Community Health Worker Association of RI

Envision: CHW Self Care and Best Practices
2023-12-20 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Rhode Island
Envision Equity Invites you to their Office Hours! Are you a CHW, supervisor, or program manager looking for dedicated time to connect, engage, and receive support on topics that matter to you? Look no further! Our Office Hours provide the specialized guidance and resources you need to thrive.

CHW Self Care and Best Practices will be the topic on December 20th!

Certification Application Workshop
2023-12-20 12:00 - 13:30 | Rhode Island
Learn How to Apply for Certification!

Begin preparing your application, including portfolio, for submission to the RI Certification Board.

December 20, 12:00-1:30pmVirtual over Zoom

If you have already taken a Community Health Worker training and want guidance on applying for CHW certification in RI, this workshop is for you! This free virtual workshop will give advice, clarity and facts about preparing your portfolio. Please note: CHWARI does not provide the certification itself; that authority resides with the RI Certification Board. In that light, this workshop will provide basic guidance but will refer you to the RICB for more complex questions.

Certification (or a plan with your employer to get it) is necessary for getting Medicaid reimbursement for your CHW services, so register today!

This workshop is open to those who:

Have completed 70 hours of Core Competency CHW Training, or who are currently enrolled in a training program that will result in meeting that requirement (having applied for such a training does not count, but we will have other workshops in the future)

Are employed as CHWs or who have completed 1000 hours of CHW work in recent years

Have completed 1000 hours of CHW work in recent years

If you have not yet completed Core Competency CHW Training, join the Community Health Worker Association of RI here to learn about upcoming training opportunities.

Register for this workshop ASAP!

Register!

If you have any questions, please email CHWARI’s Project Certification Specialist, Daniel Dodd, ddodd@ric.edu. Alternatively, CHW Communications & Outreach Assistant, Dimaura Tavares, at dtavares@ric.edu.

Older Adults CHW Training
2024-01-04 17:30 - 18:00 | Rhode Island
January 4, 2024 through February 29, 2024Thursday evenings 5:30-8:30pm

*This training has been rescheduled from the training that would have started in November. If you applied to that training, you do not need to re-apply, but please review these new dates to ensure you could still attend if accepted. If the dates don’t work, we would appreciate knowing that and we will take you off the applicant list; please inform Lina Roman at lroman@ric.edu.

“Building Holistic Partnerships with Older Adults: A Community Health Work, Person-Centered & Social Determinants of Health Approach” Training for certification in the Specialty of Older Adults.

The virtual Older Adults Training will run over Zoom on Thursdays, from 5:30pm – 8:30pm, from January 4, 2024 to February 29, 2024. Attendance is required at all class sessions.

The FREE training will provide CHWs with knowledge of the following:

CHWs, Aging & the Workforce

Sociological Contexts of Aging: Obstacles & Opportunities

Practice Perspective: Building Partnerships that Empower

Social Determinants of Health & Aging: Obstacles & Opportunities

Threats to Health Aging: Behavioral Health Challenges & Dementia

Healthy Aging

Empowering Partnerships & Resource Navigation

Training will be comprised of weekly scheduled Zoom sessions, Thursdays from 5:30pm-8:30pm, and assignments and activities requiring about 1-2 hours of additional time weekly.

Eligibility:

Rhode Island CHW Certification (or currently in process of applying for)

Experience working or volunteering with the older adult population

This training fulfills the RI Certification Board’s requirements for the CCHW Specialty in Older Adults endorsement. Read more about applying for the endorsement here. This is NOT the application for this training.

The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec 22, 2023 at 5pm. Please contact Bilingual Program Coordinator, Lina Roman, with any questions lroman@ric.edu.

Apply Here

Identifying and Responding to Bullying
2024-01-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Rhode Island
Lifespan Community Health Ambassadors Virtual Lecture

Identifying and Responding to Bullying

Presented by Aleia Gardner, Prevention CoordinatorMarly Holloway, Training and Outreach CoordinatorDay One RI

This presentation will explain the different types of bullying (including cyber) and how to identify the signs. Join us to learn how to recognize when a child is making a disclosure, and how to respond effectively to promote their wellbeing. This program will provide prevention strategies, resources for community members and professionals, and information on mandated reporting.

Objectives:

Provide information on identifying different types of bullying.

Discuss strategies to respond to bullying.

Discuss bystander intervention.

Identify resources for those affected by bullying.

Location:

This lecture will be provided through Zoom. The link and sign in information will be provided prior to the lecture.

