Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program

Job Description

About Company

OCHIN is an equal opportunity educational provider committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. They are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination for all members, including learners, team members, and applicants, based on various protected characteristics (e.g., race, sex, age, disability). OCHIN actively seeks to attract diverse individuals and supports equal access and opportunity. They are committed to making program entry and training decisions based on individual qualifications and abilities, aiming to create an inclusive learning environment that reflects the diverse communities they serve. OCHIN Workforce Development also has specific health screening and immunization requirements for program participants, including COVID-19 vaccination (or approved exemption) and other immunizations, TB testing, and drug screening, particularly for on-site placements.

Job Description (Community Health Worker Training Program)

This is a grant-funded training program, NOT an employment opportunity, and employment is not guaranteed upon completion. The program aims to train individuals to become Community Health Workers (CHWs), vital bridges between healthcare, social services, and community members in need. Upon successful completion, participants will receive the necessary credit hours to apply for CHW licensure in Oregon.

Key Program Details:

• Location & Residency Requirement: Qualified candidates must live within 30-45 minutes of the Service Site in Stayton, Oregon.
• Next Cohort Start Date: September 2, 2025.
• Program Structure: Includes both online classroom training (didactic learning) and on-site, hands-on internship/externship training.
• Duration: Approximately 550 hours in total:
• ~150 hours of didactic learning.
• ~400 hours of on-site in-person internship.
• The program runs for approximately 16 weeks.
• Schedule: Participants are required to participate Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM for the entire duration.
• Stipend: A total stipend of $7,500 is provided for participation, distributed over approximately 16 weeks on OCHIN’s semi-monthly pay schedule.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age: Must be 18 years or older.
• Experience: MUST NOT have prior professional or volunteer experience in healthcare/community health work (no healthcare licenses/certifications). This program is ideal for those newer to healthcare.
• Residency: Must live within 30-45 minutes from the Stayton, OR service site.
• Education: Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident/Green Card holder (not open to non-citizens or Visa holders).
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is beneficial.
• Background Check: Must be able to successfully pass a national criminal background check.
• Health Requirements: Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (or have an approved medical/religious exemption) and meet host site immunization requirements (e.g., influenza, hepatitis B, MMR, TB testing, drug screening).

Program Content Covered:

The training program encompasses a wide range of topics essential for CHW work, including:
• History and Introduction to Community Health Workers
• Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
• Health Literacy (including Telehealth Literacy)
• Broad Determinants of Health & Health Disparities
• Cultural Health Beliefs & Communication Techniques
• Managing Referrals & Healthcare Financing
• Legal Advocacy & Documentation
• Safety Concerns & Screening for Social Risk Factors
• EHR Systems & Population Health Management
• Technology in Community Care & Social Service Resource Locators.

Training Program Benefits:

• Play a pivotal role in advancing health equity and strengthening community care.
• Learn to advocate for patients and families, facilitating timely access to essential community resources (information, insurance, food, housing).
• Gain special emphasis on working in community-based settings, understanding communication barriers, health models, and the impact of culture/socioeconomic status on health.

Community Health Worker (CHW) Duties (Skills you will learn):

CHWs play a vital role in linking diverse and underserved populations to health and social service systems. Their duties, which participants will be trained to perform, include:
• Establishing trusting relationships with patients, providing support and coaching.
• Assisting patients in understanding care plans and managing chronic conditions.
• Conducting home visits to assess patients and living conditions.
• Documenting activities and adhering to policies.
• Advocating for patients and acting as a liaison between patients/families and community service agencies.
• Helping patients utilize resources (e.g., scheduling appointments, completing applications).
• Assisting patients in accessing health services and overcoming barriers to care.
• Facilitating communication and coordinating services between providers.
• Motivating patients to be active participants in their health.
• Working effectively with diverse individuals, reducing cultural and socio-economic barriers.
• Continuously expanding knowledge of community resources and procedures.

Important Note: Selection for participation in the training program is NOT guaranteed. Applying or being referred does not guarantee acceptance, as participation is subject to HRSA enrollment guidelines.