Occupation

Community Health Workers

Human Advantage 82%

Strongly human-essential role

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.2 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

Also Known As: Apprise Counselor, Behavioral Health Advocate, Benefits Outreach Specialist, Community Development Coordinator, Community Health Advisor, Community Health Advocate, Community Health Agent, Community Health Assistant +34 more

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Core Tasks

  1. Maintain updated client records with plans, notes, appropriate forms, or related information.
  2. Advise clients or community groups on issues related to improving general health, such as diet or exercise.
  3. Identify or contact members of high-risk or otherwise targeted groups, such as members of minority populations, low-income populations, or pregnant women.
  4. Contact clients in person, by phone, or in writing to ensure they have completed required or recommended actions.
  5. Distribute flyers, brochures, or other informational or educational documents to inform members of a targeted community.
  6. Refer community members to needed health services.
  7. Attend community meetings or health fairs to understand community issues or build relationships with community members.

Supplemental Tasks (21)

  1. Perform basic diagnostic procedures, such as blood pressure screening, breast cancer screening, or communicable disease screening.
  2. Advise clients or community groups on issues related to diagnostic screenings, such as breast cancer screening, pap smears, glaucoma tests, or diabetes screenings.
  3. Advise clients or community groups on issues related to risk or prevention of conditions, such as lead poisoning, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), prenatal substance abuse, or domestic violence.
  4. Administer immunizations or other basic preventive treatments.
  5. Identify the particular health care needs of individuals in a community or target area.
  6. Advise clients or community groups on issues related to self-care, such as diabetes management.
  7. Conduct home visits for pregnant women, newborn infants, or other high-risk individuals to monitor their progress or assess their needs.
  8. Transport or accompany clients to scheduled health appointments or referral sites.
  9. Advocate for individual or community health needs with government agencies or health service providers.
  10. Report incidences of child or elder abuse, neglect, or threats of harm to authorities, as required.
  11. Teach classes or otherwise disseminate medical or dental health information to school groups, community groups, or targeted families or individuals, in a manner consistent with cultural norms.
  12. Advise clients or community groups on issues related to sanitation or hygiene, such as flossing or hand washing.
  13. Collect information from individuals to compile vital statistics about the general health of community members.
  14. Assist families to apply for social services, including Medicaid or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
  15. Advise clients or community groups on issues related to social or intellectual development, such as education, childcare, or problem solving.
  16. Provide basic health services, such as first aid.
  17. Interpret, translate, or provide cultural mediation related to health services or information for community members.
  18. Monitor nutrition of children, elderly, or other high-risk groups.
  19. Advise clients or community groups to ensure parental understanding of the importance of childhood immunizations and how to access immunization services.
  20. Develop plans or formal contracts for individuals, families, or community groups to improve overall health.
  21. Provide feedback to health service providers regarding improving service accessibility or acceptability.

Education & Training

Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Bachelor's Degree
52%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
23%
Master's Degree
15%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
7%
Some College Courses
3%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Apple macOS
  • Google Workspace software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Zoom

Software (14)

  • Client databases
  • Electronic health record EHR software
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • SmugMug Flickr
  • Web browser software

Tools & Equipment (12)

  • Automated blood pressure cuffs
  • Blood glucose monitoring equipment
  • Computer ink jet printers
  • Computer laser printers
  • Emergency first aid kits
  • Laptop computers
  • Laser facsimile machines
  • Manual blood pressure cuffs
  • Multi-line telephone systems
  • Passenger cars
  • Personal computers
  • Photocopying equipment

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Community & Social Services Education

Zone 4
Community Health Workers You are here

Local, State, & Federal Services Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 2
File Clerks 79% match
Zone 4
Community Health Workers You are here
Zone 5
Archivists 79% match

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Real Talk

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