Resources
Newsletter
Check out our monthly CHW e-newsletter published. We strive to keep CHWs, their employers, educators, and allies informed and connected.
To subscribe to the newsletter or to contribute information for a future edition, please contact Mariah Menietti at mmenietti@ipha.com.
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Blog
Stay informed, inspired, and connected. Our blog features write-ups on the latest in community health, CHW training insights, success stories, practical tips, and industry news. Whether you're a seasoned Community Health Worker or just starting out, you'll find valuable resources to support your growth and impact
Check back often for fresh content and expert perspectives!​​
Toolkits
General CHW Toolkit
Chronic Disease
Healthy Aging
Know Alz
Cancer Navigation – coming soon!
Firearm Safety – coming soon!
Maternal and Child Health – coming soon!
ACEs – coming soon!
Job Search
Whether you’re just starting out as a Community Health Worker (CHW) or you're a seasoned professional ready for your next role, we’re here to support your journey. Check back as we continue to build out this section with links to CHW job listings, career tools, and guidance to help you thrive in a meaningful career that serves your community.
IPHA Job Board
Indeed
LinkedIn​​
Find other Illinois CHW training sites
Individuals who want to apply for CHW certification in Illinois will need to successfully complete an IDPH-certified academic or community- based training program as part of the certification process. The law does allow for a work experience or “grandfathering” pathway. The details of this pathway will be determined in the rules.
Below are existing sites that currently offer CHW training programs. Please note that CHW training programs will need to meet training program certification criteria through an application and on-site review process once the Illinois certification process is launched.
IPHA events
IPHA LMS
ILCHWA
SIU School of Medicine
South Suburban College
UIC
Malcolm X
SWIC
ICC
Sinai
Become a certified training site
Individuals will need to successfully complete an IDPH-certified academic or community-based training program as part of the CHW certification process. CHW training programs will need to meet training program certification criteria through an application and on-site review process. To maintain certification, training programs will need to be re-approved on a regular basis.
For more information on becoming a certified training site, visit the IDPH website.
Hire CHWs
What is a CHW?
CHWs are trusted healthcare messengers and navigators who live and work in the communities they serve. CHWs connect community residents with the resources they need to manage their health, address chronic disease issues, and access available services and resources. Not only do CHWs improve health outcomes, but programs like IPHA’s can facilitate hiring opportunities for trained CHWs, which results in new local economic opportunities and promotes health equity. CHWs are an essential component of Illinois’ coordinated response to increasing access to care among residents of economically and medically under-resourced communities.
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CHW Certification
Community Health Worker Certification is launching soon—and it’s a game-changer for CHWs across our state!
The Community Health Worker Certification and Reimbursement Act (Public Act 410 ILCS 67) passed in 2021. This law calls for the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to establish a CHW Certification Program. This Program will help ensure high quality, comprehensive, and ongoing training of the Illinois CHW workforce. The law also calls for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to pursue payment for services provided by certified CHWs through the Medicaid program.
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Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience serving your community, certification is an opportunity to:
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Be recognized for the vital work you already do
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Grow professionally with more training and career pathways
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Open doors to new job opportunities and higher wages
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Strengthen your voice in the healthcare and public health system
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Build sustainability and consistent funding for CHW positions
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Why Certification Matters
CHWs are trusted messengers, health navigators, and advocates and now, that essential work is finally getting the formal recognition it deserves.
Certification means:
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A standardized, respected credential for CHWs
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More support for training and continuing education
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Stronger career ladders and workforce development
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Better integration into care teams and community health efforts
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Long-term sustainable funding for CHW positions
For more information on CHW certification in Illinois, please visit the IDPH website.
CHW Integration Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to support healthcare organizations, local health departments, and community-based agencies in effectively integrating CHWs into their systems to improve health outcomes and equity across Illinois. The toolkit outlines five essential elements for successful CHW integration, including assessment tools for readiness and tools for ongoing evaluation of CHW integration efforts. For more information, contact us at CHWsupport@ipha.com.
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Research
Effective Integration and Collaboration of Community Health Workers and Social Workers
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Community Based Organization (CBO) Clinical Services Expansion Playbook
This guide helps CBOs prepare for the implementation of electronic health records, third-party billing, and revenue cycle management (RCM). Developed to help CBOs become less dependent on grant funding, more self-sufficient, and enhance their capacity to provide affordable healthcare services to the communities they serve, some of the topics covered include provider credentialing, payer contracting, medical coding and fee schedules. For more information, contact us at HUBsupport@ipha.com.