1. Abides by blood-borne pathogens and universal precautions standards when interacting with clients and providing services
2. Practices situational awareness, assesses community safety, recognizes psychological and behavioral risk factors, and engages in practices that ensure both client and CHW safety
3. Recognizes and corrects hazards in the workplace, escalating to appropriate authorities when necessary
4. Exercises personal safety precautions for home and community visits
5. Engages emergency procedures and refers clients to emergency services when necessary
6. Wears appropriate personal protection equipment and attire, including clearly visible identification

1. Puts state and national CHW code of ethics into practice
2. Functions as a culturally competent practitioner, shows understanding of the patient’s culture, recognizes one’s own biases, and works mindfully with this insight
3. Maintains confidentiality by adhering to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and CHW code of ethics
4. Collaborates effectively and appropriately in a team setting
5. Provides accurate and complete information to authorized caregivers
6. Makes decisions and solves problems following the CHW scope of work, including raising issues to appropriate systems of care
7. Follows state-specific and employer-specific guidelines for mandated reporting
8. Follows organizational procedures to report inaccuracies within a client setting
9. Sets and abides by healthy and professional boundaries when interacting with clients

1. Educates individuals and communities about how to find, use, and choose resources within the health and social service systems (including explaining how systems operate)
2. Educates health and social service systems and providers about community perspectives and cultural norms, including supporting the implementation of National Standards of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Health and Health Care
3. Expands health literacy among constituents served
4. Facilitates cross-cultural communication among individuals, communities, and health and social service system workers
5. Conducts health promotion and prevention education in a matter that matches the linguistic and cultural needs of participants or community.
6. Communicates information using language sensitive to clients’ cultural, gender, sexual, religious, and socioeconomic identity and background
7. Provides necessary information and support to individuals and communities to understand the etiology, pathology, and likely outcomes of health conditions (including chronic diseases) and the appropriate prevention and management strategies

1. Participates in care coordination or case management as part of the health care team
2. Provides referrals and follow-up support to ensure that services are obtained for clients
3. Conducts ongoing assessments (following organizational schedule) to determine effectiveness and appropriateness of services and resources
4. Works with clients to ensure their awareness of community resources that can help reduce barriers to services (e.g., transportation, translation, and counseling)
5. Identifies and informs people and systems about community assets and challenges
6. Connects individuals and communities to resources and advocates for basic needs (e.g., food and housing)
7. Participates in community care hubs and referral systems to develop and maintain effective relationships and communication with community-based organizations (CBOs)
8. Uses technology to identify relevant community resources and route patients to the most appropriate resources and practitioners

1. Provides individual social support and coaching
2. Motivates and encourages people to obtain care and other services
3. Promotes and supports individuals’ self-determination and independent management of health and chronic diseases
4. Collaborates and advocates for the needs and perspectives of communities served
5. Plans, organizes or leads support groups

1. Educates and empowers individuals to manage health, access services, support others, and advocate for their needs
2. Assists communities in building capacity by identifying resources, coordinating services, linking support systems, and implementing advocacy strategies to address unmet needs
3. Identifies and works with CHW peers to help others grow professionally, act ethically, and meet the needs of the individuals and communities served
4. Participates in learning collaboratives and opportunities to improve personal capacity (with organizational approval)

1. Conducts and accurately reports and communicates results and implications of basic screening tests (e.g., height, weight, blood pressure)
2. Administers CPR or basic first aid when necessary and permitted by state scope of practice laws
3. Follows organizational protocols for collecting and distributing materials that meet basic needs (e.g., provides food, blankets, and clothing to those in need)
4. Assesses clients’ nutritional status and access to healthy foods, connects them with sources of nutritious food, and educates on preparing healthy, affordable meals
5. Administers Narcan in emergency overdose situations
6. Uses appropriate technology to help clients and care teams manage chronic medical conditions

1. Collaborates with supervisors to design, implement, and interpret individual-level assessments (e.g., home environment and mental health)
2. Conducts Social Determinants of Health Screenings (SDHS)
3. Collaborates with supervisors to design, implement, and interpret community-level assessments (e.g., windshield surveys and asset mapping)
4. Monitors, prevents, and responds to disease transmission in communities and other settings, per organizational requirements

