The Community Health Worker (CHW) Program City College of San Francisco Health Education Department

Orientation Agenda 1. Who are CHWs 2. Job Opportunities 3. The CCSF CHW Program 4. The Training Curriculum 5. Testimonies from CHW Students 6. How to Apply to the Program 7. Costs and Expenses 8. Question and Answer

The American Public Health Association definition of CHWs: “ A CHW is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. A CHW also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.” (APHA, 2009) Who are Community Health Workers?

In 2010, the federal government established a new and separate occupational category for CHWs. Federal Department of Labor (DOL) Occupational Classification The Department of Labor estimates a 25% growth rate for CHW between

 Outreach Worker  Patient Navigator  Case Manager  Promotor(a)  Community Health Representative History CHWs have been working in a formal capacity in the United States since the 1950s, under more than 60 job titles such as:  Health Educator  Community Organizer  Peer Educator/Specialist  Public Health Aide  Health Ambassador

CHWs work for a wide variety of public and private sector employer including: Where Do CHW Work?  Local Health Departments  Hospitals and clinics (health care)  Community-Based Non-profit agencies

 Working as members of primary health care teams in health-care settings  Providing outreach, education and case management services to low-income patients and those living with chronic health conditions  Supporting clients to manage chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, HIV, etc.) Expanding Opportunities in Primary Health Care Recent health care reforms, such as the Affordable Care Act (or Obamacare) have expanded opportunities for CHWs such as:

 Outreach to educate and recruit clients  Health education  Case management services  Health coaching or counseling  Chronic disease management  Educational, social or support groups  Community organizing and Advocacy What do CHWs do? CHWs provide a wide range of services on the job, such as providing:

CHWs In ACTION

 Established in 1994  First college-based CHW Program in the nation  Students earn a state-recognized certificate while earning college credits  Certified over 700 CHWs  Developed nation’s first textbook for training CHWs  Partners with over 25 local employers and public health experts The CCSF CHW Program

The CCSF CHW Program partners with local agencies and experts in several key ways: Partnerships with local Public Health & Health Care Agencies & Professionals  Recruiting Students & Faculty  Providing guidance and input regarding the curriculum and program policies  Hosting internships that offer opportunites for additional training and on-the-job practice  Adminstering the final Performance-Based Exam  Hiring graduates

 All three Certificates share:  14-units of core courses (HLTH 201, 202 & 203)  The same application process  The same 128-hour internship requirement  The same Performance-Based Exam (PBE) Three Different Certificate Options 1) The CHW Certificate – 20 Units 3) The Youth Worker Certificate – 22 Units 2) The Post Prison Health Worker Certificate – 21 Units

 20 Units of study (including HLTH 201,202 & 203)  Completion of a 128 hour internship  HLTH 64: Health Education & Prevention (3 units)  HLTH 97: Health & Stress in Society (3 units)  May be completed in 2 or more semesters The CHW Certificate Prepares students for a wide variety of jobs and requires:

 21 Units of study (including HLTH 201,202 & 203)  Successful completion of a 128 hour internship serving incarcerated or formerly incarcerated clients  HLTH 110: Health Impacts of Incarceration (3 units)  HLTH 66: Chronic Conditions Management (3 units)  HLTH 116: Conflict Resolution Skills (1 unit)  May be completed in 2 or more semesters The Post Prison Health Worker Certificate Prepares students to work with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated clients and communities, and requires:

 22 Units of study (including HLTH 201,202 & 203)  Completion of a 128 hour internship with a youth serving agency  HLTH 65: Youth Development & Leadership (3 units)  CDEV 67: The Child, Family & the Community (3 units)  HLTH 116: Conflict Resolution Skills (1 unit)  Choice of 1 Unit Diversity & Social Justice Class  May be completed in 2 or more semesters The Youth Worker Certificate Prepares students to work with youth and young adults, and requires:

LUCIANA’S STORY

CHW PROGRAM FEATURES Partnership with Employers  Curriculum and performance exams are designed with employer input to ensure real life situations and solutions. Performance Based Training Program  Students demonstrate competency in 4 core areas at a level of proficiency set by employers and veteran CHWs  Performance exams in the second semester are based on real-life services and must be passed in order to receive the CHW certificate  Internship Program in the second semester – 128 hours or 8 hours a week. Reality Based Education  Classes and internships are lead by diverse teaching teams in the community  We emphasize active learning, and participation— especially role plays with lots of real life scenarios.

