Community health worker

A community health worker bridges the gap between healthcare systems and the communities they serve, especially underserved ones. Trusted members of the community themselves, they provide health education, help people navigate clinics and benefits, connect families to resources, support chronic-disease management, and carry community concerns back to providers and agencies.

The role relies on cultural understanding and trust more than clinical training, reaching people who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Workers are employed by clinics, nonprofits, and health departments, often working in homes and neighborhoods rather than facilities.

The job suits empathetic, well-connected people who want to improve health by meeting their neighbors where they are.