HPAC Scholar's Day 2019 CHW_Assessment_Key_Findings | Page 41

for the CHW annual salary range from both
CHWs and employers was $30,000.01-$35,000
annually. This was similar to the average
findings from the national workforce study
of CHWs (HRSA, 2007). Additionally, it was
found through this assessment that there is
no significant difference between the pay of
certified CHWs versus the pay of non-certified
CHWs. In some cases, non-certified CHWs
are paid higher than certified CHWs. Another
common complaint of CHWs was high
caseloads and unrealistic expectations placed
upon them. It was found from the employer
survey that most CHWs have caseloads of 10
or more clients per day. As a result, employers
need to employ an adequate number of CHW
staff so that caseloads are manageable and
realistic to avoid CHW turnover. Finally, many
CHWs commented that they want to move
forward in this profession but their current
employers provide few or no advancement
opportunities. Employers, therefore, should
consider creating pathways for advancement
and leadership roles for CHW staff within their
organizations.
Settings that are Utilizing
CHWs in Ohio
Another common theme from this
assessment was that CHWs are found in
a variety of settings. The top five types of
organizations that CHW survey respondents
reported working for were managed
care organizations, community-based
organizations, local health departments,
hospitals, and FQHCs. Other types of
organizations where CHWs are found
according to both the CHW and employer
surveys include, but are not limited to,
clinics, faith-based organizations, free or
charitable clinics, home health agencies,
Pathways HUBs, PCMHs, schools, shelters,
social service agencies, university or
community colleges, fitness centers, boards
of developmental disabilities, cancer
centers, pharmacies, AmeriCorps, disaster
relief agencies, Help Me Grow, non-profit
organizations, dental offices, homeless
shelters, early childhood centers, residential
facilities, outpatient mental health agencies,
veterans affairs healthcare systems, and
educational service centers.
Settings that may potentially be
underutilizing or not utilizing CHWs include
specialty outpatient settings such as physical
therapy, occupational therapy, speech
therapy, optometry, and audiology clinics
as none of these professional types were
represented in the employer/supervisor
survey. Due to the nature of the sampling and
survey questions, these settings were not
directly assessed. Additional assessment may
be needed to identify if CHWs are working in
these settings as CHWs may provide a benefit
to these specialties, particularly with physical
therapists on fitness and chronic disease
prevention programs.
Funding Mechanisms for
CHWs in Ohio
One of the major concerns cited throughout
all phases of the assessment was sustainable
funding mechanisms for CHWs. According to
findings from key informant interviews, focus
groups and surveys, a majority of CHWs are
funded by grants. Other sources of funding
include health plan contracts, self-generated
agency revenue, private foundations, non-
profit organizations, and general agency
funds. Of the 37 percent of employers
who reported they receive insurance
reimbursement for CHW services, they
reported reimbursement from the following
sources:
■ ■ Medicaid (51 percent)
■ ■ Medicaid Managed Care (49 percent)
(Pathways HUB contracts)
Discussion of Assessment Findings
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