Primary Submission Category: Interventions/Programs
“Very similar, but very different?” The role of CHWs and behavioral health paraprofessionals in population health
Authors: Binoli Herath, Mindy L. McEntee,
Presenting Author: Binoli Herath*
Introduction and Objectives
Community health workers (CHWs) are lay community members trained to deliver culturally appropriate outreach and health education. CHW’s broad competencies has lead to employment under many job titles. Lack of standardization in training/career pathways cause confusion with adjacent professions such as behavioral health paraprofessionals (BHTs/BHPPs) and peer recovery support specialists (PRSS). All provide supportive services bridging healthcare gaps, but differ in scope, certification, and billing requirements. This ambiguity affects professionals, employers, and clients. This study examined how CHW trainees with prior BHTs/BHPPs/PRSS training perceive role distinctions.
Methods
Structured interviews were conducted with trainees enrolled at Arizona State University CHW training program cross-trained as BHTs/BHPPs/PRSS. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed.
Results
Data collection is on-going; seven participants were interviewed (5 female; 25-62 years; 2 White (non-Hispanic), 3 Hispanic, 1 Black, 1 other). Interviews explored training experiences and role comparisons. Training duration varied but generally brief, most learning occurring on-the-job. Participants were unable to clearly distinguish CHWs from adjacent roles –perceived overlaps, differing mainly by setting.
Discussion
Role ambiguity has significant implications for workforce development. Addressing this is critical to establish professional identity and interprofessional collaborations. Inadequate support leads to burnout, turnover, switching to adjacent professions, reducing workforce and increasing demands on remaining workers.
Conclusions & Recommendations
Clearer guidelines, explicitly defined scope on overlapping vs unique responsibilities among CHWs and adjacent professions are necessary. While cross-training may increase marketability, improving working conditions and establishing a living wage are essential for workforce retention.