Intro to Transgender Allyship
2024-01-10 09:00 - 11:00 | Rhode Island
This session focuses on the background information needed for Health and Human Services professionals to become working allies to the Transgender and Gender Diverse community. Topics include respectful language, implicit bias and identity, health disparities, and supportive resources for trans and nonbinary clients.

At the conclusion of this session, participants should have a better understanding of the experience of trans and nonbinary persons and be familiar with respectful and inclusive language appropriate for use in work settings.

A certificate of completion will be provided to all participants that complete the session from BHHP . The certificate can be used to apply for CEUs for various disciples such as social work, peer certification and more.

Trainer: Quinten Foster, MS (he/they) is the Director of Transgender Whole Healthcare at East Bay Community Action Program. They are a self-described “neurospicy” transmasculine nonbinary person with personal and professional experience in the mental health and DEIB fields. They combine their lived experience and formal education in Health Psychology to create engaging, meaningful learning experiences focused on the power of story telling and human connection. Their favorite topics to facilitate include neuro-inclusive workspaces, gender affirming practices, and intersectional identity.

National Day of Racial Healing
2024-01-16 08:00 - 17:00 | Rhode Island
NATIONAL DAY OF RACIAL HEALING

The National Day of Racial Healing is a time to contemplate our shared values and create the blueprint together for #HowWeHeal from the effects of racism. Launched in 2017, it is an opportunity to bring ALL people together in their common humanity and inspire collective action to create a more just and equitable world.

Justice Involved Families-CHW Networking Gathering
2024-01-17 12:00 - 13:30 | Rhode Island
Calling all CHWs who work with judicially-involved clients! Learn about tools and how to attain resources that can benefit those you serve!

From DHCS.CA.gov, “Justice-involved or judicially-involved persons are people who are now, or have spent time, in jails, youth correctional facilities, or prisons. They are at higher risk for injury and death than the general public. They face disproportionate risk of violence, overdose and suicide.” Join CHWARI for this presentation explaining how CHWs can help support clients and familes of this vulnerable population.

Topics and resources

SDOH (how are they affected in reentry, and with current involvement)

Resources

Trauma Informed Care

Strength based treatment

The presenter will be Koren Carbuccia (She/Her/Ella) CPD,CPE,CCHWS,CPRSS, Founder/Owner of WildLife Doula.

About Koren:

In her words, “I provide supportive services that are needed to help BIPOC People with a history of incarceration, and eliminate disparities in Perinatal Postpartum and Community Health Care. As a BIPOC Woman with lived experience like the population I serve, I know what it looks like to go through an ineffective community re entry process, with no individual tailored support. I began this journey in 2005 and the same needs for judicially-involved women are not met to this day.

Why she started WildLife Doula:

With 15+ years of experience, and working for great organizations that molded me to this point, I decided it was time to take my tools and education to create the environment for people who need Perinatal, Postpartum and Community Health Services. My goal is to support a more prosperous future for them, and their children.

It really does take a village!

Understanding Medicaid Redeterminations for Families with Children
2024-01-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Rhode Island
Are you a community health worker, a professional, or anyone who helps families navigate health care needs? Learn what restarting the Medicaid redetermination process means and how you can be prepared.

In this VIRTUAL session, RIPIN and the RI Medicaid staff will provide detailed information about the resumption of annual Medicaid determinations.

Presenters will share:

An overview of the renewal timeline, including how families can prepare for recertification.

Guidance on how the Medicaid recertification process works for families who are still eligible.

An explanation of coverage options for families losing Medicaid.

Sources of specialized assistance for completing recertifications.

Help detecting and escalating individual and systemic problems.

Looking for more information? Visit the Be Ready. Stay Covered site.

Woman Care Free Screenings
2024-01-20 08:00 - 15:30 | Rhode Island
One of the best ways for your female clients to stay healthy is to have preventive screenings for breast cancer and cervical cancer.

On Saturday, January 20, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Rhode Island Hospital Ambulatory Patient Center (APC) building, the Lifespan Cancer Institute and Lifespan Community Health Institute are hosting a special breast and cervical cancer screening program for women aged 21 and older. No medical insurance is required.Learn more here!

NAMI Winter Wellness Event
2024-02-07 15:00 - 19:00 | Rhode Island
Join the National Alliance on Mental Illness RI for a Winter Wellness Event!

To register email: jeremiah@namirhodeisland.org.

Lecture: Certified Perinatal Workforce: Strong and Growing!
2024-02-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Rhode Island
Lifespan Community Health AmbassadorsVirtual LectureTuesday February 13, 2024 | 12:00 to 1:00 pm

The Certified Perinatal Workforce: Strong and Growing!

