Community Health Worker

The Community Health Worker (CHW) Certificate is a professional training program for individuals committed to health equity and social justice. Acting as a frontline link between clinical settings, social services, and the community, students learn to identify health concerns, collect data, and implement outreach programs that improve coordination of care. By bridging the gap between clinical providers and the community, CHWs play a transformative role in improving health outcomes for those who need it most. This certificate prepares graduates for impactful roles in public health departments, non-profit organizations, and healthcare clinics.

20 students per year

Through several discussions with industry, including a survey and advisory meeting, it is clear that there is a strong need and desire to expand the community health workforce. Shasta College has a unique opportunity to create a Community Health Worker/Public Health Pathway that benefits industry, students, and the broader community. This pathway will align with the college’s Educational Master Plan and will also support the efforts of SCFF, K12 SWP, and CTE Pathways. It complements CCC Vision 2030 by offering stackable certificates and an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), which will increase the number of students completing meaningful educational outcomes. Ultimately, this pathway aims to provide students with the skills needed to secure living-wage employment, while contributing to community engagement across our large geographical area.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Apply a trauma-informed framework to community health outreach and care coordination by recognizing the physiological and psychological impacts of individual and systemic trauma, ensuring that all client-centered interventions prioritize safety, empowerment, and the reduction of health disparities for vulnerable populations. 
2. Evaluate social determinants of health within a specific population to identify systemic barriers such as transportation, language, or socioeconomic gaps—and prioritize interventions that promote health equity. 
3. Apply knowledge of medical and social service networks to assist clients in navigating complex systems, ensuring the seamless delivery of appropriate care through direct referrals and resource management. 
4. Demonstrate client-centered counseling and professional liaison techniques to bridge communication gaps between providers and diverse communities, ensuring care plans are culturally sensitive and community-aligned. 
5. Develop and execute community-based health education and outreach programs designed to improve preventative care behaviors and reduce health disparities in high-risk populations.

HEOC 4 Intro to Community Health Work 4 units

HEOC 5 Advanced Skills for the Community Health Worker 4 units

HUSV 14 Introduction to Case Management 3 units

PH 11 Healthcare Systems 3 units

PH 13 Social Determinants of Health, Disparities and Equities 3 units

PH 10 Drugs, Health, and Society 3 units

HEOC 94 Health Occupations Work Experience Education 1  units

Total Units 21