CareSource and Central State University create new community health worker certificate program

CareSource and Central State University recently announced a new pilot program providing training services to community members interested in becoming community health workers and patient navigators. The 12-week Community Health Worker Certificate Program courseload began March 21 and concludes June 8. The inaugural class consisting of 28 students is sponsored through a $200,000 grant provided by CareSource.

“The goal of the community health worker certificate program is to establish health care related workforce development at Central State University,” said Dr. Judith Davis, vice president of clinical operations for CareSource. “The target population for this program will be a combination of Miami Valley and Dayton area adult workers and Central State University students seeking certificate credentials and career opportunities in the health care and social work fields.”

A community health worker provides services that help communities manage health and wellness. As a member of a multidisciplinary health care team, the worker provides support services and helps build trust and opens lines of communication. They are trained advocates in communities where they are connected by culture, language or residence. Additionally, they empower individuals to gain access to health and community resources through education, outreach, home visits, mentoring and referrals.

Graduates of the certificate program will have diverse skills including interviewing, data collection, obtaining vital signs, mentoring, providing client advocacy, providing referrals to community resources, care coordination, promoting basic health skills and working with culturally diverse clients and community organizations.

Community health workers typically work in a variety of settings that may include hospital systems, non-profit and faith-based organizations, public and private clinics, educational systems, learning extension centers, public agencies or even serving clients within their own homes.

CareSource currently employs approximately 25 community health workers around the organization with the goal to continue building this workforce around the state.

“We understand creating frictionless access to needed health services improves quality of life,” added Dr. Davis. “Community health workers are trusted voices in their neighborhoods that can extend care and education to individuals of all walks of life. Central State University has been an incredible partner building a tailored workforce solution for this community and beyond.”