CHW Career Paths: Good Skills, Roles, and Growth Opportunities

The demand for community health workers (CHWs) is growing rapidly, and so are CHW career paths. The employment of community health workers is projected to grow 13% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Organizations at all levels recognize their role in improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. If you’re an employer looking to build or strengthen your CHW workforce, understanding job roles, essential skills, and career growth opportunities will help you develop a better team.

The employment of community health workers is projected to grow 13% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook

What Is a CHW?

A community health worker is a trusted member of the community who helps individuals navigate the healthcare system, access resources, and make informed decisions about their well-being. CHWs work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, and government programs, supporting public health initiatives and addressing disparities in healthcare access.

Common CHW Career Paths, Job Titles and Roles

CHWs can hold different job titles depending on their specific duties. Check out our guide to job titles and roles for help identifying the best candidate. Here are some of the most common:

Health Education and Promotion

• Health Educator
• Promotor(a) de Salud
• Health Promoter

CHWs in these roles provide education on healthy living, disease prevention, and chronic disease management. Your team might lead workshops, distribute health materials, and raise awareness about important health issues in the community.

Advocacy and Support

• Health Advocate
• Peer Advocate

Advocacy is a key part of a CHW’s work. Your employees might help clients navigate the healthcare system, provide guidance on patient rights, or work with policymakers to improve health programs.

Care Coordination and System Navigation

• Care Coordinator
• Service Navigator
• Family Resource Coordinator

CHWs in these positions help people access medical and non-medical services. Your organization can benefit from CHWs scheduling appointments, connecting clients with specialists, or ensuring they understand their treatment plans.

Cultural Competence and Community Outreach

• Community Health Representative
• Outreach Specialist
• Family Support Worker

CHWs play an essential role in bridging cultural and language gaps between communities and healthcare providers. Your team may also conduct outreach initiatives to engage underserved populations and improve program reach.

Data Collection and Health Screenings

• Survey Interviewer
• Patient Navigator
• Prevention Educator

Many CHWs collect data to track health trends and evaluate community needs. Your organization may leverage CHWs to conduct surveys, organize screenings, or assist with early detection of diseases.

Essential Skills for CHW Success

To be effective, CHWs need a mix of technical and interpersonal skills. Employers should prioritize these competencies when hiring and training their teams.

Want to strengthen your CHW team’s skills? Register for our Core Competencies Online Training to equip your workforce with essential skills.

Communication and Relationship Building

• Active listening
• Nonverbal communication
• Conflict resolution
• Motivational interviewing

Building trust with community members is one of the most important aspects of a CHW’s work. Your team’s ability to listen, express empathy, and communicate clearly will make a significant difference in outcomes.

Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity

• Understanding diverse backgrounds
• Promoting cultural humility
• Recognizing biases

CHWs must work effectively with people from different backgrounds. Training programs should emphasize respect for cultural differences and the challenges communities face.

Advocacy and Capacity Building

• Empowering clients to manage their health
• Identifying and removing barriers to care
• Helping clients navigate health systems

Your CHWs aren’t just providing information—they’re helping people take control of their own health.

Organizational and Documentation Skills

• Tracking client interactions
• Recording health data
• Managing referrals

Proper documentation ensures clients receive the right services and allows your program to measure impact effectively.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving

• Thinking quickly in new situations
• Handling crises with confidence
• Finding creative ways to support clients

Every day brings new challenges, so CHWs must be flexible and resourceful.

How Employers Can Support CHW Career Paths

Investing in your CHW workforce leads to better retention, more effective services, and improved community health outcomes. Here’s how employers can support CHW career development:

1. Provide Ongoing Training and Certification

Many states require CHWs to complete certification programs. Even if it’s not mandatory in your area, offering structured training increases job satisfaction and improves service quality.

2. Support Specialization and Advanced Roles

Encouraging CHWs to specialize in areas like maternal and child health, chronic disease management, or behavioral health makes your workforce more adaptable and valuable. This is a good reason to renew training.

3. Offer Leadership Opportunities

Experienced CHWs can transition into supervisory or managerial roles, helping train new hires and oversee community initiatives.

4. Encourage Career Mobility

Some CHWs move into related healthcare fields like social work, nursing, or public health. Providing mentorship and guidance helps employees see long-term career pathways within your organization.

5. Promote CHW Involvement in Policy Work

Many CHWs engage in policy advocacy to improve funding and health initiatives. Encouraging participation in policy discussions benefits both your organization and the communities you serve.

Strengthening Your CHW Workforce

If your organization employs or plans to hire CHWs, investing in their training and professional development will yield long-term benefits. CHWs are on the front lines of community health, and their work directly impacts health outcomes, patient engagement, and system efficiency. Here’s a beginner’s guide to starting your first program.

We at CHWTraining offer specialized programs designed for employers like you. Our training solutions help organizations build a competent and empowered CHW workforce. Whether you’re onboarding new CHWs or upskilling experienced staff, our courses provide the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.

Investing in training and development is key to strengthening CHW career paths and improving public health outcomes. If you’re ready to build a skilled workforce, explore our training programs today.