Presented by:

Quatia Osorio, BS-HSM, BSBA, SPM, CCHW, CLC,MCHS, CMCHW, CPE, CHC

Join LCHI to learn about the local certified perinatal workforce, how it is expanding, and the innovative work forces that are seeking to provide complementary and sustaining support to the struggling maternal health care arena in Rhode Island. The discussion will include the certified perinatal doula services, doula referral hotline, lactation programs services, postpartum support initiatives, and information about the new Certified Professional Midwifery Equity Initiative.

Objectives:

Provide the definition of a doula and their scope of practice

Review and highlight the community efforts to improve maternal health outcomes

Describe innovations in community practice, programs, and policies to assist in eliminating maternal health disparities

Identify current proposed initiatives to reduce maternal health disparities

Location: This lecture will be provided through Zoom. The link and sign in information will be provided prior to the lecture.

envision: Sustaining and Training CHW Work in Addressing Chronic Disease as Underlying Risk Factors
2024-02-22 13:30 - 15:00 | Rhode Island
OUR NEXT WEBINAR • NUESTRO PRÓXIMO SEMINARIO WEB

Sustaining and Training CHW Work in Addressing Chronic Disease as Underlying Risk Factors

Apoyo y capacitación para los CHW en su labor de abordar las afecciones crónicas como factores de riesgo subyacentes

Thursday, February 22, 20241:30pm EST

The pandemic limited access to preventive care and exacerbated chronic health conditions leading to worse health outcomes. Community Health Workers are recognized for their skills in addressing the underlying risk factors that worsened the impact of COVID-19.

In this webinar we are sharing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supported trainings available to CHWs to address chronic health conditions in their communities. We will also be exploring mechanisms to support this work fiscally.This webinar is open to all. We especially encourage CCR-2109 recipients (CHWs, CHW allies, CHW program staff, etc.) and their partners to attend.Spanish interpretation services will be provided in real-time and a recording of the webinar will be made available after the session for those unable to attend the live webinar.

Read more here.

In-Person CHW Panel Discussion: “We Need To Get Paid For Our Value"
2024-02-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Rhode Island College, 107 Alger Hall, 600 Mount Pleasant Street, Providence, RI, 02908, United States
“We Need to Get Paid for Our Value”:

Making the Community Health Worker Role and Peer Recovery Specialist Role Sustainable

Join CHWARI in-person on 2/26, 1-4pm, at Rhode Island College’s Institute for Education in Healthcare for a vibrant discussion with a panel of researchers (two of whom have lived experience of addiction) and CHWs/peer recovery specialists. This in an in-person event at Alger Hall Room 110 on the Rhode Island College campus. Zoom is only being used for registration purposes.

This event is a panel of researchers who were involved with a recent study of CHW/Peer role definitions and work conditions in Rhode Island, published in Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly. They will discuss their own experiences of working in these roles as well as the changes needed to make them sustainable on the program, institutional, and legislative levels.

Register

Read Article

PDF Flyer

Abstract:

After decades of playing a critical role in extending healthcare to the most marginalized, Community Health Workers (and more recently, peer recovery specialists) are becoming widely recognized. From the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMSHA) to the American Journal of Public Health, important voices have called to expand these roles in response to the staffing crisis facing healthcare and mental healthcare/substance use disorder treatment. However, all is clearly not well. A series of recent publications have described wide-spread burnout, emotional exhaustion, moral injury, economic exploitation, and high workforce turnover. Although these impacts were intensified during the COVID 19 pandemic, they began well before March 2020 and, if anything, have only worsened since. As one harm-reduction worker recently stated: “The new normal is a non-stop crisis.”

Panelists:

Anthony Thigpen, CCHW/PRS

I am a program coordinator for a program called Connect For Health. This program is housed in Lifespan’s Community Health Institute which connects men and women and families to resources in the community. I started out as a community health worker with Providence RI Transition Clinic at the Center for primary care, and one of the founders of Docs For Health, a tool that has been designed to screen and intervene for social determinants of health. Also, formally incarcerated, and recently celebrated 16 years of being free.

Arryn A. Guy, PhD

Investigator, Brown University School of Public Health

Dr. Arryn A. Guy (she/they) is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Rhode Island and an Investigator in the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences at the Brown University School of Public Health. Dr. Guy’s work focuses on community-based participatory research with queer and trans communities to develop and implement evidence-based behavioral health interventions. Their work aims to heal negative psychological sequelae resulting from stigma, support addiction recovery, increase access to gender affirmative care, and reduce HIV health inequities.