1. Identifies and recruits individuals, families, and community groups for participation within services and systems
2. Follows up on health and social service encounters with individuals, families, and community groups
3. Conducts home or telemedicine visits to provide education, assessments, and social support
4. Conducts outreach to CBOs (e.g., nonprofits, faith-based organizations, community resource centers)
5. Creates and presents reports and informational presentations at local agencies and community events to educate individuals and the community about health and social service concerns and resources
6. Identifies policy influencers and opportunities, advocates for positive changes, and engages individuals and communities in grassroots support

1. Explains what services third-party payers cover when provided by a qualified CHW
2. Interprets documentation, such as the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, uses the correct service codes, and properly bills third-party payers for services rendered
3. Follows third-party payers’ regulations regarding frequency and duration of services and billing requirements
4. Uses appropriate format, including electronic medical records, to record client care notes and document billable interactions with care team members, medical professionals, and third-party service providers
5. Maintains communication channels with other members of the health care team, including physicians and case managers
6. Submits accurate and complete invoices or requisitions for third-party payment

1. Participates in an evaluation and feedback structure for community workshops, presentations, services, and programs
2. Identifies and engages community members as research partners, including community consent processes
3. Identifies priority issues for evaluation or research
4. Develops evaluation or research design and methods
5. Collects, tracks, and interprets individual- and population-level data
6. Appropriately shares results and findings of research or evaluations
7. Engages community stakeholders to take action on findings
8. Uses technology, including artificial intelligence, to gather existing research around a research question

Sample learning objectives Explain the mission of the employer’s organization. Describe the organizational structure of the employer’s organization. Explain the chain of command in the employer’s organization and the steps an employee should take to report concerns about workplace practices or behaviors or to share ideas about improving processes or efficiencies. Detail the employer’s policies for workplace conduct and ethics. Explain the employer’s policies regarding medical leave and vacation. Clarify the requirements of the apprenticeship program and the apprentice’s role in the organization’s business activities.

Sample learning objectives Accurately add, subtract, multiply, and divide with and without a calculator. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals. Convert fractions to decimals and vice versa. Solve problems using proportions and ratios. Solve simple algebraic equations. Determine the circumference and diameter of a circle. Name and calculate the angles and lengths of the sides of different types of triangles. Properly use exponents and demonstrate the ability to mathematically manipulate numbers expressed with exponents. Convert between the British and English systems and the metric system. Use the metric system, including performing commonly used metric conversions.

Sample learning objectives List and explain the role of federal and state agencies that fund, regulate, promote, and oversee community and public health programs. Explain the role of the CHW as part of a comprehensive health care team. Discuss the CHW’s scope of practice and identify appropriate limits on information or advice that a community health worker can provide. Explain individual’s and communities’ challenges in obtaining proper and sufficient medical care, prescription drugs, healthy foods, safe living arrangements, safe transportation, exercise, and employment. Describe the impact of race, ethnicity, and gender on community health—social determinants of health. Discuss the importance of patient privacy, the requirements of HIPAA, and strategies for gathering information and organizing proper care in compliance with HIPAA protections.

Sample learning objectives List the types of medical professionals one finds in a typical health care team and define the scope and limits of practice associated with each. Name the type of medical provider who typically diagnoses and treats different diseases or specializes in particular body systems. Explain the importance of electronic medical records and the requirements/limitations on who may enter and access these records. Properly contact and converse with medical and social services professionals to get information about programs and services and to provide information about a client’s needs. Demonstrate the ability to properly use electronic communication technologies like email, text messaging, chat messaging, and client services software. Properly format an email, a memorandum, and a business letter, and compose correspondence using proper sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word choices. Explain and access resources to enable communication with those who do not speak English, have hearing or speech limitations, or have intellectual disabilities or age-related cognitive deficiencies. Identify grants available to CHWs or the individuals they serve and prepare and timely submit a complete and accurate grant application. Record and store properly formatted, accurately written and complete client care notes, including those related to a client’s care or treatment plan, interactions with third-party providers, and activities related to community health integration services.

Sample learning objectives Explain the etymology of commonly used medical terms. Correctly identify the meaning of Latin prefixes, suffixes, and root terms that are commonly used in medicine. Describe the function of each of the body’s major systems and use the correct terms to list the component organs and tissues of each system. Identify the medical specialist that treats each of the body’s systems. Correctly identify commonly diagnosed medical conditions associated with each of the body’s major systems. Explain how to find the correct spelling and definition of terms with which the student is not familiar. Demonstrate understanding and effectively use medical abbreviations.

