Training Program:
Community Health worker (CHW)
Empower Your Community with Lived Experience
Program Overview
At Sowing Seeds, we train Community Health Workers (CHWs) to leverage their unique backgrounds—be it cultural, linguistic, personal health journeys, or justice-involved experiences—to effectively support and empower the patients they serve. By sharing similar perspectives, CHWs can build trust and guide individuals through the complexities of the healthcare system, preventive care decisions, and adherence to treatment plans.
Training Details
- Duration: 80 hours, encompassing 12 modules divided into three comprehensive courses.
- Cost: $700 for the certificate program.
- Eligibility:
- Must be at least 18 years old or older.
- Possess a GED or equivalent.
- Additional Opportunities:
- Continuing education and specialized CHW training available upon request.
- Instructor training programs for those interested in teaching CHW courses.
Please fill out the ONLINE INTEREST FORM if you are interested, we will reach out to you with an interview.
| Training Program Course Modules | |
| Course 1 | Module 1 - CHW Roles and Core Competencies Understanding the foundational roles, skills, and ethical responsibilities of a Community Health Worker. |
| Module 2 - Introduction to Public Health Exploring the basics of public health, including disease prevention, health promotion, and community-based interventions. |
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| Module 3 - Advocacy, Capacity Building, and Community Assessment Techniques for assessing individual and community needs while advocating for resources and systemic improvements. |
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| Module 4 - Evaluation and Research: Providing Medically Accurate Information Learning how to evaluate public health research and provide accurate, evidence-based health education. |
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| Course 2 | Module 5 - Nutrition Basics and Advanced Nutrition Grasping the impact of nutrition on health, including dietary needs, meal planning, and cultural considerations. |
| Module 6 - Noninfectious Diseases Overview of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, and how to support patients managing them. |
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| Module 7 - Infectious Diseases Examining communicable diseases, transmission methods, prevention strategies, and vaccination education. |
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| Module 8 - Family and Reproductive Health Addressing maternal health, reproductive rights, family planning, and child development. |
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| Module 9 - Addiction 101 Recognizing substance use disorders, treatment options, and harm reduction strategies. |
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| Course 3 | Module 10 - Interpersonal & Motivational Interviewing Skills Enhancing communication skills to build trust, encourage behavior change, and provide patient-centered support. |
| Module 11 - Service Coordination, Navigation, and Advocacy Helping patients access healthcare and social services while advocating for equitable treatment. |
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| Module 12 - Case Management & Community Outreach Developing case management strategies and best practices for effective outreach to underserved populations. |
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Enrollment Process
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Express Interest: Complete our CHW Online Interest Form to initiate the enrollment process.
2.Curriculum Details: Email us at chw16@sowingseedschc.org to receive a detailed curriculum.
3.Interview: Based on your application, our team may contact you to schedule an interview to discuss your goals and determine your fit for the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the start date and duration of the training?
A: Participants may progress at their own pace. However, all three CHW courses must be completed within 6 months from the start date. - Q: What is the format of the training (in-person or online)?
A: The training is fully online.
For logistical inquiries, please contact: chw18@sowingseedschc.org - Q: What is the tuition or fee, and are there financial assistance options?
A: The cost is $700 per person.
We offer potential discounts for large groups on a case-by-case basis.
Please contact chw18@sowingseedschc.org to schedule a meeting and discuss options. - Q: Does Sowing Seeds provide the internship or field placement?
A: No, Sowing Seeds does not provide field placements to fulfill the 20-hour fieldwork requirement.
Participants are encouraged to connect with local organizations such as community-based organizations (CBOs), nursing facilities, clinics, FQHCs, or hospitals to gain volunteer or work experience as a CHW.- For participants who already have field experience (e.g., as a clinical or service provider), Sowing Seeds can issue the CHW certificate once supervisor confirmation of 20 hours of fieldwork is received. Please send all attestations to chw18@sowingseedschc.org. An example of an acceptable supervisor message: “I attest that [name] has completed 20 hours of field experience in care coordination and patient health promotion through his/her role as a [position].”