Tee Dorsey, CPRS

Tee Dorsey, CPRS has worked as a Community Health Worker, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Violence Interrupter and now works at Project Weber Renew as a Court Support Navigator.

Jon Soske, PhD

Jon Soske is a person in long-term recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and researcher at the Lifespan Division of Addiction Medicine.

Sara Alavi, MA

MD Candidate at University of California, San Francisco

Sara Alavi is a medical student at the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program. She is pursuing an MD from the UC San Francisco and an MS from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, researching environmental health disparities and urban greening. Following her graduation from Brown University in 2021, she completed a Fulbright-funded MA in Medical Anthropology at SOAS University of London.

Lex Morales, CCMC

Lex Morales is Pawtucket Program Manager for Project Weber/Renew

Oral Health CHW Training
2024-02-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Rhode Island
February 28 AND March 6, 2024 from 6-8pm*

If you are a CHW and want to support individuals’ health, you NEED to pay attention to ORAL health as well as housing needs, food quality and access, mental health etc. Come hear about this crucial piece of overall health that often gets overlooked. Smile!

Dr. Sam Zwetchkenbaum, Chief of the Oral Health Program at the RI Department of Health will instruct.

Certificate of 6 hours upon completion. *You must attend both sessions.

Register HERE!

Register here!

A note – when you register you will get your own individualized Zoom link. Please do not share that link with colleagues, and rather, have them register separately. Thanks!

This FREE training is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Health and is delivered by

Food & Income Security Training
2024-02-29 09:00 - 10:30 | Rhode Island
Join MLPB and your RI community health worker colleagues for a training on supporting individuals with Food & Income Security on February 29th from 9:00AM to 10:30AM. During this training, you will learn to:

Recognize public policies, systems, and decision-makers that drive food and income security.

Identify key benefits and legal protections that bolster access to food and income.

Apply role-aligned food and income security problem-solving strategies in partnership with those you serve.

This training will be hosted via Zoom – please register using the link below:

Register

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtdu2spzIvG9yRFmqJ0mFfGqnGgh3VBkuf#/registration

Have you seen…

The MLPB Digital Digest is an open-access tool to help workforce colleagues navigate ongoing law and policy changes. It is intended to provide guidance and problem-solving strategies to address a range of key HRSN needs. Check it out!

Self Care Refresh for CHWs Networking Gathering
2024-02-29 12:00 - 13:30 | Rhode Island
Looking to give some attention to self care but don’t know where to start?

Join CHWARI and fellow CHWs to learn approachable ways to start taking better care of you! Quinten Foster, MS (he/they), Director of Transgender Whole Healthcare at EBCAP will share practical techniques and strategies. The 1 hour presentation will be followed by a Q & A, then 20 minutes of CHW networking. Bring links to your resources!

February 29th, 202412pm-1:30pm, via Zoom

Register

Session Description: This session focuses on the practical application of self-care and burnout prevention strategies that may be supportive for CHWs. Attendees will learn about and practice various techniques they may choose to employ at work or at home, such as mindfulness exercises, cognitive re-framing, and mind-body-spirit integration.

Speaker Bio: Quinten Foster, MS (he/they) is the Director of Transgender Whole Healthcare at East Bay Community Action Program. They are a self-described “neurospicy” transmasculine person with personal and professional experience in the integrated healthcare and DEIB fields. They combine their lived experience and formal education in Health Psychology to create engaging, meaningful learning experiences focused on the power of storytelling and human connection. Their favorite topics to facilitate include neuro-inclusive workspaces, gender affirming practices, and intersectional identity.

Envision: CHW Affinity Community of Practice
2024-02-29 13:30 - 15:00 | Rhode Island
RI CCR CHWs are invited to join the next Community Health Worker (CHW) only Community of Practice (CoP) session on Thursday, February 29, 2024 1:30 PM-3:00 PM! The CHW CoP is designed to support connections, relationship-building and peer-to-peer learning for CHWs. The goal of the CHW CoP is to provide a space for CHWs to share ideas, best practices and build individual and collective capacity for strengthening the CHW workforce in a way that lifts up and honors the lived and professional experiences of CHWs. For the purposes of this CoP, we are defining CHWs as an inclusive term. The CoP is designed for community health representatives, community health workers and promotores, who are frontline public health professionals that share life experience, trust, compassion, cultural and value alignment with the communities where they live and serve.This 90 minute Community of Practice session will be held on 2/29/2024 @ 1:30 EST. Please use the following link to register:https://uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0kde6qqDwqG9DALMXBvd6xTYCj60ZeDDyF [uwmadison.zoom.us]

