Community Health Worker Professional Skills Training

The CHW Professional Skills training was developed to build the skills of new and seasoned Community Health Workers and other front-line professionals committed to advancing community health. Recognizing that the term community health workers is viewed as an umbrella term that encompasses many different roles and job titles, it is recommended that you review the training content outlined below to determine whether the training can be helpful to the work you do.

The CHW Professional Skills training is delivered as five asynchronous courses (approximately 30 hours) that are available on-demand at the learner’s convenience. In addition to the recorded training, learners will complete quizzes, assignments, and participate in four live, virtual learning discussion sessions.

This skills-based course includes five courses covering the following topics:

Course 1: Introduction to Community Health Work: The Big Picture

Module 1: The Role of Community Health Workers
Module 2: The Evolution of the Community Health Worker
Module 3: Introduction to Public Health
Module 4: Healthcare and Health Policy
Module 5: Health Equity for All

Course 2: Core Competencies for Providing Direct Services

Module 6: Cultural Humility, Implicit Bias, Gender Issues, Disability Etiquette
Module 7: Guiding Principles for Community Health Workers
Module 8: Conducting Client-Centered Interviews

Course 3: Enhancing Client Interactions

Module 9: Client-Centered Counseling for Behavior Change
Module 10: Care Management
Module 11: Home Visiting

Course 4: Enhancing Professional Skills

Module 12: Stress Management and Self Care
Module 13: Conflict Resolution
Module 14: CHW Professional Skills

Course 5: Applying Core Competencies to Key Health Issues

Module 15: Chronic Conditions Management
Module 16: Promoting Healthy Eating and Active Living
Module 17: Understanding Trauma and Supporting the Recovery of Survivors
Module 18: Health Outreach and Navigating Community-Based Resources
Module 19: Managing COVID Response and Recovery
Module 20: Evaluation and Research

ELIGIBILITY

Age 18 and above.

High School Diploma or equivalent (preferred).

Ability to read and understand spoken English.

PRICING

CHW Professional Skills Training – $988 per participant.

Special opportunities are available for Iowa residents and individuals employed in Iowa to receive tuition waivers and stipend support.

What former students have to say…

I currently work in a low income/high behaviors elementary school. In my position as building secretary I utilize the skills and training I received through the Community Health Worker program. Because of this program I am better able to identify students in need in our school and am able to refer families to area agencies utilizing the list I created in the program. I am also better able to support our students on a day-to-day basis emotionally, physically, and mentally. I highly recommend this program because it is applicable to so many different positions!

Abigail Palmer

CHW Professional Skills Training – Cohort 5

…The program was easy to navigate with the help of ICCC – they sent reminders when we needed to provide information. Even though it is an intensive program, it was well worth it.

Anesa Buchanana

Former Senior Clinic Administrator

Earning the CHW credential and completing the training program, gives me recognition for all the hard work I do to help our patients.

Julie Burkle

Community Health Worker

ACCREDITATION

Successful completion of the CHW Professional Skills Training results in the award of a non-credit certificate from the Des Moines Area Community College, or other Iowa community college of choice, and a competency certificate from the Iowa Chronic Care Consortium. Additionally, opportunities for continuing education credits (CEUs and CMEs) may be available to licensed healthcare professionals for this training. Click here to learn more.

Iowa Residents: LEARN MORE ABOUT TUITION WAIVER AND STIPEND OPPORTUNITIES

Non-Iowa Residents: ACCESS THE TRAINING REGISTRATION FORM

To learn more information about Community Health Worker Professional Skills Training, please review the Frequently Asked Questions located on this site, or contact Deb Kazmerzak at deb.kazmerzak@iowaccc.com or 515-554-3788.