Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 64,100 people employed as community health workers in the United States. The median annual salary is $42,000. Entry level employees earn approximately $28,010 per year and senior employees earn approximately $70,790 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Interpret, translate, or provide cultural mediation related to health services or information for community members.
• Monitor nutrition of children, elderly, or other high-risk groups.
• Advise clients or community groups to ensure parental understanding of the importance of childhood immunizations and how to access immunization services.
• Develop plans or formal contracts for individuals, families, or community groups to improve overall health.
• Provide feedback to health service providers regarding improving service accessibility or acceptability.
• Teach classes or otherwise disseminate medical or dental health information to school groups, community groups, or targeted families or individuals, in a manner consistent with cultural norms.
• Advise clients or community groups on issues related to sanitation or hygiene, such as flossing or hand washing.
• Collect information from individuals to compile vital statistics about the general health of community members.
• Assist families to apply for social services, including Medicaid or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
• Advise clients or community groups on issues related to social or intellectual development, such as education, childcare, or problem solving.
• Provide basic health services, such as first aid.
• 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.
• Advise clients or community groups on issues related to diagnostic screenings, such as breast cancer screening, pap smears, glaucoma tests, or diabetes screenings.
• Advise clients or community groups on issues related to risk or prevention of conditions, such as lead poisoning, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), prenatal substance abuse, or domestic violence.
• Administer immunizations or other basic preventive treatments.
• Identify the particular health care needs of individuals in a community or target area.
• Advise clients or community groups on issues related to self-care, such as diabetes management.
• Conduct home visits for pregnant women, newborn infants, or other high-risk individuals to monitor their progress or assess their needs.
• Transport or accompany clients to scheduled health appointments or referral sites.
• Advocate for individual or community health needs with government agencies or health service providers.
• Teach appropriate parenting behaviors to individuals or families.
• Report incidences of child or elder abuse, neglect, or threats of harm to authorities, as required.
• 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.
• 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.

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