Kentucky Community Health Worker Certification Update 5 th

Kentucky Community Health Worker Certification Update 5 th Annual KYACHW Conference September 24, 2020

What is Certification? • Launched on October 1, 2019 • Voluntary credential that recognizes achievement of the CHW Core Competencies • Available to those who live or work in Kentucky and have completed sufficient CHW-related work experience or training and mentorship • Opportunity to elevate the CHW profession • Those who become Certified may use the abbreviation “CCHW” 2

Application Numbers 86 60 Submitted Intent to Apply Submitted Applications 26 Did Not Apply 70% Of CHWs who submitted the Intent also submitted an application 3

Application Numbers 59 CCHW 36 (61%) Based on Experience As of September 1, 2020 23 23 (39%) Based on Training 4

Application Numbers • 36 counties represented 5

Certification Survey Results • 49 Responses • Of those, 38 (77%) were Certified CHWs • Of those who are not certified, 8 (16%) plan to become certified 6

Application Process The Application Process Was Simple 4% 18% 42% 36% Definitely Mostly Somewhat Not Really Not at All 7

Application Process The Application Instructions Were Clear 16% 47% 37% Definitely Mostly Somewhat 8

Application Process I am Happy with the Certification Process 8% 31% 61% Definitely Mostly Somewhat 9

Application Process It is Easy to Contact the CHW Program with Questions 8% 19% 73% Definitely Mostly Somewhat 10

Feedback on Application Process • Separate the two application tracks – training and work experience* • Clarify which application track should fill out which forms* • Clarify photo requirements* • Submit applications online • Develop a CHW Mentor program to help newly certified CHWs 11

Continuing Education I Understand the CE Requirements for Recertification 6% 4% 4% [PERCENTAGE] 35% Definitely Mostly Somewhat Not Really Definitely Not 12

Continuing Education I am Aware that CCHWs Must Obtain 10 CEUs Per Year 2%2% 4% 29% [PERCENTAGE] Definitely Mostly Somewhat Not Really Definitely Not 13

Continuing Education KDPH has Communicated the CE Requirements Clearly 6% 4% 4% [PERCENTAGE] 35% Definitely Mostly Somewhat Not Really Definitely Not 14

Continuing Education It is Reasonable to Require 10 CEs Per Year 2% 22% [PERCENTAGE] 24% Definitely Mostly Somewhat Definitely Not 15

Continuing Education I Know Where to Find CEs Outside of KDPH and KYACHW 12% [PERCENTAGE] 19% 25% 27% Definitely Mostly Somewhat Not Really Definitely Not 16

Continuing Education KDPH and KYACHW Currently Offer Enough CEs 6% 10% [PERCENTAGE] 31% 27% Definitely Mostly Somewhat Not Really Definitely Not 17

Feedback on Continuing Education • More CE opportunities requested* • Weekend opportunities • Online opportunities (TRAIN) • More communication requested about upcoming CE opportunities* 18

Certification Year 2 Changes for 2021

Certification Updates • Webinar on 8/6/2020 (CHW Program Webpage) • Step by step instructions regarding application* • Detailed instructions regarding Continuing Education requirements and documentation* • Detailed “Frequently Asked Questions” document (CHW Program Webpage)* • Separate manual from the application materials* • Updated checklist for applicants to include all required materials* • * = Changes made based on CHW feedback 20

Certification Updates • Separate manual from the application materials* • Separate application “packets” depending on track* • Training based • Experience based • Recertification Clarified wording regarding mentorship Add expiration date to the recertification card* Add expiration date to the initial approval letter* Added more information regarding continuing education to initial approval letter* • * = Changes made based on CHW feedback • • All changes will go live on October 1 st, 2020 21

Continuing Education Updates • Changed requirement which did not allow for webinars/virtual learning to be counted towards continuing education • Working to provide more opportunities through KDPH and KYACHW* • More outreach to outside organizations to get trainings approved for CHW continuing education* • More communication regarding CE opportunities* • Working with the Kentucky Department for Public Health TRAIN to upload trainings that can be taken at any time* • * = Changes made based on CHW feedback 22

“Other” Updates • Met with first group of CCHWs to recertify for an informal review of the process on 9/16/2020 • Looking into virtual platforms for the application and continuing education process* • * = Changes made based on CHW feedback 23

Thank You! Laura Eirich, MPH Community Health Worker Program Manager Kentucky Department for Public Health Rahel Basse, MPH Environmental Health and Equity Coordinator Kentucky Department for Public Health Email: Laura. A. Eirich@ky. gov Email: Rahel. Basse@ky. gov 24