HEZ Learning Community- Purposeful Partnerships
2024-03-12 08:00 - 16:30 | Rhode Island
Purposeful Partnerships HEZ Learning Communities

The March 2024 HEZ Learning Community will be on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rhode Island College – 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island. Join colleagues from across the state for a day of exploring the theme of the day, Purposeful Partnerships. The day begins with breakfast, check-in, and exhibit tables at 8 a.m. and ends with raffle prizes and closing statements at 4 p.m. Register for the March 2024 Learning Community

The proposed Health Equity Zone (HEZ) Learning Community schedule is: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 (* Snow day will be Friday, March 15, 2024)Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Register for March 12

For questions, please email morgan.duffney@health.ri.gov.

To propose ideas for future events, complete this Workshop Development Form. To become an exhibitor at a HEZ Learning Community Event, sign up here.

Read the latest HEZ news. To get HEZ news directly, sign up here.

Community Conversations- Networking and Peer Support
2024-03-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Rhode Island
This monthly virtual meeting explores pathways for peer support and resource sharing, with a specific goal of empowering HEZ Collaborative members to reach across ZIP codes and find inspiration, support, solutions, and common ground.

This group is a space for CHWs, Family Navigators, Resident Leaders, and others from within the HEZ Collaboratives to share their experiences and gain resources and technical assistance.

Facilitated by WWHEZ Community Ambassador and CCHW Michele Mitchell.

When: Third Thursday of every month 1-2:30

Location: Virtual over Zoom

Contact info: WWHEZ at: westwarwickhez@thundermisthealth.org 401-799-5044

Register

Taller de Solicitud de Certificación como CHW en Español
2024-03-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Rhode Island
Scroll down for English.

¡Obtén tu Certificación como CHW!

Comienza a preparar tu solicitud, incluye el portafolio, para tu presentación a la Junta de Certificación de RI

Marzo 21, 2024 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Esta presentacion sera via Zoom

Si ya ha tomado una capacitación de Trabajadores de Salud Comunitarios y desea orientación sobre cómo solicitar la certificación de CHW en RI, en Español ¡Este taller es para usted! (There is a workshop in English on February 22, 2024.) Este taller virtual es gratuito te dará consejos, preparar tu portafolio. Tenga en cuenta: CHWARI no proporciona la certificación en sí; esa autoridad reside en la Junta de Certificación de RI. Este taller te brindara una orientación básica, pero lo remitirá al RICB para preguntas más complejas.

“Obtener mi certificación CHW me ayudó a conseguir un ascenso en mi trabajo. También me ayudó a seguir adelante con la obtención de una Licenciatura en Ciencias del Comportamiento. Convertirse en una CCHW puede abrir tantas oportunidades, que vale la pena el tiempo y el esfuerzo para obtener la Certificación.”

– Wendy Sanchez, CCHW, Resident Services Manager, ONE Neighborhood Builders

La certificación (o un plan con su empleador para obtenerla) esta certificaciion es necesaria para obtener el reembolso de Medicaid por sus servicios de CHW, ¡Así que regístrese hoy!

*Este taller está abierto a aquellos que:

Han completado 70 horas de Capacitación como CHW de Competencia Básica, o que actualmente están inscritos en un programa de capacitación que resultará en el cumplimiento de ese requisito (haber solicitado dicha capacitación no cuenta, pero tendremos otros talleres en el futuro)

Si están empleados como TCS deberan completar las 1000 horas de trabajo en los proximos dos meses, sino tienen ya las horas requeridas.

Si han completado (o cerca de) 50 horas de supervisión trabajando como CHW

Si aún no ha completado la Capacitación de TCS de Competencia Básica, únase a la Asociación de Trabajadores de Salud Comunitarios de RI aquí para conocer las próximas oportunidades de capacitación.

Regístrate para este taller antes de Marzo 21, 2024 Envía un correo electrónico a la Cordinadora Bilingue del Programa de CHWARI, Lina Roman, lroman@ric.edu con cualquier pregunta.

Registrarse

Comparte el volante PDF

Esta Capacitacion gratuita esta financiada por el Departamento de Salud del Rhode Island y esta sera dirigida por La Asociación de Trabajadores Comunitarios de las Salud de RI en el Instituto de Educacion en cuidado de la Salud en Rhode Island College.

