When hiring staff to support patients or clients, employers often consider community health workers (CHWs), social workers and case managers. While these roles share some responsibilities, they have distinct skill sets and serve different functions within health care and social service organizations.
Hiring and training CHWs takes careful planning to make sure they have the right skills to support your community. To learn more about best practices, visit our Guide to Hiring and Training CHWs.
Understanding the differences between these positions can help employers build a stronger team, ensure efficient service coordination and improve outcomes for clients.
What is a community health worker?
A CHW serves as a bridge between communities and health care systems. They work primarily in outreach, education and advocacy, helping individuals access care, understand their health and navigate resources. Unlike social workers or case managers, CHWs do not provide direct medical care or licensed counseling services.
CHWs strengthen multidisciplinary health teams by improving patient engagement and reducing barriers to care. Learn how CHWs can enhance your team.
How CHWs benefit employers
- Improve patient engagement and compliance with health recommendations.
- Increase access to care for underserved communities.
- Enhance public health efforts through education and disease prevention.
- Reduce hospital readmissions by supporting follow-up care.
- Strengthen community partnerships through outreach initiatives.
Typical CHW responsibilities
- Educate individuals about chronic disease management, maternal health and wellness.
- Connect clients to clinics, preventive screenings and financial assistance.
- Help patients understand health insurance options and navigate enrollment.
- Conduct home visits and community outreach to identify health disparities.
- Advocate for equitable health policies and social determinants of health.
Where CHWs typically work
- Public health departments
- Nonprofit organizations
- Community health centers
- Hospitals and clinics
- Schools and outreach programs
Training and certification
CHW training requirements vary by state. Some states require certification programs, while others offer on-the-job training. CHWs do not need a college degree but must have strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Employers looking to hire CHWs should ensure they have key skills such as advocacy, communication, and service coordination. See the 13 essential competencies for CHWs.
Need to train your CHWs? Our expert-led training programs ensure your team has the skills to provide high-quality community-based care. Learn more and enroll today.
What is a social worker?
A social worker provides counseling, crisis intervention and case management to individuals and families. Unlike CHWs, social workers are licensed professionals who assess emotional, behavioral and social challenges and connect people to appropriate support services.
How social workers benefit employers
- Provide mental health support to patients and clients.
- Assist in crisis intervention and emergency response.
- Improve access to social services, such as housing and financial aid.
- Support children and families in protective services.
- Reduce barriers to care for vulnerable populations.
Typical social worker responsibilities
- Assess client needs and develop individualized support plans.
- Provide counseling and therapy for mental health challenges.
- Coordinate housing, food assistance and financial aid.
- Work with child welfare and protective services.
- Help clients access substance use treatment programs.
Where social workers typically work
- Hospitals and clinics
- Schools
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Child and family services
Training and certification
Most social work positions require a bachelor’s degree (BSW), but clinical roles typically require a master’s degree (MSW) and state licensure.
What is a case manager?
A case manager ensures individuals receive coordinated and continuous care by managing services across different systems. Unlike social workers, case managers do not provide therapy but focus on logistics, planning and follow-up care.
How case managers benefit employers
- Improve patient outcomes by ensuring coordinated care.
- Reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and health care costs.
- Enhance efficiency in service delivery by streamlining referrals.
- Advocate for patients’ rights and access to services.
- Support care transitions, including hospital discharge planning.
Typical case manager responsibilities
- Assess medical, financial and social needs of clients.
- Develop and implement care plans.
- Coordinate services such as medical appointments, therapy and in-home care.
- Advocate for patients within insurance and health care systems.
- Monitor progress and adjust care plans as needed.
Where case managers typically work
- Hospitals and health systems
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Health insurance companies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government agencies
Training and certification
Case managers typically have a background in nursing, social work or public health. Many employers require certification, such as the Certified Case Manager (CCM) credential.
Which role is right for your organization?
Each of these professionals plays an important role in patient and client care, but selecting the right one depends on your organization’s needs.
| Role | Best for organizations that need… |
|---|---|
| CHW | Outreach, education and community engagement |
| Social worker | Counseling, mental health support and crisis intervention |
| Case manager | Service coordination, care planning and patient advocacy |
Employers looking to expand community-based health initiatives should consider hiring CHWs. If mental health support and social services are a priority, social workers are essential. Organizations that need strong care coordination and follow-through will benefit from case managers.
Retaining CHWs requires strong support from supervisors and organizations. Discover six ways to support CHWs’ mental health.
By understanding these distinctions, employers can build a team that improves access to care, enhances service delivery and drives better outcomes for the communities they serve.
Need a step-by-step guide to hiring and training CHWs?
Visit our comprehensive resource: Guide to Hiring and Training CHWs for insights, best practices, and training solutions for your organization.
Looking to train your CHWs? We offer employer-focused training programs tailored to your team’s needs. Contact us to learn more about group discounts and customized training options. Learn more.