Community Health Worker

The Community Health Worker (CHW) Certificate Program at Woodland Community College - LCC is a structured course of study designed to prepare students for work in community public health, health care and human service fields. Community Health Workers serve as a two-way bridge between communities and essential health and social resources.  CHWs provide health assessments and facilitate referrals and attendance at appointments for physical and mental/behavioral healthcare, and actively connect clients with other community resources. CHWs provide client and family-centered peer-counseling, health assessments, health education, information and referrals, case management and client advocacy in both clinic and community settings.

All CHW classes are offered in the evenings or on weekends. Students are enrolled in a cohort or student group that takes key courses together, providing each other with peer support for academic and career success.   All CHW students must complete an 84-hour internship with local employers during the final semester. Credits are applicable towards an Associate Degree and are transferable to State University schools.

Students are required to pass HUSEV 40 - Introduction to Community Health Worker with a C or higher to continue into the Certificate Program. 

15 per year

The CHW Certificate is designed to prepare students for employment and professional success through a structured program aimed at adult learners. Specifically: 

1. Students will develop communication skills that enhance interpersonal relations and value cultural awareness and sensitivity.

2. Students will analyze the various factors that shape health and illness of individuals and communities and compare and propose strategies to improve health.

3. Students will be able to implement entry-level proficiency in CHW core competencies for working effectively with diverse individuals, groups and communities

4. Students will have the skills necessary to evaluate the need for, and to effectively facilitate referrals to resources that benefit the well-being of the individuals and families they serve.

5. Students will incorporate professional and ethical boundaries, conflict resolution, and self-care in their work. 

6. Students will have a thorough working knowledge of available local resources. 

CHW candidates are motivated, truly interested in the community they work with, and have personal and professional stability. Qualities such as warmth, flexibility, and knowledge of the community are important.  All CHW classes are offered in the evenings or on weekends. Students are enrolled in a cohort or student group that takes key courses together, providing each other with peer support for academic and career success.   All CHW students must complete the Introduction to CHW (1 credit - HUSEV 40)) with a grade of C or above prior to enrolling in the Foundations for CHWs courses (HUSEV 41,42), and complete an 84-hour internship with local employers during the final semester. Credits for ECE 3 and 31 are applicable towards an Associate Degree and are transferable to State University schools.