Learn How to Apply for CHW Certification!

CHW Certification Application Workshop en Español

Begin preparing your application, including portfolio, for submission to the RI Certification Board

March 21st, 2024, 6pm-7:30pm

Virtual over Zoom

If you have already taken a Community Health Worker core competency training and want guidance on applying for CHW certification in RI, in Spanish, this workshop is for you! (There is a workshop in English on February 22, 2024.) These free virtual workshops will give advice about preparing your portfolio. Please note: CHWARI does not provide the certification itself; the RI Certification Board does. This workshop will provide basic guidance but will refer you to the RICB for more complex questions.

Testimonial:

“Getting my CHW Certification helped me get promoted. It also helped me push forward with getting a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science. Becoming a CCHW can open so many opportunities, that it’s worth the time and effort to get certified.”

– Wendy Sanchez, CCHW, Resident Services Manager, ONE Neighborhood Builders

Certification (or a plan with your employer to get it) is necessary for getting Medicaid reimbursement for your CHW services, so register today!

*This workshop is open to those who:

Have completed 70 hours of Core Competency CHW Training, or who are currently enrolled in a training program that will result in meeting that requirement (having applied for such a training does not count, but we will have other workshops in the future)

Are employed as CHWs

Will fulfill the 1000 CHW work hours required within the next two months

If you have not yet completed Core Competency CHW Training, join the Community Health Worker Association of RI here to learn about upcoming training opportunities.

Register for this workshop here ASAP!

Register

Share PDF Flyer

If you have any questions, please email CHWARI’s Bilingual Program Coordinator, Lina Roman, lroman@ric.edu.

This FREE training is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Health and is delivered by the Community Health Worker Association of RI housed at the Institute for Education in Healthcare at Rhode Island College.

Navigating Health Fair
2024-03-23 09:00 - 14:00 | Rhode Island
Get health insurance questions answered!

"Independent CHWs, Pros & Cons" CHW Networking Gathering
2024-04-04 12:00 - 13:30 | Rhode Island
Have you ever thought about becoming an independent CHW?

Come chat with Emily Bernstein of Wheelhouse Health (formerly Navigate Health) to learn what is involved with getting started as an independent worker! At Wheelhouse, we work with clients directly and focus on providing health navigation and empowering individuals by teaching them tools to navigate their own care. We are approved to bill RI Medicaid for our services. We will discuss the benefits of this model, and some of the hurdles that have come up. Get all your questions answered about what it’s like to be an independent CHW!

After the presentation there will be time for CHW Networking – please bring your resources to share.

April 4th, 202412pm-1:30pm via zoom

Register!

About the presenter:

Emily Bernstein, BCPA, CHW (she/her/hers)

As a Board Certified Patient Advocate and Community Health Worker, Emily Bernstein created Wheelhouse Health Navigation Services to ensure that everyone can understand and afford their healthcare journey. Our healthcare system is burdened with inherent inequalities and inefficiencies that make it increasingly difficult to utilize. With Wheelhouse Health, Emily’s vision is to create a space where people can get help overcoming these burdens, and to empower individuals to navigate their healthcare on their own.

Credentials:

BCPA (Board Certified Patient Advocate) https://www.pacboard.org/

CHW – RI

Certificate in Patient Advocacy – UCLA Extension

CHW Supervisor Training
2024-04-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Rhode Island
CHW Supervisor Training(Created by Community Health Workers for Community Health Workers)

Advanced, 30 hour training for CHWs currently in the supervisor role or preparing for it

April 15th- July 1st, 2024Weekly, Monday 6-8pmVirtual in ZoomPlus weekly self-paced assignments

Are you currently supervising Community Health Workers or are you preparing for that role? This FREE, virtual, 30 hour training delivered by former CHWs/CHW Supervisors is for YOU!The training gives you the tools you need to maximize your effectiveness. Experience in or deep familiarity with CHW work is necessary.

Must be fluent in English.

Topics include:

Foundation for CHW Supervision

Supervision Practices

Restorative Practices and Conflict Resolution

Hiring and Onboarding CHWs

Building Community Partnerships

Keeping CHWs Safe

Quality Improvement &Community Health Worker Ethics

Sustaining Excellent Supervision

Addressing Systemic Racism in Supervision

Requirements: Rhode Island CCHW certified (or applying), employed in RI, currently supervising CHWs or employer plans for you to do so, reference information from a CHW with whom you have worked, and reference information from your current employer.