Sample learning objectives Interpret medical terms and abbreviations used commonly in medical records, prescriptions, and medical communication. List the main systems of the human body and describe their function: skeletal system, muscular system, endocrine system, digestive system, respiratory system, pulmonary system, reproductive system, neurological system, etc. Measure vital signs and identify values outside the normal range based on the client’s age and gender. Explain the challenges of drug, alcohol, smoking, and vaping addiction, as well as the programs available to those trying to end harmful habits. Educate individuals on the dangers of prescription drug abuse, illegal drug use, excess alcohol consumption, and smoking/vaping. Explain the cause and symptoms of common health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, addiction, hypertension, and mental health concerns. Educate individuals on behavioral changes to improve their condition and assist them in navigating federal, state, and nonprofit organizations and programs to obtain the support and care they need. Explain the importance of diet and nutrition in the prevention of disease and the improvement of quality of life, demonstrate the ability to help individuals plan and prepare healthy meals, and demonstrate the ability to help diabetics understand the connection between diet and illness or tertiary symptoms. Explain the importance of handwashing and other techniques to reduce disease transmission. Demonstrate proper use of personal protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, eye protection, protective garments, and protective footwear. Explain the importance of being culturally competent and demonstrate the ability to interact with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic, and political backgrounds. Describe the resources and services available to migrants and undocumented individuals and identify nonprofit organizations that serve this population’s unique needs. Explain the impact of various religious beliefs and practices on the types of medical care an individual may seek or deny, the dietary choices of some individuals, and choices regarding contraception and reproductive care. Describe the importance of immunizations, the types of immunizations available and the schedule for administering them, and the reasons that some individuals refuse to be vaccinated or have their children vaccinated at certain times or against certain diseases.

Sample learning objectives Name the structures and describe the function of each component of the male and female reproductive systems. List the types of common conditions that interfere with reproductive health. Explain the process of conception and implantation of an embryo, identify key stages of fetal development, and explain the stages of labor and delivery of a human infant. Discuss the abnormalities that can interfere with conception or a healthy pregnancy resulting in a full-term baby. Differentiate between and list the advantages and disadvantages of various contraceptive pharmaceuticals, devices, and practices (including natural family planning). Define sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), discuss ways to prevent transmission of these diseases, and describe the types of treatments available to prevent, eliminate, or control the spread of STDs. Differentiate between contraceptives and abortifacients and explain federal, state and local laws regarding the use of birth control drugs and devices, including abortifacients. Differentiate between scientific (genetic) and psychosocial gender identification. Define the various terms used to describe an individual’s sexual orientation (LGBTQ, gender fluid, gender uncertain, etc.) and ascertain and properly use a client’s chosen pronoun(s). Explain the physical and psychological impact of rape, the legal requirements to report rape, the legal and medical procedures used to prosecute perpetrators of rape, and the services and support programs available to rape victims. Describe the additional protections and obligations in place to protect children and minors from rape and incest. Demonstrate the ability to teach groups and individuals about human sexuality, contraception, labor and delivery, and pregnancy termination. Identify free and reduced-priced medical, food, and social services available to those seeking contraception, termination of a pregnancy, prenatal care, and postnatal care.

Sample learning objectives Explain the typical stages of labor and delivery and identify the signs and symptoms of an abnormal or dangerous birth. Identify providers of labor and delivery classes, newborn care classes, and parenting classes. Demonstrate the ability to diaper, swaddle, dress, feed, bathe, and provide basic care to an infant. Explain the types of care and support new mothers and families need postpartum and identify community-based resources that ensure access to adequate food, formula, diapers, and other items needed for maternal and child health. Describe the nutritional needs of infants and challenges that new mothers may have in nursing their babies, including inadequate milk production, lack of access to clean facilities for pumping and storing milk, or health conditions that may make it challenging or impossible for mothers to nurse their babies. Identify child care services available for infants and children and assist client in completing applications for access to that care. Explain the unique nutritional needs of mothers during pregnancy and in the postpartum period and of fetuses and infants through their first year of life. Identify programs available from federal, state, local, and nonprofit agencies to help mothers access and prepare healthy foods for themselves and their children. Perform infant and child CPR to respond appropriately to infant choking and to provide immediate care in the event of a burn, frostbite, dehydration, laceration, broken bones, drowning, or trauma. Provide education to parents about proper care for infants and children. Explain the opportunities and challenges in obtaining federal subsidies and services, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), family leave, Social Security, unemployment, and subsidized child care benefits. Explain the main stages of infant development and the developmental milestones used to assess infant health. Explain the genetic and developmental disorders that impact fetal and infant health and development. Demonstrate the ability to organize maternal support groups and parent–child playgroups and to educate parents about how to stimulate cognitive and physical development in their children. Explain how the Medicaid system works and demonstrate the ability to guide eligible families in applying for, receiving, and using Medicaid benefits.

