How to become a Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers(CHWs) are public and social health workers. Their goal is to connect communities with health care resources around them. CHWs serve as a liaison between the community and health care resources, the government and social service systems.

If you have a passion to help your Community(Individuals or Groups) around you then becoming a Community Health Worker might be a good option , professionally as well as personally. After the Covid-19 outbreak, the need for CHWs has increased many folds. The average salary for a CHW is over $43,000*

If you are interested to become a Community Health Worker then continue to read the key steps to become a CHW in The State of Texas.

• Must a resident of the State of Texas.

• 16 years old or above.

• Training – Completion of an approved DSHS-certified 160-hour competency-based Community Health Worker training program. Here is link to DSHS Approved Training Programs.
  OR
  Experience – At least 1000 cumulative hours of community health worker services within the most recent three (3) years. Experience will be verified with the supervisor(s) noted in the application.

• Finally apply for CHW Certificate on https://www.dshs.texas.gov/.

• Applicants must submit the following to DSHS:

  • Signed and dated application with all information completed.

  • Color photo, similar to a passport photo.

  • Training certificate of completion if applying based on completion of an approved 160-hour competency-based training program certified by DSHS OR An Employment/Volunteer History verification form (if applicable)

*Credits :https://www.dshs.texas.gov/, http://www.glassdoor.com