A CHW also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy. This trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competency of service delivery.
In January 2010, the role of Community Health Worker was officially recognized by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor as Standard Occupational Classification 21–1094.Īccording to the American Public Health Association, a Community Health Worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. CHWs can work under many different job titles, including promotores de salud/promatora, community health representative, community advisor, outreach worker, peer educator, patient navigator, and other related titles.
