community-health-worker/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — community health worker

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 21-1094.00 (Community Health Workers).

Task statements

• [Core] Advise clients or community groups on issues related to improving general health, such as diet or exercise.
• [Core] Attend community meetings or health fairs to understand community issues or build relationships with community members.
• [Core] Contact clients in person, by phone, or in writing to ensure they have completed required or recommended actions.
• [Core] Distribute flyers, brochures, or other informational or educational documents to inform members of a targeted community.
• [Core] Identify or contact members of high-risk or otherwise targeted groups, such as members of minority populations, low-income populations, or pregnant women.
• [Core] Maintain updated client records with plans, notes, appropriate forms, or related information.
• [Core] Refer community members to needed health services.
• [Supplemental] Administer immunizations or other basic preventive treatments.
• [Supplemental] Advise clients or community groups on issues related to diagnostic screenings, such as breast cancer screening, pap smears, glaucoma tests, or diabetes screenings.
• [Supplemental] Advise clients or community groups on issues related to risk or prevention of conditions, such as lead poisoning, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), prenatal substance abuse, or domestic violence.
• [Supplemental] Advise clients or community groups on issues related to sanitation or hygiene, such as flossing or hand washing.
• [Supplemental] Advise clients or community groups on issues related to self-care, such as diabetes management.
• [Supplemental] Advise clients or community groups on issues related to social or intellectual development, such as education, childcare, or problem solving.
• [Supplemental] Advise clients or community groups to ensure parental understanding of the importance of childhood immunizations and how to access immunization services.
• [Supplemental] Advocate for individual or community health needs with government agencies or health service providers.
• [Supplemental] Conduct home visits for pregnant women, newborn infants, or other high-risk individuals to monitor their progress or assess their needs.
• [Supplemental] Identify the particular health care needs of individuals in a community or target area.
• [Supplemental] Interpret, translate, or provide cultural mediation related to health services or information for community members.
• [Supplemental] Monitor nutrition of children, elderly, or other high-risk groups.
• [Supplemental] Perform basic diagnostic procedures, such as blood pressure screening, breast cancer screening, or communicable disease screening.
• [Supplemental] Provide basic health services, such as first aid.
• [Supplemental] Provide feedback to health service providers regarding improving service accessibility or acceptability.
• [Supplemental] Teach classes or otherwise disseminate medical or dental health information to school groups, community groups, or targeted families or individuals, in a manner consistent with cultural norms.
• [Supplemental] Assist families to apply for social services, including Medicaid or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
• [Supplemental] Collect information from individuals to compile vital statistics about the general health of community members.
• [Supplemental] Develop plans or formal contracts for individuals, families, or community groups to improve overall health.
• [Supplemental] Report incidences of child or elder abuse, neglect, or threats of harm to authorities, as required.
• [Supplemental] Transport or accompany clients to scheduled health appointments or referral sites.

Detailed work activities

• Advise clients or community groups on health issues.
• Advise others on social or educational issues.
• Advise others on ways to improve processes or products.
• Advocate for individual or community needs.
• Assess individual or community needs for educational or social services.
• Collect information about community health needs.
• Communicate health and wellness information to the public.
• Confer with clients to discuss treatment plans or progress.
• Confer with clients to exchange information.
• Coordinate with external parties to exchange information.
• Develop working relationships with others to facilitate program activities.
• Help clients get needed services or resources.
• Interpret cultural or religious information for others.
• Lead classes or community events.
• Maintain client records.
• Monitor clients to evaluate treatment progress.
• Monitor nutrition related activities of individuals or groups.
• Plan programs to address community health issues.
• Provide basic health care services.
• Provide educational materials to community members.
• Recommend changes or corrective procedures.
• Recommend legal actions.
• Refer clients to community or social service programs.
• Transport clients to appointments.
• Visit individuals in their homes to provide support or information.