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Community Health Representative

Community health representatives consider social factors that can affect health. They work with health care providers to promote wellness, protect health, and prevent injury and illness.

Also Known As

Community Health Promotion Worker, Community Health Worker, Community Liaison, Community Relations Specialist

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 4212: Community and Social Service Workers

2006 NOC-S

  • E212: Community and Social Service Workers

2011 NOC

  • 4212: Social and community service workers

2016 NOC

  • 4212: Social and community service workers

2021 NOC

  • 42201: Social and community service workers

2023 OaSIS

  • 42201.00: Social and community service workers
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Community health representatives work with health care teams to maintain and improve the overall well-being (spiritual, physical, cognitive, social, and emotional) of people and their communities. Their key roles include:

  • client care and screening
  • health promotion, health protection, and injury and disease prevention
  • environmental health protection
  • community outreach and advocacy and cultural liaison
  • program planning and support with health education programs
  • patient resources.

Client care and screening includes:

  • home visits to provide care and support
  • monitoring clients, families and community health concerns
  • recording client health histories and vital signs (such as blood pressure and glucometer readings) as necessary
  • conducting baby and school screening activities (such as measuring height and weight)
  • assessing clients to better understand their health concerns, social support networks and any barriers to health care
  • referring clients to other health professionals as necessary.

Health promotion, health protection, and injury and disease prevention include:

  • helping to plan, develop, organize and implement health education workshops
  • helping to create culturally appropriate education resources
  • planning and introducing health activities in schools (such as fire safety, personal hygiene and school bus safety)
  • assisting with health promotion and injury prevention services (such as prenatal classes, Elders’ luncheons or health fairs).

Environmental health protection includes:

  • working with the health team to prevent and control the spread of communicable diseases (by promoting immunization and managing outbreaks)
  • looking into communicable disease outbreaks and providing information, screening and follow-up
  • working with Health Canada to manage and report environmental health issues affecting the community (such as food handling, water quality and waste disposal)
  • working with First Nation communities and their community-based water monitoring program
  • helping with housing inspections, emergency preparedness and disaster planning
  • helping to plan and monitor special events (such as pow wows and rodeos) for health-related issues.

Community advocacy and cultural liaison includes:

  • referring clients and families to suitable resources and services, and helping them access those
  • recommending improvements regarding the delivery of health care
  • acting as a go-between and working with community leaders, agencies and service providers
  • interpreting (translating or describing) routine medical procedures for clients, or cultural practices or beliefs for health care providers.

Program planning and support for health education programs includes:

  • doing community needs assessments
  • helping develop and introduce community health work plans
  • helping co-ordinate or deliver community health strategies and program activities.

Patient resources include:

  • guiding clients through the health care system
  • helping clients access the care they need to achieve or maintain good health
  • referring clients to the next level of care.

Community health representatives are also responsible for documenting their work. For example, they:

  • record observations in client health records
  • complete water bacterial reports
  • prepare monthly reports
  • help develop community health work plans.

In remote communities, community health representatives work closely with health care professionals during emergency situations.

In urban settings, community health representatives do not provide services that are already provided by other health care providers (such as assessing or screening clients or monitoring water safety).

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2018
  • Strength Required Strength requirements vary

Work hours for community health representatives may vary. They may work standard office hours. Or they may work evenings and weekends to support community programming.

Some travel may be required. Poor road and weather conditions are possible when travelling.

The work may be stressful. Workers may face significant community issues and hardships. These may include shifting priorities and multiple or conflicting demands. These may come from clients, families, and communities. They may also come from other agencies and management.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Community and Social Service Workers

2006 NOC: 4212

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
SOCIAL

Interest in consulting with social assistance recipients and pensioners to advise and aid them in locating and utitizing a variety of community resources; in referring clients to other social services; in counselling clients living in group homes and halfway houses and assisting in pre-release and release planning; in providing crisis intervention and emergency-shelter services; and in co-ordinating volunteer activities of community and social services organizations

METHODICAL

Interest in compiling information to participate in the selection and admission of clients to appropriate programs; to assess clients' relevant skill strengths and deficits; and in maintaining contact with other social service agencies and health care providers involved with clients to provide information and obtain feedback on clients' overall progress

innovative

Interest in assisting clients to sort out options and develop plans of action, and in implementing and organizing the delivery of life-skills workshops, substance-abuse treatment programs, behaviour management programs, youth services programs and other community and social service programs under the supervision of social workers and health care professionals

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Community health representatives need:

  • listening, speaking and writing skills
  • good physical and mental health
  • emotional maturity
  • an interest in community work
  • an interest in the preventive and educational aspects of health care
  • a high level of comfort with coaching and teaching
  • the ability to relate well to people of all ages
  • the ability to relate well to people one-on-one or in groups
  • the ability to solve problems
  • the ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • the ability to keep client information confidential.

Community health representatives need to be dependable and punctual. They should enjoy helping people, collecting information, keeping records, and running health programs.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Social and community service workers

2016 NOC: 4212

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 261 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 29, 2023 and Dec 21, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Excellent oral communication
Client focus
Excellent written communication
Security and Safety: Criminal record check
Judgement
Effective interpersonal skills
Flexibility
Team player
Initiative
Tasks: Administrative and office activities
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
  • Minimum Education 1 year post-secondary

Community health representatives should understand the diversity of Indigenous culture. They need the skills, knowledge, and competency to deliver:

  • client-centred care
  • community health programs
  • program activities.

Employers prefer to hire applicants who have completed either

  • the former Community Health Representative certificate
  • the current Community Health Promotion certificate or diploma.

Employers may also require applicants to have 1 or more of the following:

  • first aid and CPR certification
  • Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) certification
  • Workplace Hazardous Material Information Systems (WHMIS) certification
  • clear security and child welfare checks
  • a valid driver’s licence
  • a reliable vehicle for transportation.

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2018
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Most community health representatives work in First Nations and Métis communities. In urban centres, they may work at community agencies. They may also work at Alberta Health Services facilities.

With further education, community health representatives may move into a related occupation. These can include social worker, licensed practical nurse, or addictions counsellor. To learn more about these occupations, see Related Occupations.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Social and community service workers
2016 NOC: 4212

77.9% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Social and community service workers
2021 NOC: 42201
Medium
Demand
13,200
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Social and community service workers
2016 NOC: 4212
2.0%
Annual Growth
(Below Average)
336
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Community heath representative earnings may vary depending on the employer.

For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Social and community service workers

2016 NOC: 4212
Average Wage
$23.98
Per Hour
Average Salary
$41,099.00
Per Year
Average Hours
32
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 4212 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $35.54 $21.05 $18.00
Overall $15.84 $45.60 $23.98 $20.20
Top $18.00 $47.29 $26.99 $23.69

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Information, Culture, Recreation
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
55%
55%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
20%
20%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
8%
8%
Vacancy Rate
10%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Health Care and Medical Sciences
  • Social, Community and Protective Services
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2018

Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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