Roles of Community Health Workers

The roles and activities of community health workers (CHWs) are tailored to meet the unique needs of the communities they serve. A CHW's role depends on factors such their education, training, lived experience, and experience working with specific populations. CHWs may perform the following roles:

• Create connections between vulnerable populations and healthcare providers
• Help patients navigate healthcare and social service systems
• Manage care and care transitions for vulnerable populations
• Reduce social isolation among patients
• Determine eligibility and enroll individuals in health insurance plans
• Ensure cultural competence among healthcare providers serving vulnerable populations
• Educate healthcare providers and stakeholders about community health needs
• Provide culturally appropriate health education on topics related to chronic disease prevention, physical activity, and nutrition
• Advocate for underserved individuals or communities to receive services and resources to address health needs
• Collect data and relay information to stakeholders to inform programs and policies
• Provide informal counseling, health screenings, and referrals
• Build community capacity to address health issues
• Address social determinants of health

The specific roles of CHWs may depend on:

• Services provided by the program, such as:
  • Advocacy
  • Outreach and enrollment
  • Navigation
  • Education
  • Health services
  • Social-emotional support
• CHW skills and background, such as:
  • Education
  • Certification
  • Training
  • Communication
  • Interpersonal and relationship-building
  • Cultural competence
  • Advocacy and capacity-building
  • Facilitation and motivational interviewing

Resources to Learn More

Community Health Worker Roles and Responsibilities in Rural and Urban America
Document
Results of a study to explore CHW roles and responsibilities, the growing professionalization of the field, and interactions between CHWs and other healthcare providers.
Author(s): Callaghan, T.H., Washburn, D.J., Schmit, C.D., et al.
Organization(s): Southwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 11/2019