Community health workers are individuals who work with communities to promote health and prevent disease. They are trained to provide basic health education, advocacy, and outreach services to underserved populations, including immigrants, refugees, low-income families, and aging populations.
Passionate advocates for community health and wellness may find meaning and fulfilment in this role, empowering individuals and families to take charge of their well-being. So, in this article, we’ll discuss important aspects of becoming a community health worker in Canada, from training and qualifications to salary, career trends, and future prospects.
The role of a community health worker in primary care is important, where they play a crucial part in promoting equitable healthcare by bridging the gap between healthcare institutions and the communities they serve. Despite this, they are yet to receive formal recognition as public health workers in Canada. This is reflected in the way that the level of training, education, and experience can vary widely from one CHW to the next.
For instance, some individuals have obtained different levels of post-secondary education, while others have been unable to access formal education in community health due to their social and economic circumstances. Nevertheless, they are deeply committed to serving their community and therefore rely on their high school diploma and previous experience in community care as their qualification. Foreign-trained professionals with healthcare experience may also opt to become a community health worker upon arriving in Canada.
Regardless of these differences in levels of education, professionals doing work related to community health are trained to have a comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in Canadian health and social service systems.
Community health worker training programs are often subject-matter specific and are often done within the job itself. This allows CHWs to immerse themselves in communities to gain a deeper knowledge of their needs, thereby playing a crucial role in improving patient outcomes, enhancing the patient experience, and promoting more equitable access to care.
If you want to make a world of difference to underserved community locations by helping them gain access to quality healthcare, then a career in community health will no doubt be great for you. Here are some key steps you can take to become an effective community health worker and start making a positive impact in your community through your work:
At the heart of the CHW role is a deep commitment to serving your local community and empowering individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Reflect on your own experiences, values, and interests to ensure this path aligns with your personal and professional goals.
While formal education is not always a prerequisite, many CHW roles may require or prefer candidates with prior experience in healthcare, social services, education, or community outreach. Consider volunteering, internships, or entry-level positions to build your skills and demonstrate your dedication through relevant experience in community outreach.
Depending on the specific CHW role and the organization you’re applying to, you may need to complete specialized training in areas like chronic disease management, mental health support, health education, or cultural competency. Alternatively, you can take it up a notch and show your dedication to community health care by pursuing two-year post-graduate community health worker certification programs.
Regardless of what path you choose to take in pursuing community health work, make sure to research the requirements in your local area and be prepared to invest in your professional development.
As a CHW, you’ll be working closely with diverse individuals and communities, so excellent communication, empathy, and problem-solving abilities are essential. Hone your active listening, conflict resolution, and collaborative skills to be an effective advocate and support system.
Connecting with other CHWs, healthcare professionals, and community organizations can open up new opportunities and help you stay informed about the evolving landscape of this field. Attend local events, join professional associations, and leverage your personal and professional networks to expand your reach.
Many CHW roles require a deep understanding of the cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic factors that shape the experiences of the communities you serve. Invest time in learning about the unique needs and perspectives of the populations you hope to work with.
The different responsibilities of community health workers in Canada depending on the types of community support that the individuals you serve may need, or on the specific goals of the organizations you work for. However, despite these differences, there are still some tasks and duties that most common community health worker jobs have in common, which include:
Community health workers in Canada are expected to work in outpatient and community-based settings, such as public health units, community health centres, and non-profit organizations. However, they may also be employed in hospitals, bridging the gap between healthcare institutions and the communities they serve.
They serve as the trusted, knowledgeable, and compassionate advocate for the health and well-being of the communities they serve, and may be responsible for:
As mentioned, community health workers in Canada are not yet formally recognized as a distinct public health occupation, as shown in the lack of regulation for the profession. It still also lacks a common definition and unified job titles, making job prospects variable, although groups like the Community Health Workers Network of Canada are already working towards better support and recognition for CHWs in the country.
This is especially because the job outlook for CHWs in Canada is generally positive, with projected growth in the coming years. As healthcare systems and communities continue to recognize the importance of addressing social determinants of health and promoting holistic, community-based care, the demand for skilled and dedicated CHWs is expected to increase.
For CHWs who meet reclassification and definition of CHWs working in Health Canada, median hourly wage is CAD 24.18 per hour (or around CAD 46,522 median annual salary), which can be as low as CAD 17.25 and as high as CAD 35.00. But for some, especially those who don’t meet the new models of practice, these figures can go lower, so the passion and dedication to making a difference in your community and empowering individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives is really important when exploring a career as a community health worker in Canada.
As a Community Health Worker in Canada, you have the opportunity to make a tangible and lasting impact on the lives of the individuals and communities you serve. By leveraging your unique skills, knowledge, and passion for community empowerment, you can help bridge the gap between healthcare systems and the diverse populations they serve.
At Caring Support, we’re committed to providing new services and improving on our existing ones to provide a holistic assistance to healthcare workers in Canada. We aim to empower our healthcare workers and motivate them to continuously improving the health and well-being of the people they serve, most especially those that are members of the most vulnerable communities in the country.
Create your free account with us today to learn more about how we can work together to demonstrate your deep commitment to service and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around you.
Torres, S. (2023). Community Health Workers. Optometrists. In I.Bourgeault (Ed.), Introduction to Health Occupations in Canada. (p. 75-84). Ottawa: Canadian Health Workforce Partners, Inc.
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