Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Health Worker

🎯 Role Definition

At its core, the Health Worker is a trusted frontline public health professional who serves as a vital link between health and social services and the community. This role is dedicated to improving health outcomes and promoting health equity for individuals and groups. By building authentic relationships, Health Workers guide community members through complex systems, provide culturally sensitive education, and advocate for their needs. They are navigators, educators, and supporters who address the social determinants of health—such as housing, food security, and access to care—to empower people to lead healthier lives.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Volunteer roles within community or non-profit organizations
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Medical Assistant (MA)
Social Work or Public Health internships

Advancement To:

Senior or Lead Health Worker
Health Educator or Program Coordinator
Case Manager or Patient Navigator Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Patient Advocate
Outreach Coordinator
Social and Human Service Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct client-centered assessments to identify health, social, and environmental needs through interviews, home visits, and community outreach.
Develop and maintain individualized care plans in collaboration with clients, their families, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to set achievable health goals.
Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate health education on topics such as chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension), preventive care, nutrition, and maternal health.
Act as a dedicated liaison, navigator, and advocate for individuals and families to connect them with necessary healthcare and social services.
Assist clients in scheduling medical appointments, arranging reliable transportation, and completing complex applications for benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, and housing assistance.
Facilitate engaging support groups and educational workshops for community members on prevalent health issues, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.
Build and maintain trusting, long-term relationships with community members, key local leaders, and service providers to foster a robust support network.
Conduct proactive outreach at community centers, faith-based organizations, schools, and local events to promote health services and build awareness.
Provide consistent follow-up support to clients to monitor their progress, ensure they are successfully receiving services, and address any emerging barriers to care.
Accurately and confidentially document all client interactions, assessments, care plans, and referrals in electronic health records (EHR) or case management systems.
Offer direct assistance and coaching to help clients develop self-management skills and confidence in handling their own health conditions.
Identify and systematically address social determinants of health, such as food insecurity, housing instability, and unemployment, by connecting clients to appropriate resources.
Distribute accessible and easy-to-understand health promotion materials and resources throughout the community.
Participate in formal community health needs assessments by collecting qualitative and quantitative data through surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one conversations.
Provide basic health screenings, such as blood pressure checks or BMI calculations, under the guidance and supervision of licensed clinical staff.
Advocate tenaciously on behalf of clients to resolve issues with healthcare providers, insurance companies, or social service agencies.
Translate and interpret for clients during medical appointments or when accessing services, where bilingual proficiency allows, to ensure clear communication.
Maintain strict confidentiality of all client information in accordance with HIPAA regulations and organizational policies.
Collaborate with public health departments and other partner organizations on community-wide health initiatives, campaigns, and emergency response efforts.
Continuously update and expand knowledge of available community resources and services to provide the most accurate and effective referrals.
Utilize motivational interviewing and behavior-change coaching techniques to encourage clients to adopt and sustain healthier lifestyles.
Report any suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the appropriate authorities, fulfilling duties as a mandated reporter.

Secondary Functions

Support program evaluation efforts by meticulously collecting and entering client data for reporting and quality improvement.
Contribute to the organization's content strategy by helping develop and revise health education materials and outreach messaging.
Collaborate with the broader team to identify systemic gaps in community services and advocate for the development of new programs.
Participate actively in regular team meetings, case conferences, and ongoing professional development trainings to enhance skills and knowledge.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in case management principles and documentation standards.
Extensive knowledge of local community resources and social service navigation.
Competency in using Electronic Health Record (EHR) or Client Management Systems (CMS).
Foundational understanding of key health topics like chronic disease, nutrition, mental health, and preventive care.
Skill in conducting empathetic and effective client interviews and needs assessments.
Deep knowledge of HIPAA regulations and client confidentiality best practices.
Professional proficiency in a second language (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin, Haitian Creole) is highly valued.
Training in conducting basic health screenings (e.g., taking blood pressure, glucose monitoring).
Competence in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for reporting and communication.
A strong grasp of the social determinants of health and health equity principles.
Formal training or certification in Motivational Interviewing or health coaching techniques.

Soft Skills

Exceptional interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.
Deep-seated empathy, patience, and compassion for diverse populations.
Strong cultural competency and the humility to learn from others.
Advanced active listening and therapeutic relationship-building abilities.
Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in complex situations.
High level of personal integrity, ethics, and professional boundaries.
Resilience and the ability to manage emotionally challenging client situations.
Strong organizational and time management skills to handle a diverse caseload.
A self-motivated ability to work both independently and as a positive member of a collaborative team.
Persuasive advocacy and negotiation skills to champion client needs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED. A Community Health Worker (CHW) certification is often required or must be obtained within the first year of employment.

Preferred Education:

An Associate's or Bachelor's degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Public Health
Social Work
Sociology
Health Promotion
Human Services

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of experience in a community-based, healthcare, or social services setting.

Preferred:

Lived experience and a deep, authentic connection to the community being served are often highly preferred, sometimes over formal education. Direct experience working with underserved, low-income, or marginalized populations is a significant asset.