Full course description
Community health worker (CHW) instructors provide training to CHWs or other CHW instructors. They know about the role of a CHW, adult education methods, core competencies, and curriculum development. CHW Instructors provide culturally relevant education on a diversity of health topics.
- Evaluate and implement entry-level proficiency in CHWI skills including understanding and teaching the role of a CHW, effective adult education methods, imparting core competencies, and curriculum development.
- Develop and mentor CHWs imparting job readiness and professional skills necessary for employment in the CHW field.
- Define ethics, scope of practice, professional boundaries, conflict resolution, self-care, time management, & skills for giving & receiving constructive feedback.
- Analyze & evaluate health information from public health, behavioral science, evidence-based & cultural perspectives teaching CHWs to use best practices for health promotion.
- Appraise and apply core concepts for CHWs to work effectively with diverse clients and communities, including cultural humility and ecological perspective.
To Become a Certified CHW in Texas:
- Must be a Texas Resident
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Training – Must complete 160-hour competency-based certification program certified by DSHS
- No cost to apply for certification
Course Director
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Frances Villafane, MPH, CHWI Frances is a certified community health worker instructor and experienced Associate Director for Primary and Hospital Systems, with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization and public health industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Corporate and Social Responsibility, Diversity and Inclusion, International Relations, Cancer Control Strategies, Fundraising, Quality Improvement, and Leadership. Frances has a passion for teaching CHWs how to best meet the needs of the communities they serve. |
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Teresa Wagner, DrPH, MS, CPH, RD/LD, FNAP, CPPS, CHWI, DipACLM, CHWC Director, UNTHSC Community Health Worker Training Center Dr. Wagner has a passion for helping people navigate health care. Her research focuses on health literacy, the ability for people to obtain, read, understand, and use healthcare information to make informed health decisions and follow instructions for treatment. Dr. Wagner is a registered dietitian and Doctor of Public Health holding certifications in Public Health, Patient Safety, Lifestyle Medicine, Health Coaching and is a Certified Community Health Worker Instructor. Dr. Wagner recognizes that CHWs are the conduit to health literacy, patient safety, and public health for the communities they serve. |
Learn more about our Community Health Worker Center
under the Direction of Dr. Teresa Wagner.