Certification Benefits for Community Health Professionals

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The term “community health worker” covers a wide range of public health outreach professionals who have a deep understanding of the communities in which they work. From the experiences of their clients to the languages they speak, the cultures they live and celebrate, to their socioeconomic status and needs. The umbrella title of “community health worker” applies to those who perform outreach, engagement, education, coaching, informal counseling, social support, advocacy, care coordination, and research that is related to the social aspects of health, health screenings, and health risk assessments.

For those who have a job and play a professional role in the community health space, becoming certified as a Community Health Worker and joining the Community Health Workers Association of Connecticut (CHWACT) come with ample benefits.

Please continue to read for a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding CHWACT and certification:

Who is included under the title of “community health worker”?

Common titles of professions that fall under the umbrella of “community health worker” include health coach, community health advisor, family advocate, health educator, liaison, promoter, outreach worker, peer counselor, patient navigator, health interpreter, public health aide, and the like.

What is the Community Health Workers Association of Connecticut?

The Community Health Workers Association of Connecticut (CHWACT) is a part of the CT Public Health Association and acts as the statewide professional association for Community Health Workers (CHWs) in the state. CHWACT aims to promote the community's voice within the health care system through the development of the role of CHWs, and provides a forum to share resources and strategies.

What does the CHWACT do?

The CHWACT provides information, education, and capacity-building for CHWs, CHW employers, CHW champions, and community members. We offer networking and professional development opportunities for CHWs; influence CHW-related policymaking; and advocate for a strong, sustainable CHW workforce in Connecticut. Additionally, we collect and share current data impacting the CHW workforce in Connecticut, New England, and the U.S. as a whole.

What are the benefits of certification as a community health worker?

With a certification, you gain a recognized credential that can help you advance your career! Whether you are interested in more respect for the important work you do, or more awareness of your diverse skills and the community work you perform—all are benefits that come with certification. In addition, certification acknowledges your training and past work experience; may expand your employment and career opportunities; increases your credibility; and can also build self-esteem and confidence. Become a part of a professional workforce and enjoy all that comes with it.

How can I become a member of CHWACT?

CHWs can become a member for $25. Membership applications must first be approved before officially becoming a member of CHWACT.

For more information and to apply, visit cpha.info/page/CHWACT.

How can I become a certified CHW?

There are two ways to become certified:

1. If you are already trained and educated as a CHW by an organization approved by the Community Health Workers Advisory Body; are at least 16 years old; submit one professional reference from an employer and one reference from a member of the community, both with direct knowledge of your experience as a CHW; and have at least 1,000 hours of experience working as a CHW during the three years before you apply.
2. If you have at least 2,000 hours of paid or unpaid experience as a CHW; and submit one professional reference from an employer and one reference from a member of the community, both with direct knowledge of your experience as a CHW.

For more information and to apply for certification, visit https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Practitioner-Licensing--Investigations/Community-Health-Worker/Community-Health-Worker-Licensing.

For more information about the Community Health Workers Association of Connecticut, please visit cpha.info/page/CHWACT.

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