What is a Career in Community Health?
Community Health Workers create a bridge between individuals/communities and the health and social service system that helps people access the services they need. Some of the key roles of the community health worker are to:
- provide culturally appropriate health education and information
- advocate for individuals in need
- provide basic first aid, screening tests, and other direct services
- provide informal counseling and social support
As a community health worker, you might have jobs with the following titles:
- Health Worker
- Outreach Worker
- Public Health Aide
- Case Manager/Case Worker
- Counselor
- Peer Counselor
How Much Money Would I Earn as a Community Health Worker?
Many community health workers work at nonprofit organizations and community clinics, where wages are usually from $11-$16/hr, and often come with benefits. If you work for the City and County of San Francisco, you might make anywhere from $18-$27/hr.
How Do I Advance in My Career in Community Health?
If you’re already working the community health field and are looking to move up the career ladder, you may begin by taking one course, and then continue on if you wish to complete a certificate program, achieve an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, or even get a Master’s degree and Doctorate. These courses and programs will provide you with anything from basic to advanced skills that will strengthen your ability to move into supervisory and managerial positions at your organization.
Where Can I Learn More About Being a Community Health Worker?
To visit the City College of San Francisco Community Health Worker program
website, click here
