The goal of the Workforce Team is to support the CHW workforce with increased opportunities for training (including CHW training that qualifies participants for official CHW certification and continuing education units), professional development and networking opportunities. 

Activities include but are not limited to:

• Providing technical assistance on best practices for CHW training and facilitation 
• Supporting organizations in building capacity to become approved CHW training sites
• Partnerships with different organizations around the state (especially  BIPOC community-based organizations) to advance the workforce through training and education . 
• Assuring  that CHWs statewide are aware of the opportunities for the profession and personal development by maintaining a curated  list of CEUs that includes local, statewide, and national opportunities
• Leading  ORCHWA’s Education & Training subcommittee to respond to the needs of the CHWs through trainings and annual conference for members
• Working with the ORCHWA Policy and Advocacy sub-committee to advance  CHW career lattice opportunities 
• Using Popular Education as a teaching methodology to develop training curriculum that can support  CHW leadership development and public health promotion

CHW COMPETENCY EXAM

Community health workers who have registered with the State of Oregon on the OHA Traditional Health Worker Registry  but whose certification has lapsed for more than 6-months can choose to take a CHW Competency Exam. The exam is offered virtually or in person. For more information or to sign up for the exam contact us at workforce@orchwa.org.