Schedule: Zoom classes are weekly on Mondays evenings from 6-8pm from April 15th through July 1st. Attendance is required at all sessions. Participants will also turn in weekly assignments of 1-2 hours/week, for a training total of 30 hours.

Apply by April 9th at 5pm. If you have any questions about your appropriateness for this training, please email Dimaura Tavares at dtavares@ric.edu

Apply

If that button didn’t work – try this one

We have found that some Lifespan employees are unable to login from their work computers due to a firewall issue. We encourage you to try copying this link and trying it on a personal device: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKug-6FesYimCTU_JB4d9NHCGMX7e6-3_R8NlUNHZripRFvQ/viewform

CHW Core Competency Training
2024-04-19 09:30 - 12:30 | Rhode Island
Get the training you need to apply for CHW Certification!

CHWARI’s FREE virtual Community Health Worker Core Competency Training is intended to prepare participants for entry-level CHW positions in community-based social service, healthcare and behavioral health settings. Its 12 modules are each aligned with a set of competencies defined by the Rhode Island Certification Board. Each module includes 3 hours of live zoom training plus 3 hours of training activities, for a total of 72 training hours, fulfilling the 70-hour requirement for RI CHW certification. Applicants must be fluent in English.

This CHW Core Training will run over ZOOM on Friday mornings, 9:30am (ET) to 12:30pm (ET), from April 19 through July 12, 2024. *Please note that this training has different weekly hours than our past core trainings. This is 3 hours each week of zoom class and 3 hours a week of “homework.”*

This is a great time to apply for this training as participants will be encouraged to apply to our CHW Apprenticeship Program. This is an opportunity for new CHWs seeking certification to receive extra guidance, training, and monetary stipends. See here for Apprenticeship Program Requirements.

See the Core Competencies of a Community Health Worker here.

Learn about getting your Community Health Worker Certification here.

Apply Here

Application deadline is April 10 at 5pm. Spots are limited! Apply ASAP! If you have any questions, please email CHWARI’s CHW Communications Outreach Assistant, Dimaura Tavares, at dtavares@ric.edu.

This training is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Health and implemented by CHWARI, part of the Institute for Education in Healthcare at Rhode Island College.

Immigration & Benefits Eligibility
2024-04-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Rhode Island
Our Rhode Island-based community health worker colleagues are invited to join MLPB for a training on Immigration & Benefits Eligibility on April 22nd from 10:00AM – 11:30AM. This training was offered in early 2023, and is being reprised on request from CHWs across the state. While much of the material will be similar, the training will cover changes that have occurred in the last year. By the end of this session, you will have learned to:

Recognize the history of and recent changes to the public charge rule impacting immigrant and mixed-status households.

Identify the food security, disability, and health insurance benefits landscape for immigrant and mixed-status households.

Apply role-aligned benefits problem-solving strategies in partnership with immigrant and mixed-status households

This training will be hosted via Zoom — please register here.

Register!

"RIPIN 101" CHW Networking Gathering
2024-04-24 12:00 - 13:30 | Rhode Island
Do you have clients with a loved-one with special needs? Come learn about all the support that RIPIN has to offer them.

RIPIN helps Rhode Islanders navigate health care, special education, and healthy aging. Their team of peer professionals have personal experience caring for a loved one with special needs—allowing them to connect with their clients and provide the personal support they need to thrive.

Expect to learn about:

Special education and supports

Specialized services for children and young adults with disabilities

Healthcare and health insurance

Health education training, support, and resources

This session will be facilitated by Isabel Escobar, RIPIN’s Family Voices Coordinator. Join your fellow CHWs to discover resources and then network with each other. Bring links to your resources!

Registration Here

EMPOWER: Justice-Involved CHW Support Team Group
2024-04-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Rhode Island
Overview: This support group is designed specifically for community health workers (CHWs) with justice involvement experience, providing a safe space to share challenges, receive support, and enhance skills. Meetings will occur twice a month and will focus on topics related to professional development, self-care, and navigating reentry into the workforce.

The Justice-Involved Community Health Worker Support Group curriculum aims to provide CHWs with justice involvement experience a supportive environment to enhance their skills, build resilience, and navigate the reentry process successfully. Through interactive sessions, peer support, and access to resources, participants will gain valuable tools and insights to thrive in their professional roles and contribute positively to their communities’ health and well-being.

Meetings will be focused on topics including:

Setting Goals

Navigating Reentry Challenges

Building resiliance and coping skills

Effective communication and conflict resolution

Professional Development and Skill Enhancement

Advocacy and Community Engagement

Legal Rights & Resources

Celebrating Progress and Looking Ahead

Meeting Frequency: Twice a month. The initial schedule will be every other Thursday at 7pm: April 25th, May 9th, May 23rd, June 6th.

