By law, certification is not required to work as a CHW in Indiana. However, it is highly recommended. Designation as a Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) proves that you have demonstrated a foundational mastery of the CHW Core Competencies as defined both nationally and in the state of Indiana. Additionally, your certification means that your services as a CHW could be reimbursable by Medicaid if services are carried out as defined by Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP).

Although there are no continuing education requirements for maintaining your INCHWA-issued CHW Certification, it is highly encouraged that you seek out opportunities for continued learning. Continuing your education will help you stay up-to-date with best practices, ensure you provide the highest quality care to your clients, and make you more marketable to employers.

INCHWA offers continuing education opportunities for all CHWs. You may access this education via a: 

• Level One Membership (Free) which provides access to limited sponsored trainings only or a
• Level Two Membership ($40) which provides access to INCHWA's entire Training Academy. 

Both options provide participants with a Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of each course.

All INCHWA Recognized Certified CHW Training Organizations offer a foundational CHW training program that prepares students for the workforce. Each training program adheres to the CHW Scope of Practice and covers all CHW Core Competencies. Topics include:

• Cultural mediation among individuals, communities, and health and social services systems;
• Providing coaching and social support including motivational interviewing;
• Providing culturally-appropriate health education and information including techniques for delivering health education to various audiences, basic overview of chronic diseases, trauma-informed care, and staying within Scope of Practice and how to refer when needed;
• Care coordination, case management, and system navigation including client-centered care;
• Providing direct services with an emphasis on the CHW Code of Ethics, HIPPA, confidentiality, and informed consent, and functioning within a multi-disciplinary team;
• Building individual and community capacity;
• Advocating for individuals and communities;
• Implementing individual and community assessments including stages of change and risk and harm reduction;
• Conducting outreach; and
• Participating in evaluation and research.

Training schedules and cost vary among INCHWA Recognized Certified CHW Training Organizations. Please contact them directly for details.

Community Health Worker (CHW) Curriculum

Recognition Overview

Effective 11.1.2022

Overview

INCHWA's recognition of your CHW training means:

• Public support for your training indicating that it aligns with both national and state standards for CHW training,
• Distribution of a Student Certificate by INCHWA to each student upon training completion, and
• Inclusion of a $40 INCHWA membership fee in your tuition fee that will be forwarded to INCHWA for a 1-year INCHWA membership for each student.

 Requirements

For your CHW training to be recognized by INCHWA, you must meet the following requirements:

Your Training Organization must:

• Offer statewide training (via an online platform or by delivery from training facilities throughout the state),
• Provide one of the following:
  • Academic credit or have an agreement with an educational institution that provides academic credit upon completion of CHW training
  • Supporting evidence of quality in training development, presentation skills, and a commitment to developing CHWs’ professional citizenship.*
• Provide a pathway for both community members and traditional students (if an academic institution) to access your CHW training, and
• Be actively engaged in advancing the CHW profession.

*A minimum of two developers/instructors are required for CHW training developed without an agreement with an educational institution.

Your CHW training must:

• Be a minimum of 40 training hours,
• Adhere to both national and state standards for CHWs,
• Provide exposure to organizations in the community where a CHW might work (This can be in the form of a capstone project or assignments providing the student exposure to community services and resources), and
• Be developed and taught by instructors with experience in training and community health work.

Update 2/1/23