Evidence indicates CHWs encounter resistance from social workers in various contexts, due to concern about CHWs displacing social workers as a primary workforce involved in addressing non-medical factors underlying preventable and costly illness. Health care providers may consider CHWs as less expensive alternatives to social workers for assessing health-related social needs, identifying community-based resources, and making referrals. Respective roles for CHWs and social workers in care coordination and behavioral health care integration are, similarly, subjects of innovation, promise, and concern, depending on perspective. The authors comprise a mix of CHWs and social workers who will present results of a literature review and exploration of promising practice models to highlight opportunities for harmonizing the CHW and social work relationship. This interactive oral session will feature CHW presenters. The authors will demonstrate how advancing health equity and the objectives of health care reform depends in part on a cooperative relationship between the two professions, both of which are marginalized—in different measures and ways—within a health care system driven by provider concerns over financial performance.
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