Meeting Duration: 1 hour per session

Register Here

This support group is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Health and organized by CHWARI, part of the Institute for Education in Healthcare at Rhode Island College.

Public Health Summit
2024-04-29 08:00 - 16:00 | Crowne Plaza Providence Airport/ Warwick, 801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick, Rhode Island, 02886, United States
“Innovative Approaches to Advance Health Equity”

Register

HIV Endorsement Training for CHWs
2024-05-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Rhode Island
*This training has been delayed from its original start date of 4/10*

SCHEDULE – May 8- July 31, 2024Wednesdays 9am-12pmVirtual over ZoomAttendance at all sessions is required.

“I work with HIV positive women. This training made me feel more comfortable with my engagement skills.”– Katie Gonzalez, CCHW, CPRS

This entry level curriculum will provide specialized training for community health workers serving people living with, at risk for, and impacted by HIV/AIDS. It is open to certified CHWs who are fluent in English.

Modules include:

HIV Testing, Antiretroviral Therapy

Client Engagement and Motivational Interviewing

Social Determinants, Special Populations & Stigma

Behavioral Health (mental health, substance use, domestic violence, grief & loss)

Cultural Humility and Advocacy

HIV Public Health Policies

Ethics, Professional Burnout/Stress, Self-Awareness and Self-Care

This 45 hour virtual training takes place over 12 weeks, with 36 hours live class time over zoom and nine hours of homework. This qualifies graduates to apply for RI Certification Board’s Specialty Endorsement in HIV. Applicants must hold a current, valid and in good standing credential through RICB (like a CHW Certification) or a health care practitioner certification/license.

The development of this curriculum was made possible with Co-Exist funding through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (OHHS), Ryan White Division. Deoshore F. Haig, LCSW will be instructing.

Certified CHWs should apply here by April 29, 2024 at 5pm. If you have any questions, please email Dimaura Tavares at dtavares@ric.edu.

Apply Here

This FREE training is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Health and is delivered by the Community Health Worker Association, part of the Institute for Education in Healthcare at Rhode Island College.

Interpersonal Violence Training for CHWs
2024-05-08 18:00 - 21:00 | Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Street, Providence, RI, 02908, United States
Interpersonal Violence Training for CHWsMay 8, 15, 22, 29 & June 5, 2024Wednesday evenings, 6-9pmIn-person at Rhode Island College plus 15 hours of self-paced assignments

Do you feel prepared to support a victim of interpersonal violence after disclosure? Do you know the best trauma-informed practices?

This 30 hour training will aid community health workers in addressing interpersonal violence experienced by clients and help them to access community resources. This course will prepare community health workers with the skills needed to be a victim service advocate. Lisa Hoopis, Director of Education and Training at Sojourner House, will instruct.

Training includes information on:

Domestic violence

Sexual assault

Human trafficking

Boundaries

Trauma-informed care

Safety planning

Crisis intervention

And more

Training will include guest speakers, videos, case studies, group work, and role plays. Fifteen hours will be in person at Rhode Island College and 15 hours will be synchronous. In-person attendance is required at all class sessions.

You must have at least six months of experience as a community health worker in order to take this training. If you have questions about this requirement, please email Dimaura Tavares at dtavares@ric.edu. The deadline for the application is May 3, 2024. Apply now!

Apply

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About the Instructor

Lisa Hoopis, Director of Education and Training, Sojourner House (she/they)

Lisa joined Sojourner House in 2019 as Director of Education and Community Programs. Lisa has taught in various departments, as an adjunct faculty at Rhode Island College since 2014.

Lisa is a former undergraduate and graduate student at Rhode Island College and is the former Director of the RIC Women’s Center. Lisa is currently a doctoral student at Johnson and Wales in Educational Leadership. Lisa works closely with school districts and agencies to provide professional and youth development, training, consultations, curriculum development, and assistance in setting up peer education and advocacy programs.

She is a co-founder and active member of the RI HIV STI prevention coalition and an active member of the RI Cross Campus Collaborative to prevent sexual assault on campus. Lisa is a certified curriculum developer, trainer, and evaluator for the VAWA police academy and is co-chair of the RI crime victim service providers. Lisa specializes in inclusive, comprehensive sexuality education and interpersonal violence prevention.

This FREE training is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Health and is delivered by the Community Health Worker Association, part of the Institute for Education in Healthcare at Rhode Island College.
