Menu Close

Community Health Workers

A community health worker promotes full and equal access to health and social services in the community he or she serves, and helps healthcare organizations implement programs to promote, maintain, and improve individual and community health.

Community health workers are a critical component of healthcare in Western Massachusetts, and their role is evolving as the focus on wellness and preventative care increases. A community health worker promotes full and equal access to health and social services in the community he or she serves. A community health worker helps healthcare organizations implement programs to promote, maintain, and improve individual and community health.

Community health workers:

  • Keep people healthier by educating them about preventative care
  • Provide more access to primary care and wellness services, such as blood pressure screenings and nutrition programs
  • Help to identify community health needs and eliminate health disparities by helping patients and families navigate the healthcare system
  • Counsel and advocate for patients and families
  • Work directly with nurses, physicians and care managers

Employment opportunities can be found in:

  • Primary care
  • Community-based organizations
  • Faith-based organizations
  • Human service agencies

The job titles of a community health worker can also be case coordinator, community coordinator, community health advisor, community health representative, community liaison, family service coordinator, home visitor, parent aide, patient navigator, promodora, promotor(a) de salud, outreach advocate, outreach educator, prevention coordinator, street outreach worker, or youth worker.

Education and training requirements

Qualifications and education requirements vary from employer to employer.  Typically community health workers receive on-the-job training. Massachusetts is developing a statewide certification program for community health workers, so employer’s requirements for this career will evolve over time.

Community health workers are also expected to have:

  • An accurate understanding of the communities that they serve
  • Up-to-date knowledge of their local and regional healthcare systems
  • Strong cultural competence 
  • Good documentation and organizational skills

MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board

1441 Main Street, First Floor
Springfield, MA 01103
413-233-9856

The MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities, Verizon Telephone Relay Service: TDD/TTY: 1-800-439-2370 Voice: 1-800-439-0183