1. Orientation to the role of the Community Health Worker: Understands the following: (1.) Job description and requirements; (2.) Apprenticeship requirements (3.) CHW values, scope of work, and inter-professional relationships (4.) Specific employer history/mission & fulfillment of employer’s philosophy; policy and procedures (5.) Co-worker, mentor and supervisory relationships, and support structures such as employee assistance programs, benefits, etc. (6.) Overview of upcoming regular and specialized social and other employer events (7.) Overview of the philosophy and definition of patient care models (including coordinated care) (8.) Understand the application of “Do no Harm” from the perspective of the CHW
2. Overview of specialized and technical knowledge unique to the work environment (1.) Familiarity with characteristics of the individual(s) served including socio-economic characteristics, culture, health and medical concerns (2.) Application of terminology necessary for the work environment; (3.) Operation and maintenance of computer and video conferencing equipment; (4.) Understanding of health and medical concerns unique to the work environment; (5.) Familiarity with mechanisms of data collection and documentation. (6.) Familiarity with the structure and components of a care plan, the utilization of that plan to coordinate and monitor care, and the team work required to implement the plan
3. Cultural Competence (1.) Application of culturally appropriate interventions that enhance the functioning of patient/constituent systems (2.) Demonstration of cultural sensitivity and the ability to reflect on ones own pre-conceptions in order to support patients/clients from different cultures and communities

1. (1.) Ability to record and maintain information on individuals, referrals, and appointments (2.) Ability to utilize electronic Health Record System and Health Information Exchange (3.) Ability to manage time and set priorities (4.) Ability to utilize the appropriate technology for reporting and communication (5.) Ability to use reflection to support ongoing organizational learning

1. (1.) Demonstrated understanding of blood borne pathogens/ universal precautions/infection control and hand washing; (2.) Demonstrated ability to perform CPR/Basic First Aid; (3.) Ability to assess community safety; (4.) Recognize and correct hazards in the workplace and knowledge of protocols for reporting hazards; (5.) Demonstrated understanding of safety precautions for home or community visits; (6.) Ability to responds appropriately to emergencies (7.) Ability to assess reasonable risk and apply common sense.

1. (1.) Demonstrated ability to put CHW ethics into practice; (2.) Knowledge of career and educational paths available; (3.) Demonstrated ability to function as a culturally competent practitioner including understanding of the culture of patients and recognition of own biases; (4.) Demonstrated inter-professional team work and collaboration skills; (5.) Knowledge and application of rules of confidentiality including HIPAA; (6.) Application of understanding of Patient Bill of Rights (7.) Ability to make decisions and solve problems consistent with the CHW scope of practice; (8.) Understanding and application of professional boundaries and ability to abide by them (9.) Application of stress management skills.

1. (1.) Effective and culturally appropriate communication skills including the ability to utilize various communication techniques (eg.teachback) and devices (e.g. apps, smart phones, etc.) and to communicate in person, by phone, and electronically (2.) Basic group communication and facilitation skills including the ability to make presentations to groups; (3.) Demonstration of effective, efficient and timely documentation; (4.) Application of knowledge on when to obtain and utilize interpreters; (5.) Ability to apply active listening skills and to listen without judgment (6.) Ability to apply conflict resolution techniques (7.) Ability to provide positive support to patients and co-workers (8.) Ability to utilize positive behavior support; (9.) Ability to utilize Motivational Interviewing effectively including a demonstrated understanding of behavioral change mechanisms

1. Community Networking (1.) Mastery of community resource asset mapping – identification and understanding of individual and institutional resources and when to make referrals (2.) Ability to use individualized strategies to help community members manage chronic conditions including ways to support medication compliance; (3.) Ability to help patients/community members create and maintain social support systems both formal and informal ; (4.) Demonstrated understanding of the relationship of care coordination and transitions of care (5.) Application of community organizing principles as appropriate for region and employer (6.) Eliciting, respecting, and actively supporting participant choices and preferences;
2. Advocacy, Supporting Empowerment (1.) Ability to assess needs of the community (2.) Ability to promote empowerment and self-confidence and education of individuals/community for self advocacy; (3.) Ability to identify issues related to the population served; (4.) Demonstration of ability to help individuals and communities to act collaboratively; (5.) Knowledge of common challenges to human, civil and legal rights and the ability to utilize that knowledge for the benefit of the community (6.) Understanding and application of principles of health coaching

1. (1.) Knowledge of and ability to communicate principles of preventive health and dentistry; (2.) Ability to communicate characteristics of a healthy lifestyle; (3.) Basic knowledge of chronic diseases and their relationship to the healthcare system which– depending on the environment – may include diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, HIV/AIDS, asthma, mental illness, substance abuse, and other health concerns (4.) Ability to respond to common health concerns; (5.) Supporting individuals in understanding and participating in routine and special health care screening and treatment (6.) Ability to communicate principles of safety including - as appropriate- environmental, personal, and driving; (7.) Identifying health resources, judging quality, and coordinating/communicating with health care practitioners; (8.) Recognition of health issues particularly those relevant to the local community and understanding of social determinants of health

1. (1.) Implementation of adult learning principles and utilization of effective teaching strategies including ability to customize instructional strategies to meet individual needs (2.) Ability to mentor patients/clients (3.) Ability to provide constructive feedback; (4.) Teaching skills customized to the individuals; (5.) Presentation skills; (6.) Ability to utilize common A/V equipment and organize materials for presentations

(1.) The evolution of the CHW field including the range of roles, core competencies, and functions of a CHW (2.) Reflection on the role of CHW and one’s ability to become a role model for patients and community members (3.) Key components of healthcare reform, care coordination, and health homes. (4.) Identification of potential populations with whom CHWs may work, including biological, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and environmental considerations. (5.) Social determinants of health (6.) Engage in self-reflection to understand one’s personal perspective and health practices, in order to become a role model for patients.

