The role of a community health worker (CHW) is to improve access to healthcare and outcomes in underserved communities. This important frontline public health worker connects communities with their health care systems as well as state health departments. They are usually citizens of the community in which they serve, doing their part to support the health system as a paid aide or as a volunteer.

Recruiting and retaining CHWs for your organization can be a challenge, though. Here’s how you can build a strong team of CHWS who are committed to promoting your voice and mission, while increasing the health of the communities in which they live and work. Partnering with a trusted healthcare recruiter is the first step.

CHW Shortage

In essence, CHWs are trained public health workers who act as a kind of bridge between communities and their health care systems. But like all other roles in healthcare, there is a growing shortage of CHWs, which can pose a big problem especially in low-income and at-risk communities. This is, after all, where the need for quality healthcare is greatest.

If you’ve been looking for quality CHW candidates, you likely feel this on a deep level. What exactly does a CHW do? Among other things, they:

  • Facilitate access to healthcare services, i.e., coordinate transit, navigate health insurance, offer language services.
  • Assist in disease prevention, i.e., make homes healthy environments for people suffering from chronic illnesses such as asthma, encourage members of the community to get regular screenings and immunizations, etc.
  • Advocate for the needs of the community, i.e., maintain lines of communication with local healthcare providers, etc.
  • Organize local outreach programs to ensure everyone gets access to the services they need.
  • Collect health data from the community and send to healthcare officials.

Recruitment of Community Health Workers

Because CHWs work in the community, they need to come from the community. They have to feel connected to community members and care about them if they’re going to support their health and well-being. Consider why you need a CHW and what your requirements for the role are.

Do you need a volunteer or paid staff? Do you need someone during peak times when food insecurity is high or during seasonal campaigns such as breast cancer awareness or flu shots? Do you need someone to work full or part time?

Here are a few suggestions on how to recruit CHWS:

  • Partner with local community leaders or organizations: These resources already have strong, established relationships with community members and can get the word out about your need for CHWs. Organizations such as churches, schools, and community centers are deeply embedded in the community and can give you valuable insight. Local leaders, such as neighborhood association presidents and city council members, can also promote your program in a widespread way.
  • Word of mouth: Sounds simple but it’s one of the best ways to recruit CHWs. Ask people you already know who they would recommend for the position. Good people to ask include shop keepers, hair dressers, barbers, and teachers. Attend community events like sports games and health fairs to make meaningful connections.
  • Hit up social media and online job boards: In order to reach a wider audience, post your needs on social media and online job boards. Include job descriptions and qualifications, along with information about your organization. Respond to and engage with any potential candidates to address their questions and concerns.
  • Attend job fairs and community events: Connecting with potential candidates is made easier when you meet people where they are. You know they are there because they need a job, and this presents a unique opportunity to connect with potential candidates in person. Stick to events that cater to your target audience, such as community festivals, health fairs, and career fairs.
  • Offer competitive salaries and benefits: CHWs who work in low-income communities may not have the access to healthcare and other resources that other demographics do. To attract the best talent, offer a fair wage and benefits such as paid time off, health insurance, and retirement plans, as well as opportunities for professional advancement.
  • Provide training: Ongoing training and professional development opportunities help CHWs to stay on top of the latest trends and technologies in the field of healthcare. Offer training sessions, conferences, and workshops, and give them the tools they need to pursue advanced degrees or certifications.

Solve Your CHW Recruitment Challenges With Grace Care Consulting

Need to hire some quality community health workers? No problem. We can connect you with a wide pool of vetted candidates to ensure you get the ideal public health workers for your organization. To learn more, contact us today or complete our online form.