“Community health workers bring value and deserve to be valued too:” Key considerations in improving CHW career advancement opportunities

Authors: Julie Smithwick, Jenesha Nance, Sarah Covington-Kolb, Ashley Rodriguez, Mike Young

The Center for Community Health Alignment (CCHA), within the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, conducted a mixed-methods study to provide a more in-depth understanding of the issues CHWs face in accessing career advancement opportunities. Data for this study was collected from the following four sources: qualitative data from the South Carolina CHW Ambassadors and CHW Best Practices Council; the National Association of CHWs (NACHW) 2021 Annual CHW Workforce Survey; a rapid feedback session of CHWs at the NACHW Unity Conference; and qualitative interviews with CHW managers and supervisors. Results across data sources emphasized the importance of retaining skilled and experienced CHWs while educating other health professions about CHWs’ critical roles. Higher wages, lived experience, and participation in additional training opportunities were also identified as primary factors to consider in career advancement of CHWs. While these findings highlight the importance of supporting CHW career advancement, they also inform strategies that organizations can use to improve CHW career pathways.