(1.) Basic Health Information Management knowledge for reporting and other job related functions (2.) Orientation to online learning and the internet (3.) Record keeping and communication via computer based systems (4.) Operation and maintenance of computer and video conferencing equipment (5.) Writing for reporting and communication – with assessment and follow up support as needed

(1.) Recording and maintaining information on individuals, referrals and appointments; (2.) How to plan, organize and set-up presentations, training sessions, workshops, and other activities; (3.) Time management.

(1.) Define “culture” and “cultural competency” in the context of the role of CHWs and the healthcare workplace. (2.) Ways to work with different populations that include varied nationalities, religions, abled and disabled, genders, and LGBT (3.) Assess one’s level of cultural competency and determine and reflect on next steps in continued development. (4.) Understand culturally appropriate interventions that enhance the functioning of patient/constituent systems. (5.) Obtain feedback from peers and instructors for self-improvement.

(1.) Communication styles in different cultures (2.) Practice use of language confidently and appropriately; (3.) Methods of speaking and writing to individuals in their preferred language at an appropriate comprehension level including potential for using translators (4.) Understand how active listening and the use of paraphrasing/reflective expression support positive interactions; (5.) Techniques for effective communication with Patients and Teams including understanding closed and open ended questions, verbal and non verbal styles, teach back, and other techniques for different settings (6.) Group presentation (7.) Documentation and reporting - principles and practice (8.) Understand how judgments bias, and assumptions impact communication and relationship building (9.) Understand how situations may trigger both positive and negative reactions and identify strategies to handle responses objectively

(1.) Define motivation and understand the challenges and opportunities of behavioral change in health systems and community settings (2.) Learn techniques of motivational interviewing and practice with feedback from mentors and peers (3.) Reflect on personal experience in changing behavior (4.) Develop an understanding of how culture and behavioral change interact (5.) Understand the theories of change, harm reduction and risk reduction

(1.) Universal precautions, infection control, and blood borne pathogens (2.) CPR and First Aid (3.) Recognizing an emergency and understanding response protocols (4.) Risk assessment in the community and home (5.) Stress management and self care – how to stay healthy as a CHW

(1.) Understand confidentiality and its importance for the CHW (2.) Define ethics and its role in CHW work including requirements for mandatory reporting (3.) Learn about HIPPA and its application and communication across different cultural settings (4.) Understand the Patient’s Bill of Rights and other patient protections and rights as applicable (5.) Reflect on what it means to “Do no Harm” as a CHW (6.) Liability, negligence, malpractice, and scope of practice.

(1.) Methods for representation of others, their needs and the needs of the community; (2.) Understand standards for sensitivity, respectfulness, and empathetic behavior (3.) How to be effective in establishing relationships with individuals and service providers; (4.) Methods to assist individuals and groups in resolving conflicts and the importance of addressing those conflicts personally and professionally; (5.) How to recognize and appropriately respond to the beliefs, values, culture and languages of the populations being served; (6.) Understand the importance of boundaries in personal and professional setting.

(1.) Referral processes and follow up procedures (2.) Building networks to address community needs – theory and practice; (3.) Methods to improve access to resources; (4.) Becoming a liaison between organizations and specific groups.

(1.) Understand how to encourage and empower individuals to be self-sufficient by identifying problems and resources to solve problems; (2.) Learn methods for building local partnerships for improvement of service delivery; (3.) Learn methods that assist individuals in identifying and pursuing community goals; (4.) Learn ways of serving the community through formal and informal training; (5.) Ways to help build leadership skills in community members; (6.) Learn methods for assessing the needs of the community.

(1.) Promote a cause and organize individuals and existing resources and data to support the cause; (2.) Identify advocacy groups and develop plans for working with them; (3.) Learn methods to keep abreast of structural and policy changes in the community and health and human services systems; (4.) Learn methods that help individuals or communities to overcome barriers and withstand intimidation. (5.) Knowledge of consumer rights (6.) Advocating for yourself - Anticipate workplace change and is impact on your career aspirations and reflect on ways to continue your knowledge acquisition

(1.) Learn principles of adult learning and adult teaching strategies (2.) Understand methods that motivate, inspire and promote learning in one-on-one or group settings (3.) Understand instructional, mentoring and coaching techniques that address various learning styles; (4.) Customize instruction to individuals and situations (5.) Identify and explain the goals and objectives of a training program (6.) Evaluate the success of a training program and progress of individual learners; (7.) Provide reliable information appropriate to the needs of the learner;

(1.) Understand basic medical terminology and how to find reliable health information on the internet (2.) Gain and share basic knowledge of health and human services and specific health issues in the community; (3.) Understand basic preventive health strategies and characteristics of a healthy lifestyle including the role of diet, exercise and smoking cessation (4.) Gain a basic knowledge of chronic diseases and how they relate to the healthcare system including diabetes, asthma, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, infectious diseases (e.g. Hepatitis A,B,C, HIV/AIDS, STDs) (more advanced knowledge on specific diseases and conditions can be added or customized for specific employment situations) (5.) Understand the connection between mental health and chronic disease management and the basic characteristics of common mental illness such as depression and schizophrenia (6.) Understand the basic characteristics of substance abuse, domestic violence, loss and grieving (7.) Recognition and understanding of the special health needs of particular communities such as homeless, substance abusers, youth, frail elders, particular immigrant communities, pregnant parenting women and their families, communities of color, linguistic minorities. (8.) Using the internet and other resources to find information on specific health topics.