According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Community Health Workers (CHW) promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. They also serve as advocates for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. CHWs act as liaisons or advocates and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. They may deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings and may collect data to help identify community health needs.
This program benefits anyone interested in exploring educational and career pathways in community health, human services, healthcare or public health. The Community Health Worker program provides rigorous training for public health workers to serve as advocates and liaisons between traditionally underserved populations and health/social service providers.
Case Management is a healthcare process that recognizes the complexity of supporting a patient or client in optimizing not only healthcare but also one’s quality of life. The case management model offers both a philosophical and skills-based approach that can enhance the efforts of Community Health Workers. As “change agents,” CHWs draw from case management principles and skills to build strong relationships, enhance motivation and readiness for change, and strengthen multi-disciplinary communication.
This training series pairs Case Management foundational knowledge with other theoretical models addressing common challenges encountered in the field. The Stages of Change model, Motivational Interviewing, and a Trauma-Informed Approach are incorporated throughout the training series. Course material will be combined with a variety of interactive exercises that support skill development.
Learn more about CHWs, their job responsibilities, career outlook, and employment opportunities in Massachusetts at MA Association of CHWs
What kind of skills do I develop in the Community Health Worker program?
The program focuses on ten core competencies for community health work identified by the Massachusetts Board of Certification of Community Health Workers: (1) outreach methods and strategies, (2) individual and community assessment, (3) effective communication, (4) cultural responsiveness and mediation, (5) education to promote healthy behavior change, (6) care coordination and system navigation, (7) use of public health concepts and approaches, (8) advocacy and community capacity building, (9) documentation, and (10) professional skills and conduct.
The program addresses essential health topics relevant to community health work in Berkshire County such as chronic diseases (asthma, diabetes, heart disease, etc.), sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), substance abuse (alcohol, tobacco, opioids, etc.), physical and mental disabilities, reproductive health issues, domestic violence, mental health, trauma. The program also focuses on community health work in emergency and disaster situations. The program participants will learn the basics of contact tracing for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
How long is the program and where are all the classes held?
The program includes 42 hours of face-to-face instruction, 42 hours of online instruction through a learning management system (Moodle), and 20 hours of fieldwork at a local non-profit organization. Face-to-face and zoom classes alternate every other week for three hours and it is held once a week from 6 to 9 p.m. The program uses teaching methods appropriate for adult learning: experiential learning, interactive discussions, project-based assignments, group work, solution-centered activities, etc. The program relies on local experts in community health to present and explain health issues and existing community resources to the program participants. The content is designed by public health professionals and delivered by specialists directly involved in community health work in Berkshire County. Each of the core competencies for community health work will be evaluated through assessment tools and a final project. Participants who pass the course with least at 80% rate (based on attendance and assessment results) will receive a certificate of completion from Berkshire Community College.
Is there any fieldwork involved in the training?
CHW fieldwork is an important part of the program as it exposes participants to an organization/agency (site) that is directly involved in frontline community health work. Each program participant is required to complete at least 20 hours of fieldwork at a local organization or agency working in community health. The main goal of the fieldwork experience is to learn about community health work at the selected site through background research before commencing the fieldwork and shadowing community health professionals at the site for at least ten hours. CHW program participants will select their fieldwork sites from a list approved by BCC CHW program. Each organization/agency has an affiliation agreement with BCC. Any new sites should be approved through BCC.
Do I need to submit immunization records and pass a background check?
Berkshire Community College requires all students pass a CORI check before they start their fieldwork if they work with patients or clients. BCC will take care of all the paperwork related to the CORI check. Some sites may require certain immunizations or additional background checks.
Immunization records and background check may be waived if fieldwork is done online, or if the participant is not working directly with patients and clients.
How much does the program cost?
Scholarships may be available for qualified individuals.
Is there any financial assistance for this program?
Berkshire Community College may have grant funds to cover the cost of the program if you meet eligibility requirements. Please email workforce@berkshirecc.edu for more information.
Can I enroll in the program if I am still in high school?
The Community Health Worker program is open to high school juniors and seniors with parental permission.
