Community Health Worker

Your Fit

Income

$62K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

14.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Community Health Worker?

Community Health Workers are public health professionals who serve as a bridge between communities and healthcare systems. They focus on improving the overall health of communities by providing health education, advocacy, and connecting people to needed health services.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Community Health Worker.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Community Health Worker earn

Income data is from Canada's latest census. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Community Health Worker.

$62K

CAD per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $2K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Community Health Worker do?

Work environment

Community Health Workers typically work in various settings, including non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, government health departments, and sometimes in field environments directly within communities. Their role often requires them to travel within the community, attending community events, home visits, and meetings.

Quick task list

Educates community members about health issues and healthy practices.
Connects individuals to healthcare services and resources.
Advocates for individual and community needs.
Collects data and reports on community health needs.
Collaborates with healthcare providers and organizations to improve community health.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Maternal Health: Focusing on the health of mothers and infants.
Chronic Disease Management: Assisting patients with chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease.
Substance Abuse: Helping individuals struggling with substance abuse find resources and treatment.
Mental Health: Providing support and resources for mental health issues.
Health Education and Promotion: Specializing in educating communities about health practices and prevention.

Description

Community Health Workers play a vital role in improving access and quality of healthcare in underserved or marginalized communities. They work closely with community members to understand their needs and concerns, providing valuable insights for healthcare systems to address these issues effectively. Their role is diverse, including health promotion, disease prevention, advocacy, and community-based research. They often develop and implement community health programs, organize health screenings, and provide informal counseling.

The position requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, as building trust and relationships within the community is crucial. They need to be culturally sensitive and aware, able to work with diverse populations, and understand the social determinants of health that impact their community. Community Health Workers often collaborate with a wide range of professionals, including healthcare providers, social workers, and public health officials, to develop strategies and interventions that improve community health outcomes.

The work of a Community Health Worker is deeply rooted in social justice, focusing on reducing health disparities and improving health equity. It involves not only individual health education but also advocacy and community organizing to address broader social and environmental issues impacting health.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a tangible difference in the health and well-being of community members.
Building strong relationships within the community.
Working on a variety of tasks and projects that directly impact public health.

You might make a good Community Health Worker if you are...

Passionate about helping others and improving community health.
An effective communicator, comfortable with public speaking and education.
Culturally sensitive and adept at working with diverse groups.
Self-motivated, with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Interested in public health, healthcare, and social justice issues.

Pros:

Rewarding work that has a positive impact on the community.
Opportunities to work in diverse settings and with various populations.
Growing field with increasing recognition of the importance of community health.

Cons:

Potentially challenging work environments, dealing with sensitive health issues.
The need for flexibility, as work hours can vary based on community needs.
Emotional demands from working closely with individuals in difficult situations.

How to become a Community Health Worker

Typical education

The education requirements can vary; however, a high school diploma is often essential, with some roles requiring post-secondary education or a bachelor's degree in public health or a related field. On-the-job training is common, and some states have certification programs for Community Health Workers.

High school preparation

Courses:

Health Sciences to understand basic health concepts.
Sociology and Psychology to learn about social dynamics and human behavior.
Communication Studies for developing effective communication and public speaking skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering for health-related community service or local non-profits.
Participating in health-related clubs, such as a wellness club or peer health educator group.
Engaging in leadership roles in school or community organizations, particularly those focusing on social issues or advocacy.

Preparation after high school

Consider pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree in public health, health education, or a related field.
Gain experience through internships or volunteer positions in community health settings.
Attend workshops and training in areas such as health education, community engagement, and cultural competency.
Obtain certification if available in your state or region for Community Health Workers.
Stay informed about current public health issues and trends.

More resources

American Public Health Association – Community Health Workers - Provides resources and advocacy information for Community Health Workers.
National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW) - Offers a platform for professional development, resources, and networking opportunities.
Community Health Worker Core Consensus (C3) Project - Aims to unify the role and competencies of Community Health Workers.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Community Health Workers - Offers comprehensive information, data, and resources on the role of Community Health Workers in public health.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.