Acts as a bridge between health care providers, community-based providers, and individuals in the community
Understands experiences, socioeconomic needs, language, and/or culture of the communities served
Spends time outreaching, providing health education, and helping patients navigate health systems
Identifies barriers to care and assists in changing service delivery to improve patient and community health
Builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through outreach, community education, social support, and advocacy
Serves as a liaison between communities and health care systems/agencies
Provides guidance and social assistance to patients and the entire care team
Enhances patients' ability to effectively communicate with healthcare providers and care team members
Provides culturally and linguistically appropriate health education using evidence-based sources
Advocates on behalf of patients, families, caregivers, and communities to obtain needed care and/or resources
Informs health care providers and care team members of barriers and challenges limiting patients' abilities
Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with community-based organizations and across the care continuum

Community Health Worker

Key skills