Three Community Health Worker Students

Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are lay people from the community, who have been trained to function as members of the health care team; they function as a bridge between patients and the health care system.  CHWs advocate, facilitate and organize access to health and social services for an identified group of patients.  They serve as liaisons between high risk, high cost patients and their health care providers. They are available to visit patients in their home, and accompany them to clinical appointments.  CHWs have frequent contact and conduct follow up with patients.  The goal is to demonstrate improved care, improved health and lower costs.  While the actual functions of Community Health Workers may vary by size and type of practice, healthcare specialty, or patient needs, all Community Health Workers must possess fundamental competencies to be successful in the role of working with patients towards the overarching goal of increasing appropriate utilization of health care services, particularly among under-served populations.

Temple University, in partnership with District 1199C Training and Upgrading Fund, joined together to develop the curriculum for the Community Health Worker Training Program.  

    Temple University is an approved CHW training program provider, certified by the PA Certification Board.

     

    More Information

    Program Design

    The training model moves learners through a process from acquiring knowledge, to analyzing underlying constructs, to applying and synthesizing learned materials, and to being self-evaluative.  The goal of Temple University’s training model is to prepare individuals with the basic skills to be effective Community Health Workers.  Individuals must have a passion for helping others and is expected to complete the following:

    • 90 hours of in-classroom, didactic Community Health Worker Training based on 10 modular topics
    • 20 hours of readings, self-assessments, practice reflections, and/or assignments
    • Weekly case reviews
    • Role plays and skills practice sessions
    • Quiz and final exam
    • Supplemental special health-related topic seminars and job readiness workshops
    • Career coaching
    • Portfolio development

    If you prefer a virtual experience, Temple University Harrisburg offers a similar program. This on-line program offers an active training model with real life scenarios and interactive exercises through Zoom.   Instructors come from diverse backgrounds providing a unique experience.  Please click here to review the virtual offering course details. Both options are PA Certified Board approved providers

    Eligibility Requirements

    Below are some of the requirements for this FREE training program.

    • Career Aspirations:   Genuine passion and desire to enter a helping profession in health care or social services
    • Age:  At least 18 years or older
    • Education:  High school diploma or GED, and good reading and writing skills
    • Job Readiness Skills:  Positive attitude and professional
    • Basic Computer Literacy Skills
    • Clear criminal record and able to pass a drug test
    Application Enrollment Process

    To apply, please click here to complete an application to express your interest.

    Note:  If you submit an application, you will receive an email message inviting you to an Information Session and Interview.  

    Class Schedule

    The next CHW training course is held in-person and is scheduled to begin Tuesday, January 16, 2024 and end on Thursday, February 15, 2024.. Classes usually run three days a week, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, but the schedule may change.  Classes will be held at CareerLink Center at Suburban Station, 1617 JFK Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA>

    Location of Services

    Temple University

    Ritter Annex 4th Floor

    1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue

    Philadelphia, PA  19122

    Contact Information

    Email:    lccwp@temple.edu

    Phone:   215-204-3424