Community Health Workers' Perspectives on Career Advancement and Job Satisfaction: Indiana, March-August 2024.

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To explore perspectives on career advancement and job satisfaction among community health workers (CHWs) in Indiana. <b>Methods.</b> From March to August 2024, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 282 CHWs in Indiana that captured perspectives on career development, burnout, and inclination to leave the profession using Likert scale and open-ended questions. We conducted descriptive mixed methods analyses and examined associations between outcomes and employer type. <b>Results.</b> Half of CHW respondents reported burnout and considered leaving the CHW profession on a monthly basis; they said there were few opportunities for career advancement. Respondents expressed frustrations with pay, upward mobility, professional recognition, and organizational support, which varied by organizational setting. The positive impact on patients and communities was a strong motivator to remain in the profession. <b>Conclusions.</b> CHWs face uneven career paths and high burnout and intention to leave the profession in Indiana. <b>Public Health Implications.</b> Improving career pathways and organizational support through federal, state, and employer workforce policies and initiatives are essential for strengthening the CHW workforce. These policies and initiatives should be undertaken in partnership with CHWs. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2026;116(9): 1436-1444. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308487).