Developing a Mentorship Program to Advance the Practice of CHWs

Mentorship programs bridge the gap between education and practice and situate experienced CHWs as experts. Beyond modeling, mentoring creates an opportunity for CHWs to play an active role in the professional and personal development of a less experienced person – a tribute to the mentor-mentee dyad. Peer mentoring helps newly trained CHWs gain confidence, and allows a trainee to observe best practices of an experienced CHW.

Successful mentors are rewarded by the growth and achievement of their mentee and advancement of CHW practice; there is mutuality in the sharing of knowledge and information. Mentees may also assist mentors with their work, learning from mentors but also providing a service. 

The Florida Community Health Worker Coalition (FCHWC) Practice sub-group developed a Mentorship Program. A statewide certification program began in Florida in January 2015, and CHWs in the FCHWC recognized the need for a Mentoring Program. The Practice sub-group wrote a Mentoring manual, a letter to community-based organizations that employ CHWs to recruit participants, and an evaluation form.  The Mentorship program is being piloted in Miami, linking students completing coursework at Miami-Dade College with the many organizations who employ CHWs.

The Florida CHW Mentorship Program will contribute to significant achievements in programs related to policy, research, program development, presentation skills, and leadership. It will validate the experience of CHWs and enhance their relationship to other CHWs.

The authors are an experienced CHW who is the co-chair of the FCHWC Practice sub-group, a supervisor of CHWs, and the FCHWC facilitator, employed by the DOH.