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Oregon Health Authority

Community Health Worker (CHW)

A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has a close understanding of the community served.  This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. (APHA.org). 
"Community Health Worker" has the meaning given that term in ORS 414.025.

CHW Certification Requirements

There are three ways that individuals can become an OHA-certified Community Health Worker:

LEGACY CLAUSE

The Legacy Clause is an exemption that allows people who have been active in the field and who have lived experience, to apply to be state-certified as a THW (Each worker-type has its own specific requirements). Individuals seeking THW certification and registry enrollment as a Legacy Clause for a Community Health Worker must provide:

  • A minimum of one letter of recommendation from any previous employer for whom CHW services were provided within that last five years. The letter must be on professional letterhead, must have author's signature and must have contact information.
  • Verifiable evidence of working or volunteering in the capacity of a community health worker for at least 3000 hours between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2025. "Verifiable evidence" means a pay statement, services contract, student practicum, volunteer time log, or other documentation reflecting hours worked or volunteered.

RECIPROCITY 

Individuals who hold an active CHW certification from the state of Washington or Idaho, and are in good standing with their certifying body, may be granted reciprocity or receive equivalent credit for previously completed training. Complete and submit reciprocity form to: THW.Program@oha.oregon.gov.

CHW Recertification Requirements 

Every three years, all CHWs must complete the required CEUs to renew their CHW certificate. 

  • At least 20 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during every three-year renewal period 
    • At least three of the 20 hours must be from suicide risk assessment, treatment, and management appropriate to the CHW scope of work. 

A list of Suicide Prevention Trainings (PDF) 

Additional Suicide Prevention Trainings/CEU's 

Raices de Bienestar Suicide Prevention for the Latinx Community Training CEU's 

Competency Test 

If your CHW certification has lapsed more than 6 months, you have the option of taking a Competency Test. You must submit proof of successful completion of the competency test along with the required CEUs. The competency skills test administered by the Oregon Community Health Worker Association (ORCHWA): Sign up form for CHW Competency Exam 


Application

  • Apply for the Traditional Health Worker (THW) certification via the portal at https://healthworkforceregistry.oregon.gov/
  • *Regarding recertification, for renewal purposes, we require applicants to apply within 60-90 days prior to their expiration date.
Once you are certified with the Oregon Health Authority, we will add you to our state registry. The registry is a reliable, trusted source for finding a traditional health worker in Oregon.