Community Health Worker (CHW)

A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has a close understanding of the community served.  This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. (APHA.org). 

"Community Health Worker" has the meaning given that term in ORS 414.025.

CHW Certification Requirements

There are two ways that individuals can become an OHA-certified Community Health Worker:

• Option 1: Complete an approved training program 
  

• Option 3:  Apply using the Reciprocity (see details below) 

• CHWs are also required to complete THW Oral Health for Community Health Worker Training Program
  
  
  

RECIPROCITY 

Individuals who hold an active CHW certification from the state of Washington or Idaho, and are in good standing with their certifying body, may be granted reciprocity or receive equivalent credit for previously completed training. Complete and submit reciprocity form to: THW.Program@oha.oregon.gov.

CHW Recertification Requirements 

Every three years, all CHWs must complete the required CEUs to renew their CHW certificate. 

• At least 20 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during every three-year renewal period 
• At least three of the 20 hours must be from suicide risk assessment, treatment, and management appropriate to the CHW scope of work. 

A list of Suicide Prevention Trainings (PDF) 

Additional Suicide Prevention Trainings/CEUs

Raices de Bienestar Suicide Prevention for the Latinx Community Training CEUs

Responding with Care Suicide Prevention Training

If your CHW certification has lapsed more than 6 months, you have the option of taking a Competency Test. You must submit proof of successful completion of the competency test along with the required CEUs. The competency skills test administered by the Oregon Community Health Worker Association (ORCHWA): Sign up form for CHW Competency Exam

Application

• Apply for the Traditional Health Worker (THW) certification via the portal at https://healthworkforceregistry.oregon.gov/

• *Regarding recertification, for renewal purposes, we require applicants to apply within 60-90 days prior to their expiration date.
  

Once you are certified with the Oregon Health Authority, we will add you to our state registry. The registry is a reliable, trusted source for finding a traditional health worker in Oregon.