Community Health Worker Training Program
Are you applying to the internship?
Job Description
About the Company:
This job description is for a grant-funded training program with OCHIN, an organization dedicated to advancing health equity and strengthening community care.
Job Description:
This is a description for a Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program, not an employment opportunity. Employment is not guaranteed after completion.
Training Program Description:
The program provides essential concepts and skills to function as a Community Health Worker, bridging healthcare, social services, and community members in need. Upon completion, you will receive the credit hours necessary to apply for CHW licensure in Oregon. The program is suitable for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those new to healthcare.
It includes both online classroom training and on-site hands-on internship/externship training.
Important Notes:
• Selection is NOT guaranteed and is subject to HRSA enrollment guidelines.
• Participation requires adherence to OCHIN Workforce Development Health Screenings and Immunization Requirements, including COVID-19 vaccination or approved exemption, and possibly other immunizations and screenings specific to the host site.
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).
• Must live within 30-45 minutes from the service site location in Hillsboro, OR.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident/Green Card holder.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is beneficial.
• Must be able to pass a national criminal background check.
Training Program Details:
• Temporary training program lasting approximately 550 hours.
• Approximately 150 hours of didactic learning and a total of 400 hours of on-site in-person internship.
• Requires participation Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.
• Total Stipend: $7,500 (distributed over approximately 16 weeks, paid on OCHIN’s semi-monthly pay schedule).
Training Program Covers:
• 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
• Social Service Resource Locators
Training Program Benefits:
• Play a pivotal role in advancing health equity.
• Learn to advocate for patients and their families.
• Special emphasis on community-based settings, communication barriers, health model characteristics, and the impact of culture and socioeconomic status on health.
CHW Training Program Description:
Community Health Workers (CHWs) connect underserved populations to health and social service systems. They work closely with medical providers, primary care teams, and other agencies to improve patient care and outcomes. CHWs serve as a liaison between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services. They build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency.
CHW Duties (include, but are not limited to):
• Establish trusting relationships with patients and their families.
• Coach patients in managing chronic health conditions and self-care.
• Convey program services and their impact.
• Assist patients in understanding care plans and instructions.
• Visit patients in their homes to assess their living conditions (if needed).
• Document activities, service plans, and results.
• Advocate for patients and act as a liaison between the patient/family and community service agencies.
• Help patients utilize resources, including scheduling appointments and completing applications.
• Assist patients in accessing health-related services.
• Facilitate communication and coordinate services between providers.
• Motivate patients to be active participants in their health.
• Effectively work with diverse individuals.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships.
• Expand knowledge of community resources, services, and programs.
• Other duties as assigned.