Sample learning objectives Describe the psychological and physical aging-related changes that may make it difficult for older individuals to care for themselves and others. Explain the signs and symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and identify programs and resources available to those experiencing memory challenges or the families responsible for providing care to those individuals. Describe and demonstrate the ability to guide elderly individuals in obtaining federal and state benefits, such as Social Security, SNAP, and Medicare. Explain how Medicare works and demonstrate the ability to guide eligible individuals in applying for, receiving, and using Medicare benefits. Identify medical providers geographically suited to care for clients and accept Medicare benefits. Support individuals in understanding how to access Medicare benefits and supplemental health insurance. Educate elderly individuals about their unique nutritional needs, help them plan and prepare healthy meals, develop and execute an appropriate exercise plan, and safeguard themselves against falls and accidents. Provide psychological support to elderly individuals and help them manage challenging situations, such as losing a spouse, child, or grandchild. Assist elderly individuals in identifying housing opportunities that are available to them and that are affordable or appropriately subsidized through federal, state, or nonprofit programs.

Sample learning objectives Explain the prevailing theories about normal and abnormal psychological development. Describe the normal stages of psychological development for infants, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. List the types of psychological disorders that often become apparent or problematic at various stages of development. Explain the significance of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders and use the DSM to research various conditions and illnesses. Name and define the types of mental illness most often seen in clinical settings, such as depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, addiction, compulsive disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders, schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, multiple personality disorders, and gender dysphoria. List the drugs commonly used to treat various psychological disorders, their side effects, the result of overdose or instant cessation of treatment, and the effects of illegal distribution and use/abuse of these drugs. Explain the importance of play in childhood development and demonstrate the ability to organize age-appropriate play activities for individual children or groups of children. Describe the importance of reading to child development and identify resources that can assist parents in obtaining books, developing their literacy skills to read to their children, and providing reading-based play activities (such as library programs) to encourage and enable reading. Explain the challenges associated with the use of social media, including bullying, promiscuity, predatory behaviors, access to illegal or tainted drugs, and harmful practices. Describe the proper use of emergency response medications, such as Narcan, in the case of opioid overdose.

Sample learning objectives List the food groups, explain the relative proportion of each that should be included in a healthy diet, and provide examples of foods in each group with high nutritional value. Explain the link between food, hunger, and obesity. Describe ethnic, cultural, racial, and socioeconomic differences that may impact an individual’s food access and choices. Explain the food pyramid and discuss concerns about the most recent update of the FDA-approved food pyramid. Describe the impact of salt and sugar on human health. Explain the types of food allergies and intolerances common among certain races, ethnic groups, age groups, or geographically situated individuals. Provide recipes and instruct individuals in preparing healthy meals, including meals that eliminate food allergens such as gluten, shellfish, peanuts, etc. Explain the challenges of peanut allergies, current National Institutes of Health guidelines for combating peanut allergies in children, and policies regarding food service in public facilities where individuals with peanut allergies might be present. Explain the signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock and describe the emergency response procedures when an individual shows signs of this reaction to food or medication. When working in farming communities, demonstrate an understanding of the unique challenges that migrant farmworkers face in caring for themselves and their children.

Sample learning objectives Explain the importance of ethical conduct when working with clients, groups, third-party service providers, and other health care team members. Engage in continuing education and professional development to develop new skills and stay current on best practices in providing CHW care. Explain the purpose of HIPAA regulations and correctly respond to scenarios and role-playing activities that require CHWs to make decisions regarding patient privacy and information sharing. Explain state and federal laws regarding the scope of practice limits and requirements as well as mandatory reporting requirements (such as in the case of suspected elder abuse or child abuse). Detail the rules for payment under Medicaid and Medicare and the process for reporting suspected errors or fraud in Medicare billing. Discusses the consequences of committing insurance fraud. Explain the challenges associated with the use and administration of narcotics in the home hospice setting and provide patient education on ways to properly store and dispose of Schedule III drugs.