Bridge gap between communities and health/social service systems:
As members of the local community, community health workers are well positioned to facilitate communication between provider and patient to clarify cultural practices, educate community members about appropriate use of the health care and social service systems, and educate the health and social service systems about community needs and perspectives.
Help patients navigate health and human services systems:
Community health worker roles include promoting access to primary care through culturally competent outreach and enrollment strategies, making referrals and coordinating services, educating patients on the knowledge and skills needed to obtain care, providing follow-up services to facilitate continuity of care, enhancing access to coverage by assisting clients in enrolling in public assistance and other programs for which they qualify, and linking clients to and informing them of available community resources.
Advocate for individual and community needs:
Community health worker roles include engaging communities and individuals in advocating for themselves, articulating and advocating on behalf of the needs of the community and individuals (especially those unable to speak for themselves), and understanding the resources and support available in local communities.
Provide direct services:
Community health workers provide direct services to patients and providers, including providing culturally appropriate information on health, wellness, and disease prevention and management; assisting clients in self-management of chronic illnesses and medication adherence; organizing and/or facilitating support groups; providing referrals and linkages to preventive services (e.g., screenings); and conducting health-related screenings.
Build individual and community capacity:
Community health workers work to identify individual and community needs. They help build the capacity of individuals for wellness. They help build the capacity of communities by addressing the social determinants of health. They also mentor other community health workers to build their capacity. They promote their own professional development through continuing education and peer support.