Providing supervision for Community Health Workers (CHW’s) while maintaining the integrity and intent of the CHW position can be challenging as well as rewarding for the supervisor and the CHW. The “platinum rule” coined by Jeree H. Pawl, Ph.D, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto others” is a helpful guide for those entering into supervision. The parallel process has been well documented. What supervisors give to CHW’s is passed on to parents and from the parents to the children. The strengths used to identify and select community members for CHW positions often become the issues that challenge the supervisors. Individuals are chosen for these positions because they are indigenous to the community and exhibit leadership skills. Work experience and educational background varies considerably between CHW’s and programs. In order for the manager to successfully fulfill the supervisory role for CHW's, support and education are essential. Informal lunch time meetings for multiple agency supervisors has provided an arena for sharing and problem solving issues related to CHW's. Best practice methods such as regular supervisory visits are discussed. CHW's receive support from supervisors and a assigned mentor. When a support network is in place for the supervisor and the CHW, the abilities to cope with challenges are substantially improved and lead to better outcomes for the families.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to: 1.Identify two methods of supervision that are successful with community health workers 2.Recognize the value of the parallel process in supervision 3.Understand the need for support in CHW programs
Keywords: Community Health Advisor,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.