How Do You Become a Community Health Worker?

Becoming a community health worker typically involves a combination of education, training, and practical experience in the field. While in some instances you may be able to enter the field with a high school diploma, some jobs require a postsecondary education. Additionally, some states have certification requirements that must be met prior to employment.

Education does provide a more direct path to obtain the skills and competencies you need to be successful.

“Purdue Global offers a sound foundation regarding health behavior, models, and theories,” says Taylor. “Degree programs like this can help you achieve a solid, theoretical foundation that you can use within the communities you serve.”

Valuable Soft Skills for Community Health Workers

Soft skills are a necessity for community health workers because they work closely with people, including marginalized and at-risk groups. “Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential,” Taylor says. These skills are critical for building relationships and understanding the needs and concerns of the individuals they serve.

Some of the top soft skills community health workers need include:

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Analytical skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Instructional skills

Resources for Community Health Workers and Students

There are many organizations and resources for those interested in pursuing a career in community health work.

• The National Association of Community Health Workers: This industry organization aims to unify, strengthen, and promote the profession.
• American Public Health Association: This organization champions and advances the representation and significance of community health workers in public health, the community, and within health care environments.
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: This government organization provides an array of information and tools specifically designed for community health workers.
• Community Health Worker Resource Directory: This organization provides updated and free educational materials and resources.
• The Community Health Worker Core Consensus Project: This project aims to increase visibility and support for the profession. They also publish reports, competencies, and resources for those in the field.
• Families USA Community Health Worker Resources: This national, nonpartisan organization advocates for health care consumers by focusing on improving access to high-quality and affordable health care.
• The National Academy for State Health Policy State: This nonpartisan organization focuses on the advancement of innovative state health policy solutions. They publish a map identifying state approaches for Medicaid reimbursement for community health work services.

Become a Community Health Worker With Purdue Global

Whether you're interested in launching a career as a community health worker or seeking advanced education for career growth, Purdue Global has degree programs to fit your goal.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, our degree programs are 100% online and tailored to meet the needs of working professionals:

• Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Promotion
• Master of Science in Health Education and Promotion
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Bachelor of Science in Health Science
• Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness
• Associate of Applied Science in Health Science for Military (AAS) and Associate of Science in Health Science (only available for military students) 

Reach out today to speak with an advisor about our programs to kick-start your community health worker career.