Community Health Worker Onboarding Checklist

Community Health Worker Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Community Health Worker starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Healthcare onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Community Health Worker, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Community Health Worker onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Community Health Worker Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new Community Health Worker (CHW) attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.

2. Introduction to the Team: The CHW is introduced to their immediate team members, including supervisors, colleagues, and other CHWs. This introduction helps foster a sense of belonging and collaboration within the team. The task is usually performed by the supervisor or team leader.

3. Training on Electronic Health Records (EHR): As EHR systems are commonly used in healthcare settings, the CHW receives training on how to navigate and utilize the company’s specific EHR system. This training is typically conducted by the IT department or a designated EHR trainer.

4. Familiarization with Company Policies and Procedures: The CHW is provided with a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including confidentiality, safety protocols, documentation requirements, and ethical guidelines. This task is performed by the Human Resources department or a designated trainer.

5. Introduction to Community Resources: The CHW is introduced to the various community resources available to support the health and well-being of the population they will be serving. This may include local clinics, social service agencies, support groups, and other relevant organizations. The task is typically performed by a senior CHW or a designated community liaison.

6. Shadowing Experienced CHWs: The new CHW shadows experienced colleagues to observe and learn from their interactions with clients, community partners, and other healthcare professionals. This task helps the new CHW gain practical insights and develop their skills. It is performed by experienced CHWs or supervisors.

7. Review of Case Studies: The CHW reviews case studies or scenarios that reflect common situations they may encounter in their role. This exercise helps them understand how to apply their knowledge and skills in real-life situations. The task is typically facilitated by a supervisor or a designated trainer.

8. Training on Cultural Competency: Given the diverse populations CHWs often work with, they receive training on cultural competency to enhance their ability to provide culturally sensitive care. This training may be conducted by the company’s diversity and inclusion department or a designated cultural competency trainer.

9. Introduction to Documentation Requirements: The CHW is trained on the specific documentation requirements for their role, including client assessments, progress notes, and data collection. This training is typically provided by a supervisor or a designated trainer.

10. Introduction to Quality Improvement Initiatives: The CHW learns about the company’s quality improvement initiatives and their role in contributing to the organization’s overall goals. This task is usually performed by a quality improvement coordinator or a designated trainer.

11. Introduction to Supervision and Performance Evaluation: The CHW is introduced to the company’s supervision and performance evaluation processes, including regular check-ins, goal setting, and performance feedback. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or a designated HR representative.

12. Review of Safety Protocols: The CHW receives training on safety protocols specific to their role, such as infection control, emergency response procedures, and workplace safety guidelines. This training is typically conducted by the company’s safety officer or a designated trainer.

13. Introduction to Data Management Systems: The CHW is trained on the company’s data management systems, including how to input and retrieve data, generate reports, and maintain data accuracy. This training is typically provided by the IT department or a designated data management trainer.

14. Introduction to Professional Development Opportunities: The CHW is informed about professional development opportunities available within the company, such as workshops, conferences, and certifications. This task is performed by the Human Resources department or a designated professional development coordinator.

15. Introduction to Supervisory Chain of Command: The CHW is provided with an overview of the supervisory chain of command, including who to contact for different types of issues or concerns. This information is typically shared by the supervisor or a designated HR representative.

16. Introduction to Employee Benefits: The CHW is provided with information about the company’s employee benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other perks. This task is performed by the Human Resources department or a designated benefits coordinator.

17. Introduction to HIPAA and Confidentiality: The CHW receives training on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations and the importance of maintaining client confidentiality. This training is typically conducted by the company’s privacy officer or a designated HIPAA trainer.

18. Introduction to Team Meetings and Communication Channels: The CHW is informed about team meetings, communication channels, and any relevant platforms or software used for internal communication. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or a designated team leader.

19. Introduction to Performance Expectations: The CHW is provided with clear performance expectations, including productivity targets, quality standards, and any specific metrics relevant to their role. This task is performed by the supervisor or a designated HR representative.

20. Introduction to Ethical Guidelines: The CHW is trained on ethical guidelines specific to their role, such as maintaining professional boundaries, avoiding conflicts of interest, and ensuring client autonomy. This training is typically provided by a supervisor or a designated ethics trainer.

21. Introduction to Emergency Response Procedures: The CHW receives training on emergency response procedures, including how to handle medical emergencies, natural disasters, or other crisis situations. This training is typically conducted by the company’s safety officer or a designated trainer.

22. Introduction to Continuous Learning Opportunities: The CHW is informed about continuous learning opportunities, such as webinars, online courses, or professional journals, to stay updated on best practices and emerging trends in community health. This task is performed by the Human Resources department or a designated professional development coordinator.

23. Introduction to Performance Evaluation Metrics: The CHW is provided with an overview of the performance evaluation metrics used to assess their effectiveness and impact. This information is typically shared by the supervisor or a designated HR representative.

24. Introduction to Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The CHW is introduced to the concept of interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of working closely with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, doctors, social workers, and therapists. This task is typically performed by a supervisor or a designated team leader.

25. Introduction to Health and Safety Training: The CHW receives training on health and safety topics relevant to their role, such as infection control, proper lifting techniques, and workplace ergonomics. This training is typically conducted by the company’s safety officer or a designated trainer.

26. Introduction to Performance Improvement Plans: The CHW is informed about the company’s performance improvement plans and the steps involved in addressing performance concerns or deficiencies. This task is performed by the supervisor or a designated HR representative.

27. Introduction to Client Advocacy: The CHW is trained on the importance of client advocacy and how to effectively advocate for clients’ needs and rights within the healthcare system. This training is typically provided by a supervisor or a designated advocacy trainer.

28. Introduction to Health Education Materials: The CHW is introduced to the company’s health education materials, such as brochures, pamphlets, or online resources, that they can utilize when working with clients. This task is typically performed by a senior CHW or a designated health education coordinator.

29. Introduction to Performance Recognition Programs: The CHW is informed about any performance recognition programs or incentives offered by the company to acknowledge outstanding performance or achievements. This information is typically shared by the supervisor or a designated HR representative.

30. Introduction to Professional Code of Conduct: The CHW is trained on the professional code of conduct specific to their role, including ethical principles, professional boundaries, and maintaining confidentiality. This training is typically provided by a supervisor or a designated ethics trainer

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Community Health Worker checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Community Health Worker up to speed and working well in your Healthcare team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.