Curriculum Breakdown (180 Hours Total)

Module 1: Introduction to Community Health Work

• Role and scope of the CHW

• History and evolution of CHWs

• CHW core competencies and values

• Professional boundaries and self-care

Module 2: Public Health Fundamentals

• Basics of public health

• Social determinants of health

• Health disparities and equity

• Population health and prevention

Module 3: Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Effective communication techniques

• Motivational interviewing

• Active listening and empathy

• Conflict resolution and de-escalation

Module 4: Cultural Competency & Community Engagement (20 hours)

• Cultural humility and bias awareness

• Working with diverse populations

• Community assessment methods

• Building trust and partnerships

Module 5: Care Coordination & System Navigation (25 hours)

• Healthcare systems overview

• Insurance basics (Medicaid, Medicare, NJ Family Care)

• Referrals and resource linkage

• Case management fundamentals

Module 6: Health Education & Promotion (25 hours)

• Health literacy principles

• Chronic disease education (diabetes, hypertension, asthma)

• Maternal and child health

• Nutrition, physical activity, and wellness

Module 7: Behavioral Health & Special Populations (20 hours)

• Mental health basics

• Substance use disorders

• Trauma-informed care

• Serving seniors, youth, homeless, and justice-involved populations

Module 8: Ethics, Legal Issues & Professional Practice (15 hours)

• HIPAA and confidentiality

• Ethics and professional conduct

• Documentation and reporting

• Workplace readiness

Module 9: Field Experience / Practicum (20 hours)

• Supervised community-based experience

• Outreach simulations or externship placement

• Case studies and reflective practice

A registration fee of $75 is required for each course.