Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program Participant

Job Description

About OCHIN Workforce Development:
OCHIN Workforce Development 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 of their community, including learners, team members, and applicants, based on race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. OCHIN aims to make decisions for program entry, training, and educational opportunities based on individual qualifications and abilities, actively seeking to attract learners and team members from diverse backgrounds and supporting equal access and opportunity for women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. They strive to create an inclusive learning environment that fosters success and reflects the diverse communities they serve.

To ensure safety, OCHIN requires all program participants, including those attending remote and in-person training, internships, and externships, to be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine (or approved medical/religious exemption). Additionally, for on-site internships and externships, participants must provide proof of meeting the immunization requirements specific to the host site (e.g., influenza, hepatitis B, MMR) prior to acceptance. Many sites also require participants to complete tuberculosis (Tb) testing and drug screening. Participants are responsible for completing all required health screenings by the site’s deadline.

About the Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program:
This is a grant-funded training program, not an employment opportunity, and employment is not guaranteed at its completion. The next cohort begins September 2, 2025.

The program aims to teach essential concepts and skills to function as a Community Health Worker (CHW), serving as a vital bridge between healthcare, social services, and community members in need. Upon completion, participants will receive the credit hours necessary to apply for CHW licensure in Oregon. It is designed for individuals committed to helping patients and their families access quality healthcare and specialized community support services, and it welcomes students from any background, including those new to healthcare. The program includes both online classroom training and on-site hands-on internship/externship training. Selection for participation is not guaranteed and is subject to HRSA enrollment guidelines.

Training Program Eligibility Requirements:
• Must be 18 years or older.
• MUST NOT have prior professional or volunteer experience in healthcare/community health work (no healthcare licenses/certifications).
• Participants must live within 30-45 minutes from the Service Site location of Stayton, Oregon.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident/Green Card holder (not open to non-citizens or Visa holders).
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is beneficial.
• Must be able to successfully pass a national criminal background check.

Training Program Details:
• This is a temporary training program lasting approximately 550 hours.
• Approximately 150 hours of didactic learning (online classroom training).
• A total of 400 hours of on-site in-person internship at a partner organization.
• Training requires participation Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM for the entire duration (approximately 16 weeks).
• A Total Stipend of $7,500 is provided, distributed over approximately 16 weeks for participation in both learning and hands-on training, paid on OCHIN’s semi-monthly schedule.

Training Program Covers:
The curriculum includes topics such as the History of Community Health Workers, Introduction to Community Health Workers, Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, Health Literacy as a Barrier, 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, and Social Service Resource Locators.

Training Program Benefits:
• Play a pivotal role in advancing health equity and strengthening community care.
• Learn to advocate on behalf of patients and their families, facilitating timely access to key community resources including information, insurance, food, housing, and more.
• Special emphasis on working in community-based settings, addressing communication barriers, health model characteristics, and the impact of culture and socioeconomic status on health.

Community Health Worker (CHW) Duties (What you will learn to do):
CHWs play a vital role in linking diverse and underserved populations to health and social service systems, primarily working out in the community. They work closely with medical providers, primary care teams, and other agencies to improve patient care and outcomes. CHWs have a close understanding of the community they serve, enabling them to serve as a liaison between health/social services and the community to facilitate access and improve service quality and cultural competence. They also build individual and community capacity through activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy. Duties include, but are not limited to:
• Establishing trusting relationships with patients and their families, providing support and feedback.
• Coaching patients in effective management of chronic health conditions and self-care.
• Conveying program purposes and services to the user population.
• Assisting patients in understanding care plans and instructions.
• Potentially visiting patients in their homes to assess conditions and meet family members.
• Documenting activities, service plans, and results while adhering to policies.
• Advocating for patients and acting as a liaison between the patient/family and community service agencies.
• Helping patients utilize resources, including scheduling appointments and assisting with applications for eligible programs.
• Assisting patients in accessing health-related services, such as obtaining a medical home and overcoming barriers to care.
• Facilitating communication and coordinating services between providers.
• Motivating patients to be active, engaged participants in their health.
• Working effectively with diverse individuals to reduce cultural and socio-economic barriers.
• Building and maintaining positive working relationships with clients, providers, and staff.
• Continuously expanding knowledge of community resources, human relations, and departmental procedures.
• Performing other duties as assigned.