Community Health Workers (CHWs) keep communities healthy. Luckily, their numbers are growing—but how can society better meet their professional needs? New research from Fordham GSS Assistant Professor Rahbel Rahman, Ph.D., aimed to understand how to best support these vital health care providers.
Through focus groups of executive directors and supervisors, Rahman’s research identified CHW strengths, challenges, and what kind of professional development would empower them most effectively. The study, titled “‘’If You Don’t Feel Empowered, Then How Are You Going to Empower Someone Else?’ Perspectives of Executive Directors and Supervisors on Community Health Worker Workforce Development,” was published in Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership & Governance.
The study’s findings discovered that CHWs excel at understanding their communities and building trusting relationships with residents. Their unique ability to translate complex health information into clear, understandable terms makes them invaluable assets to the communities they serve.
However, CHWs face distinctive challenges, like maintaining confidentiality while knowing when to share information. This requires a specific skill set. Additionally, empowering individuals to take charge of their health often necessitates a particular communication style.
Rahman’s research suggests that targeted training programs can equip CHWs with the skills to navigate these challenges. Furthermore, supportive leadership and supervision foster a positive work environment that optimizes CHW performance.
