Community Health Worker

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This program is designed to provide students with the essential skills to become a community health worker, also known as a Promotora/o. The curriculum focuses on integration of the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the individual while providing the philosophical foundation and technical skills required. Students will learn to build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self sufficiency through outreach, education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy. Students are prepared for frontline community health work serving as liaisons between health/social services and the community.

Program Purpose

Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge of professional skills required for community health advocacy (promotores) and (2) appropriate application of skills (3) competency in communication, critical thinking, ethical decision making, and a comprehensive skill base with a foundation of the sciences (4) fundamental concepts for working effectively in the health care environment.

Learning Outcomes

Describe and demonstrate effective group level or team work.

• Analyze and discuss and the root causes and consequences of health disparities on local, national and global communities.
• Research (including online research) and evaluate the quality and accuracy of health information and culturally relevant resources and services.
• Discuss and integrate healthy professional skills including ethics, scope of practice, professional boundaries, cultural humility, conflict resolution skills and self care practices.
• Conduct an initial interview or assessment with a client, applying a strength-based approach to assess needs, resources, priorities and proposed actions.
• Interpret and provide non-clinical health advising on various health topics, from a client-centered perspective.
• Demonstrate client-centered counseling drawing upon active listening skills and motivational interviewing concepts and skills.
• Prepare, implement and document a client-centered service coordination/case management/action plan including the provision of culturally appropriate referrals.
• Create and facilitate a group health education training or presentation using popular education theory and methods.
• Construct a professional resume and portfolio showcasing employability competencies and professionalism and apply job interviewing skills as part of job readiness.

Open the program map above to view the recommended classes to complete the program. You can also print the program map using the button above.

Additional Information

Check the Community Health Worker program page for additional information about this degree.