PRESS RELEASE: New Practicum Coordinator hits ground running at HCAN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shinese Moye was appointed Practicum Coordinator at Health Care Access Now (HCAN) in March. With a history of volunteerism and administrative work, Moye has settled quickly into the position.

• The Practicum Coordinator works closely with students in the Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification program to help them succeed—before, during, and after becoming certified.
• This is a new position, meant to handle an influx of administrative tasks as the program expands. Moye’s work in this position is critical to the success of CHWs, as she is responsible for facilitating internships, finding job placement, and recruiting for the program.

HCAN trains and coordinates CHWs, as well as acting as director of the regional Pathways Community HUB (HUB). The HUB is an evidence-based system that acts as a framework for CHWs to identify and remove clients’ barriers to health and wellness. CHWs work one-on-one with vulnerable community members to improve health outcomes and build health equity.

As Health Care Access Now (HCAN)’s Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification program expands, it has created an opportunity for a new position: Practicum Coordinator. Shinese Moye accepted the appointment to this position in March and has hit the ground running. Her job responsibilities include recruitment for the Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification program, helping prospective students secure scholarships, working with current students to promote academic success, and helping find practicum placement for students and job placement for graduates.

HCAN’s Certification program trains CHWs to enter the field and work one-on-one with vulnerable and marginalized clients. Students focus on client communication, policies and regulations of nursing, and anatomy and physiology, among other subjects. HCAN’s 14-week program includes a 130-hour community-based practicum, which is required by the Ohio Board of Nursing for certification. 

“A big part of what I do is helping students with practicum placement. I reach out to different organizations and form relationships,” says Moye. For example, she recently met with Women Helping Women (WHW), an organization that works to prevent gender-based violence and empower survivors, and discovered opportunities for collaboration. “We’ll be able to place students at the WHW facility for their practicum, and some of [WHW] employees also want to become certified as CHWs.”

The number of slots available for the CHW Certification program varies depending on grant funding. Currently, there are a few slots still available for the fall session, slated to begin on August 22. Scholarships are also available for that session. Although many people already work in the health field when they apply, that is not a requirement for acceptance into the program. 

“I feel like I’ve been working [at HCAN] forever—in a good way—because everyone has been so welcoming. I love coming to work every day,” Moye says.

She knew from an early age that she wanted to work in a field that allowed her to make a tangible positive difference. Her history in volunteerism and former job at the Community Action Agency prepared her for the demands of this new position. HCAN welcomes Moye to its ranks and anticipates that she will do great things.