AHEC Connecticut
PUBLIC HEALTH - Outreach Worker
To be a successful Outreach Worker you should...
- be connected to the community, with a desire to help the community
- be friendly, outgoing, and sociable
- be patient and compassionate
- be respectful and non-judgmental
- be motivated and capable of self-directed work
- be committed and dedicated
- be dependable, persistent, and resourceful
What will my job be like?
Outreach workers are also known as community health advocates or community health representatives, and are a fundamental link between their community and the public health and health care systems. They provide informal counseling and support, as well as advocate for and assure the individual needs of their community, while building their community's capacity. Community outreach workers promote healthy living through teaching disease prevention and by connecting their community to formal health and human service systems.
Where could I work?
Community outreach workers work within hospitals, community health centers, social service organizations, and public health departments. They spend most of their time in the community rather than in an office.
What is the average annual salary?
$28,000
What is the future of this career?
The increasing demand for health care, due to a longer life span and growing immigrant and underserved communities, requires the existence of outreach workers to link these populations to an ever-growing and complex health care system. Outreach workers will be in greater demand in the future because they effectively prevent and reduce cultural and linguistic barriers to care, as well as improve the quality and cost effectiveness of care.
What type of education and/or training do I need?
Certification programs generally last one year, and consist of an overview of the health system and current health debates, and internships that allow a performance-based approach to learning. Outreach workers must be able to adequately interview and orient clients, manage cases, document and report cases, and provide health information and community health education.
Where can I get the education and/or training?
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven
- Three Rivers Community College, Norwich
- Quinebaug Community College, Willimantic
Do I need a license or certification for this career?
Currently there are no licensing or certification requirements, though many states offer certification courses that provide fundamental knowledge of the health care system.
Where can I get more information?
National Organization for Human Services
5601 Brodie Lane, Suite 620-215
Austin, TX 78745
www.nationalhumanservices.org
Eastern Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
One Sylvandale Road
Jewett City, CT 06351
(860) 376-1600
www.easternctahec.org