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Behavioral HealthTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Community Health Worker

Assist individuals and communities to adopt healthy behaviors. Conduct outreach for medical personnel or health organizations to implement programs in the community that promote, maintain, and improve individual and community health. May provide information on available resources, provide social support and informal counseling, advocate for individuals and community health needs, and provide services such as first aid and blood pressure screening. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

Annual openings

133

BLS median wage

$59,260

Typical education

High school (GED), though some employers expect some college or even a Bachelor's degree.

10-year growth

+14%

Career requirements

What does this career require?

The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.

Typical education

High school (GED), though some employers expect some college or even a Bachelor's degree.

Credential requirement

No certification is required or expected for this job.

Work experience

This is an entry-level role so no work experience is required.

Work-based learning

This can be an excellent way to gain experience as you complete a behavioral health degree.

The WIC Program (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) has career opportunities at entry, mid, and advanced levels.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

  • With kids/peopleOccasionally
  • On a computerOccasionally
  • Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
  • With your handsOccasionally

Interests it draws on

  • Human Services

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Advise clients or community groups on issues related to improving general health, such as diet or exercise.
  2. Maintain updated client records with plans, notes, appropriate forms, or related information.
  3. Identify or contact members of high-risk or otherwise targeted groups, such as members of minority populations, low-income populations, or pregnant women.
  4. Contact clients in person, by phone, or in writing to ensure they have completed required or recommended actions.
  5. Distribute flyers, brochures, or other informational or educational documents to inform members of a targeted community.
  6. Refer community members to needed health services.