Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers have different roles and responsibilities depending on where they work and the specific populations they serve. But they share a common focus, including promoting health and wellbeing of communities, creating ‘bridges’ between socially and economically marginalized populations and mainstream health and social services, addressing the social determinants of health, engaging with communities to strengthen community capacity, advocating for equity, and catalyzing change.

Community Heath Workers may carry out activities such as health education and support, infectious and chronic disease prevention and management, support for pre-natal, labour & delivery, and post-natal help; navigation of health, social services, education and employment resources supports; mediation between families and services, such as child welfare intervention or disability services; and partnering to address common issues. Learn more

Average Hourly

$23.43

Range Hourly

$18.72 – $39.82

Average Yearly

$45,679

Range Yearly

$36,508 – $77,654

Social and community service workers (4212)

Community and social services worker

Community centre co-ordinator

Community centre worker

Community Health Promotion Worker

Community Health Worker

Community Liaison

Community Relations Specialist

Community mental health worker

Community rehabilitation worker

Community service worker

Community worker

Exceptional-child-care worker (except day care)

Mental health proctor

Mental health support worker

Mental health worker

Psychological assistant

Rehabilitation officer - social services

Rehabilitation service worker

Rehabilitation worker - social services

Social rehabilitation officer

Social rehabilitation technician

Social rehabilitation worker

A diploma or certificate in Community Health Promotion is usually required on top of bachelor’s or master’s degree in the Human Services sector (including but not limited to LPN, Health sciences, Psychology, Child & Youth Worker, Social Work, Sociology, Justice Studies)

Employers may also require applicants to have 1 or more of the following:

  • first aid and CPR certification
  • Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) certification
  • Workplace Hazardous Material Information Systems (WHMIS) certification
  • clear security and child welfare checks
  • a valid driver’s licence
  • a reliable vehicle for transportation.

Average hourly

Range hourly

Average yearly

Range yearly

$23.43

$18.72 - $39.82

$45,679

$36,508 - $77,654

Medium

Employment outlook is good to fair in most provinces. More information is available here.

With experience and further training one may get supervisory and managerial positions in dialysis centers and can also move parallel to become blood bank technicians, laboratory technicians, immunology technicians etc.

1-2 years relevant experience in the human services field

Certificate and diploma programs are available at many colleges. Examples include:

Community Support Worker at NorQuest College

Community Health Worker Program Certificate Diploma (Modular) at Yellowquill College

Community Development Diploma at QCT College

Community and Health Services Navigation –Graduate Certificate at Cambrian College

Team player, compassionate, attentive to the clients, passionate for working with people with disabilities, critical thinking skills, interest to explore new things and taking challenges, strong communication skills, highly responsible, able to stay calm under pressure, ability to consistently project a positive, professional image, on and off the job; the ability to maintain a balanced perspective; excellent organizational and time management skills; an interest in facilitating individual and organizational growth; negotiation skills; Valid CPR/First Aid certificate may be required

Non-regulated

Community Health Workers work in a wide range of settings, including public health units, community health centres, ethno-specific and multicultural community-based organizations, as well as other regional and provincial organizations. Residential settings may require shift work. Other settings may offer more regular hours. Evening and weekend work are sometimes required.

Enrolling into above mentioned programs and obtaining relevant degrees are usually a starting point. Also, volunteering in different social and health services organizations could help get in-field experience and kick off.