Curriculum

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.