Community Health Worker Hub

Community Health Worker Training Program  

Austin Public Health is training interested community members to become certified Community Health Workers (CHWs). CHWs (also known as promotores de salud) are vital members of the public health community. CHWs specialize in community outreach and advocacy. CHW certification is provided through the Department of State Health Services. 

The City of Austin hosted its first 160-hour training program in 2022, and the next course will be coming soon in 2024.
 
If you have any questions, please email us at APH-CHWHUB@austintexas.gov. 

About Community Health Workers 

What do Community Health Workers do? 

A community health worker is a frontline public health worker. They serve as a bridge between their community and the government, the health care industry and social service systems. They use outreach, community education, counseling, and social advocacy to increase public health knowledge. They work in all geographic settings but are most often found in underprivileged and marginalized communities where people lack access to affordable and quality health care. They often serve in communities that have similar values, ethnic backgrounds and socio-economic status to how they were brought up. Examples of how CHWs help communities access resources include: 

• Educating individuals on health issues and teaching them strategies to improve their well-being. 
• Giving educational presentations in schools and speaking with children, parents and teachers. 
• Helping people learn how to find and access resources like quality care and health information, health insurance, housing or food. 
• Putting communities in contact with health care or social services. 
• Giving health screenings and referrals. 
• Helping people complete applications for insurance or health services. 
• Facilitating communication during interactions with health care or social service systems. 
• Interpreting and translating between health care services providers and patients. 
• Collecting data and reporting findings to healthcare providers. 
• Driving patients to their medical appointments. 
• Giving first aid and health services like blood pressure monitoring.  

Why are Community Health Workers so important to the community? 

Among the known outcomes of CHWs’ service are the following: 

• Improved access to health care services. 
• Increased health and screening. 
• Better understanding between community members and the health and social service system. 
• Enhanced communication between community members and health providers. 
• Increased use of health care services. 
• Improved adherence to health recommendations. 
• Reduced need for emergency and specialty services.  

Why is certification important?  

• The State of Texas acknowledges that promotores(as) or community health workers (CHWs) are an effective workforce in the community.  
• Certification brings recognition to promotores(as) or community health workers for their work in their communities.  
• Certification recognizes the promotor(a) or CHW’s diverse skills, including language translation. 
• Certification acknowledges promotor(a) or CHW training and work experience.  
• Certification increases employment opportunities.  
• Certification can help build self-esteem and self-worth.  
• Certification can further career goals.  
• Certification can help develop job market opportunities for paid employment and more respect for the work of promotores(as) or CHWs.  
• Certification can increase opportunities for further formal education.

Where do Community Health Workers work? 

There are many work settings for Community Health Workers, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, clinics, hospitals, schools, churches. Other possible job titles include family advocate, promoter, public health aide, health coach, peer counselor, community health advisor, health interpreter, health educator, liaison, patient navigator and outreach worker. 

FAQs 

How much does the training cost? 

Currently, the City of Austin is offering Community Health Worker training on a sliding scale to community members and organizations. 

 

How many people can register? 

Austin Public Health plans to have about 30 people per class. 

 

Who is eligible? 

Anyone 16 and up from the greater Austin area who can attend in-person activities can register. We will prioritize community members who have established relationships and work in their community.

 

Will you need my social security number, date of birth, etc? 

We only need your name, email and phone number. We do not need your identification. 

 

What will the CHW training cover? 

Community Health Worker training covers the 8 core competencies of community health work: 

1. Communication 
2. Interpersonal Skills 
3. Service Coordination Skills 
4. Capacity-Building Skills 
5. Advocacy Skills 
6. Teaching Skills 
7. Organizational Skills  
8. Knowledge Base on Specific Health Issues 

 

Will there be homework? 

In addition to the 4 hours of classroom time each week, Community Health Worker trainees will have to complete 60 hours of hands-on activities which can include current employment. Additionally, there will be homework each week. Hands-on activities will include practicing skills at work, school, or in faith-based settings. Trainees may volunteer with community partners or shadow Austin Public Health Community Health Workers. Total time commitment for the training program is 160 hours.  

 

Do I need to bring anything to class? 

If you are taking the class online, you will need access to the internet and a computer or tablet. 

If you are taking the in-person class, you will need to bring a pen or pencil and paper for notes. Other materials will be provided. 

 

Who will teach the course? 

The training course will be taught by DSHS-certified CHW Instructors who work for Austin Public Health. 

 

Do I have to attend every class? 

Yes, all 160 hours must be completed to graduate and be eligible for certification by DSHS. 

 

What if I miss a class? 

Since DSHS requires 20 hours in 8 competencies, if you will miss a class, planning ahead is best. Notify your instructor if you will miss so that you can watch the recording of the class online and complete make-up assignments.

 

What are some examples of hands-on activities? 

Hands-on activities should apply the training to your life and career. Most activities will be ones you can complete during work or volunteering, such as practicing professional speaking, educating clients, advocating for others, and connecting community members with resources.

 

Will the class be offered in any other languages? 

For the first class, we are only in English, but we hope to teach in other languages in the future. 

 

Will ASL interpretation be available? 

Online classes will be held via Zoom with closed caption available, and a sign language interpreter can be requested for in-person training. 

 

Will there be more classes later? 

While the 2023 classes are full, the City of Austin plans to host more classes in 2024, but they are not scheduled yet.  

 

What happens after graduation? 

After you complete the entire course, we will celebrate! Then you apply for certification on the Department of State Health Services website. According to their website, your application will be processed within 90 days. To keep certified, you must complete continuing education classes (CEUs). We will offer CEUs as well, so we will let you know when they are scheduled. 

 

Will I be hired by the City of Austin after training? 

Austin Public Health often hires Community Health Workers. However, training with Austin Public Health does not guarantee a job with the city. Please search current postings at Austin City Jobs. 

 

Will the City of Austin help me find a job after training? 

Austin Public Health cannot promise help with future employment, but we will share job and training opportunities. Also, friendships made during training can give you a professional network as you grow your career.