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Community and Social Service

Community Health Workers

Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Community Health Workers
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Median pay

$51,030
Median annual pay for Community Health Workers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

11.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

7,800
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

65,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Community Health Workers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+7,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Writing
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Critical Thinking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Education and Training
  4. 4Administration and Management
  5. 5Medicine and Dentistry
  6. 6Psychology

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Oral Expression
  3. 3Written Comprehension
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Speech Clarity
  6. 6Speech Recognition

Career interests

  1. 1Social
  2. 2Enterprising
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Conventional
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Realistic

Work styles

  1. 1Empathy
  2. 2Cooperation
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Optimism
  5. 5Social Orientation
  6. 6Sincerity

Work activities

  1. 1Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  2. 2Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  3. 3Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  4. 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  5. 5Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  6. 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Contact With Others
  4. 4Telephone Conversations
  5. 5Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  6. 6Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

Representative tasks

  • Maintain updated client records with plans, notes, appropriate forms, or related information.
  • Advise clients or community groups on issues related to improving general health, such as diet or exercise.
  • Identify or contact members of high-risk or otherwise targeted groups, such as members of minority populations, low-income populations, or pregnant women.
  • Contact clients in person, by phone, or in writing to ensure they have completed required or recommended actions.
  • Distribute flyers, brochures, or other informational or educational documents to inform members of a targeted community.
  • Refer community members to needed health services.
  • Attend community meetings or health fairs to understand community issues or build relationships with community members.
  • Perform basic diagnostic procedures, such as blood pressure screening, breast cancer screening, or communicable disease screening.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft Word · in demandApple macOS · hot technologyGoogle Workspace software · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyZoom · hot technologyClient databasesElectronic health record EHR softwareMicrosoft Publisher

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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