Classes are typically one day a week, all day, for about 20 weeks. The curriculum is mandated by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to provide information in 8 core competencies. The eight competencies that have been identified by the state are:
Communication Skills
- Listening
- Use language confidently and appropriately
- Ability to read and write well enough to document activities
Interpersonal Skills
- Counseling
- Relationship-building
- Ability to work as a team member
- Ability to work appropriately with diverse groups of people
Service Coordination Skills
- Ability to identify and access resources
- Ability to network and build coalitions
- Ability to provide follow-up
Capacity Building Skills
- “Empowerment”-Ability to identify problems and resources to help clients solve problems themselves
- Leadership
- Ability to strategic
- Ability to motivate
Advocacy Skills
- Ability to speak up for individuals or communities and withstand intimidation
- Ability to use language appropriately
- Ability to overcome barriers
Teaching Skills
- Ability to share information one-on-one
- Ability to master information, plan and lead classes, and collect and use information from community people
Organization Skills
- Ability to set goals and plan
- Ability to juggle priorities and manage time
Knowledge Base on Specific Health Issues
- Broad knowledge about the community
- Knowledge about specific health issues
- Knowledge of health and social service systems
- Ability to find information
Because the class is a ‘clock hour’ class, attendance is mandatory. Clock hour means the class is based on the number of hours a person is actually present in the class. There are no exams or tests required to complete the class. Once a participant has successfully completed the class, s/he is eligible to apply for state certification. There is no fee nor testing required from DSHS to receive a certificate, only proof of course completion with other required documents. Once a CHW becomes certified s/he must recertify every 2 years. 20 hours of continuing education are required before the 2-year expiration date.
Please contact the GTC CHWTI Coordinator at 713.783.4616 for more information.