HLTH1008 - Community Health Worker Program

Course Description

A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a trusted member of the community, and a valuable member of a healthcare or social services team. Also known as outreach workers or navigators, CHWs provide health education and care coordination. They help others take action and promote healthy communities.

During this yearlong program, participants will complete the following courses to earn a certificate of competence, recognized by the Hawaii Dept. of Health. 

Fall Semester

1. Community Health Worker Fundamentals (HSER 197)

This course provides an introduction to the role of the CHW within the larger framework of public health; including a focus on self-exploration as an essential part to the promotion of health and disease prevention for clients.

2. Individual Counseling (HSER 140)

This course offers basic introduction to the theory and practice of counseling and motivational interviewing skills that CHWs need for establishing trusting relationship and promoting readiness for behavior change across diverse populations.  This course is a combination of didactic and experiential learning with a focus on assessment intervention and outcomes.

Spring Semester

3. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HSER 135) 

This course explores the roles community health workers play in health promotion and disease prevention.  Topics include the major causes of premature mortality and morbidity, behavioral and environmental contributions to illness and injury, and strategies for promoting health, wellness, and risk reduction. Students will practice developing and teaching health promotion/disease prevention classes.

4. Case Management (HSER 248)

This course provides an overview of the concepts and practice skills surrounding case management with unique community populations.  The focus includes the importance and ability of the CHW to gather, document, and report on client visits and other activities.  The concepts of individual and community capacity building, cultural competence, professional ethics and boundaries, and active listening skills will be applied to the practice of case management.  Culturally sensitive strategies and a strengths-based model of case management will be emphasized.

Summer Term

5. Practicum (HSER 194)

This course provides supervised practical experience that allows the CHW student to apply the concepts and skills developed from classroom experience to the unique needs of their community.  This will serve as an opportunity to increase the student's ability and effectiveness as part of a community-based health team.

Students who qualify for SNAP and HINET may receive a tuition waiver.  Contact the HINET coordinator at 934-2689 or myhinet@hawaii.edu to find out if you are eligible.