Community Health Worker

Community Health Worker (CHW) in Nevada is a frontline public health professional who serves as a trusted member of the community they work with. CHWs build strong connections between individuals and the health or social service systems, improving access to care and promoting culturally competent services. They play a vital role in reducing barriers by offering outreach, education, advocacy, and informal support. CHWs serve multiple functions, including acting as cultural liaisons to help clients and providers understand each other, providing health education on disease prevention and health promotion, assisting with outreach and navigation to access services and benefits, offering informal counseling and peer support, advocating for equitable healthcare, conducting basic health screenings, and empowering communities through education and engagement initiatives.

To become a CHW in Nevada, individuals must complete a state-approved training program and obtain certification through the Nevada Certification Board (NCB). Nevada offers two certification levels: CHW I, which prepares workers for entry-level roles focused on outreach, education, and basic support; and CHW II, which builds on those skills with advanced knowledge in behavioral health, cultural competency, and health equity, as well as broader responsibilities in advocacy, leadership, and community engagement. The scope of practice for Community Health Workers in Nevada is guided by the NRS 449.0027.