Four Community Care HUB Community Health Workers (CHWs) achieved recertification through the Pennsylvania Certification Board.
In 2020, CHWs Flor, Christy, Shealeigh, and Justina were trained by the Pathways Community HUB Institute (PCHI) to become certified CHWS by the Pennsylvania Certification Board in 2021. They are part of the inaugural class of the Certified CHW workforce in the state of Pennsylvania.
Requirements for certification include:
- 75 total hours of education from a PCB accredited CHW training provider gained within the last five years
- One year of full-time volunteer or paid employment or 2,000 hours of part-time of volunteer or paid employment as a CHW
- Copy of current CHW volunteer/job description, obtained from current organization, and which must be signed by both the applicant and their immediate supervisor
- 60 hours of on-the-job supervision of qualifying work experience specific to the domains
- 30 hours relevant to community health including 3 hours ethics
After becoming officially certified, like Flor, Christy, Shealeigh, and Justina, recertification is required every two years.
In order to become recertified, a CHW must complete an additional 30 hours of education.
“I choose education that would help me grow in my position,” said CCHW Christy. “We are lucky to be able to participate in the Echo Series of training through Penn State. They always host important topic discussions. I then choose education around the social needs of my clients. I go to housing seminars, mental health, oral health, and a wide variety trainings on other important topics. “
For more information on CHW certification and recertification, visit Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) | Pennsylvania Certification Board (pacertboard.org).