FOUNDATIONS FOR CHWS TEXTBOOK  A book developed by City College Faculty, graduates from the CHW Program, and other experts in the field  Includes dozens of videos demonstrating key CHW skills

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?  Core Competency Areas Cultural Humility; Client-Centered interviewing/intake skills; Documentation and referral skills, Health advising and counseling; Case Management / coordination; Community organizing and advocacy, and more!  Topics Including public health and social justice to immigration and group work.  Professional skill development Resume writing, job interviewing skills, team- work, and portfolio development  Public Speaking and Group Facilitation Skills

CHW SKILLS

HOW WE TEACH CLASSES Class sessions are taught using a variety of methods, including: * Outside speakers * Videos * Exercises* Small group work * Class discussions* Case studies * Role-plays* Workshops * Student Presentations * Lectures

5OtjzM CHW RON SANDERS

THE INTERNSHIP HOURS -  Complements classroom instruction with on- the-job training and practice  Students must receive a satisfactory evaluation from their internship supervisor in order to earn their certificate  Instructors help students to find internships All students must negotiate a contract with a local employer to complete a 128 hour internship as they take HLTH 203

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Attendance and Participation  Class attendance and participation is required of all students.  Points are assigned at each class and are cumulative  Students are expected to demonstrate respect and professionalism throughout their training Absences To pass required courses, students may not miss more than 3 classes. After three (3) absences (regardless of reason), students can be dropped from the class, in accordance with the CHW program policy.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Internship 128 hours of service are required the following semester Tardiness  It is also very important, and part of the CHW professional program training, to come to class on time and stay for the entire class.  Points will be deducted (only half credit given per class) for repetitive tardiness and leaving early.  Three episodes of tardiness or leaving early will be counted as one absence.

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE CHW PROGRAM REQUIRES A strong desire to promote the health of low- income and at-risk communities Self-knowledge (or your strengths and area for growth) Strong time-management skills Coming to every class prepared to participate Keeping up with reading assignments Turning in homework on deadline Ability to work respectfully with diverse colleagues A strong support network (family & friends) Being in recovery (clean & sober) for at least one year

PROGRAM COST AND EXPENSES Tuition is set by the California State Legislature Currently: $46.00 per Unit Tuition is waived for very low-income students Additional $17.00 Student Health Fee, $3.00 one time/semester Web4 user fee, $1.00 Student Rep. Fee Text Books: $ (Main textbook is available free through the textbook loan program)

HOW TO APPLY TO THE CHW PROGRAM Applications are online at Hard copies are also available at the Health Education Department in MUB 353 on the Ocean Campus, and at the Southeast Campus on 1800 Oakdale Avenue No Interviews are required. Students who are not accepted must apply again for future admission

HOW TO APPLY TO CITY COLLEGE PART II – CCSF ADMISSIONS Students must also complete the Application for Admissions to City College of San Francisco. You must be a registered CCSF student to be able to register for CHW classes. You can apply online at

APPLICATION CHECK-LIST For General Applicants 1. Complete HLTH 59 with a grade of “C” or better 2. Signed and completed CHW Application 3. Personal Statement (Essay) For students currently working or volunteering as CHWs (for at least 50% time for 12 months in the past 2 years) 1. HLTH 59 Waiver, Signed 2. Signed Recommendation from CHW Supervisor 3. Signed and completed CHW Application 4. Personal Statement (Essay)

IMPORTANT DEADLINES  Applications for the Fall 2016 Cohort are due between April 11 – April 20  Completed applications can be hand delivered to Health Education Department, Ocean Campus, MUB 353  Mail to Alma Avila, c/o CHW program, CCSF- MUB 353, 50 Phelan Av. SF, (post mark by the due date)  Notices will be sent out by May 13. See the online CCSF schedule to learn when classes will begin 