CHW Training
Community Health Worker Training
Community Health Workers
A Community Health Worker (CHW) or “promotora” is a trusted member of the community who has a uniquely close understanding of the community served. This relationship enables community health workers to serve as a bridge between health and social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. Community Health Workers are an essential workforce contributing to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
El Buen Samaritano has played a key role in the strengthening and sustainability of the Community Health Worker workforce in Austin, Travis County since 2012.
Community Health Worker Certification
Certified in 2012 by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), El Buen Samaritano’s bilingual Community Health Worker Training Center provides comprehensive bilingual certification to become Community Health Workers (CHW’s). El Buen has certified over fifty-five CHW’s through our training program and over 125 CHW’s have received (CEU’s) through our Spring and Fall Training Series. El Buen’s training center graduates are culturally competent as well as trained in the CHW Core Competencies for application of these skills to diverse employment opportunities throughout the State of Texas.
When
Currently in the process of planning our next certification course.
Where
Classes will be held at El Buen Samaritano, 7000 Woodhue Drive, Austin, TX 78745
Time
Classes will be in person each Friday from 8am – 5pm.
Registration for the CHW Certification Spring course is now closed. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming Fall course!
CEU Trainings – 2025
CHW Public Health Professional Development Series is being delivered by the South Texas CHW Workforce Preparedness Collaborative.
The Role of CHWs in Public Health – February 6th
The purpose of this training is to help community health workers (CHWs) understand their role and impact in public health. February 6, 2025 from 12pm - 1:30pm CST By the end of this training, participants will be able to: Describe key public health concepts and...
Project Management and Leadership – March 6th
The purpose of this module is to introduce participants to the core principles of project leadership and management, while introducing them to practical project management tools. March 6, 2025 from 12pm – 1:30pm CST By the end of this training, participants will be...
Health Literacy and Teach Back – April 3rd
April 3, 2025 from 12pm - 1:30pm CST The purpose of this training is to explain the teach-back communication technique in detail and provide an opportunity to practice this technique in a learning environment. Objectives: By the end of this training, participants will...
Navigating Mental Health Conversations – April 23
This live Zoom session will help CHWs start conversations about mental health and give CHWs tools to help their clients. April 23, 2025 from 9am - 11:30am CST The goal of this course is to provide Community Health Workers with knowledge and tools to navigate...
Public Health Policy – May 1st
The purpose of this training is to provide CHWs with a foundation of public health policy development and how to engage with lawmakers to develop policy. May 1, 2025 from 12pm – 1:30pm CST By the end of this training, participants will be able to: Identify how policy...
Supporting Clients with Substance Use & Mental Health Issues – May 21st
CoThis live Zoom session will increase awareness about issues related to mental health and substance use and give CHWs tools to help their clients. May 21, 2025 from 9am - 11am CST This session will discuss the link between substance use and mental illness, and review...
Public Health Advocacy – June 5th
Participants will have the opportunity to practice teach-back as an applicable skill in health communication. June 5, 2025 from 12pm – 1:30pm CST By the end of this training, participants will be able to: Define public health advocacy. Describe how to effectively...
How to Inform CHW Practice with Data – July 10th
The purpose of this module is to introduce participants to the different types of data, how to read and interpret data, and the role of CHWs in collecting and using data. July 10, 2025 from 12pm – 1:30pm CST By the end of this training, participants will be able to:...
Navigating Mental Health Conversations – July 23rd
CourThis live Zoom session will help CHWs start conversations about mental health and give CHWs tools to help their clients. July 23, 2025 from 9am - 11am The goal of this course is to provide Community Health Workers with knowledge and tools to navigate conversations...
Project Evaluation – August 7th
Enroll now to access professional development for community health workers. August 7, 2025 from 12pm – 1:30pm CST By the end of this training, participants will be able to: Compare evaluation and research Differentiate the purpose and value of different types of...
Supporting Clients with Substance Use & Mental Health Issues – August 20th
This live Zoom session will increase awareness about issues related to mental health and substance use and give CHWs tools to help their clients. August 20th, 2025 from 9am - 11am CST This session will discuss the link between substance use and mental illness, and...
Trauma-Informed Care – September 10th
This course consists of pre-work, one live Zoom session, and post-work and can take up to 4 hours to complete all modules. The goal of this course is to provide an overview of trauma, how it affects the brain, and how it impacts health behaviors and outcomes....
Navigating Mental Health Conversations – October 22nd
This live Zoom session will help CHWs start conversations about mental health and give CHWs tools to help their clients. October 22, 2025 from 9am - 11:30am CST The goal of this course is to provide Community Health Workers with knowledge and tools to navigate...
Past CEU Trainings
Substance Use & Mental Health – June 26, 2024
The goal of this course is to provide Community Health Workers with increased awareness about issues related to mental health and substance use, including signs and symptoms, and give CHWs tools to help their clients. This course consists of a 2.5 hour required...
Compassion Fatigue, Burn Out and Self Care – June 5, 2024
This training will focus it’s discussion on ways to support ourselves as we support our clients and communities in the work that we do. When June 5, 2024 9am – 11:00am
Advanced Motivational Interviewing – May 29, 2024
The goal of this course is to provide Community Health Workers with a space to practice and improve advanced motivational skills (MI) through roleplay. A prerequisite e-learning module, “How do I Help my Clients Make Changes to Improve Their Health? An Introduction to...
Additional Resources
- Collaboration on research related to CHW
- Specialized training packages for organizations working with CHWs
- Consulting on CHW program planning and implementation.