Community Health Worker Certification Program

Holy Cross Health now offers a Community Health Worker Certification Program for interested individuals. Through our training program, you can become a trusted advocate for health in your community! Our program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to support and promote community health through outreach, education, and advocacy.

What is a community health worker?

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are trusted public health professionals who serve as a vital link between communities and health and social services. By providing outreach, education, advocacy and support, CHWs help individuals access resources, improve health outcomes and build healthier, more empowered communities.

About the program

Holy Cross Health’s CHW Certification Program is accredited by the Maryland Department of Health. The training consists of over 100 hours of hybrid real-time instruction and are about 15 weeks, and a 40-hour in person practicum experience, which can be performed at Holy Cross Health (if space allows), or an approved organization (more will be discussed by the facilitator).

Nine core competencies

The CHW Certification Program focuses on nine core competencies:

• Advocacy and community capacity building skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Cultural competency
• Understanding of ethics and confidentiality issues
• Knowledge of local resources and system navigation
• Care coordination support skills
• Teaching skills to promote healthy behavior change
• Outreach methods and strategies
• Understanding of public health concepts and health literacy