As part of continued efforts to grow New Jersey’s home- and community-based services workforce, the Department of Human Services has partnered with the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University to offer scholarships to individuals interested in becoming certified home-health aides.
The scholarships will provide specialized training to supplement the skills of those already in the field. With $2.8 million in federal funds, the Certified Home Health Aide Career Program (CHHA) will also offer mentoring and specialized training programs to help recruit and support aides.
“Through this partnership, we are empowering individuals to pursue meaningful careers in care,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman.
“I encourage anyone who wants to join this critical workforce – and those already in the field who want to gain new skills – to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”
“The Heldrich Center for Workforce Development is excited to partner with the New Jersey Department of Human Services on this program to expand the state’s pipeline of certified home-health aides and provide training for those who are already working in this critically important field,” said Carl Van Horn, director of the center and a professor at Rutgers University.
As part of its partnership with the state, Rutgers launched a website at https://njchhacareer.org where applicants can access a resource tool kit to learn more about becoming a CHHA. The website also includes helpful links and a career pathway guide for those interested in pursuing additional certifications or degrees in the direct care and health-care fields.
The human services department’s partnership with Rutgers offers three programs:
- A scholarship program that will connect successful applicants to CHHA trainers in the state and pay for the 76 hours of required training. Successful applicants will have access to resources and online peer networking opportunities, as well as stipends to help pay for needs to participate in training, such as transportation and child care. Once applicants complete the program, they will be expected to work as CHHAs for the providers that trained them.
- A mentoring program that will provide the same training, funding and incentives as the scholarship program, but will also include a 12-week, on-the-job mentoring program for young adults, immigrants and refugees to support a more diverse workforce.
- A specialized training program that will provide current CHHAs with enhanced training on dementia care and mental-health first aid, as well as monetary incentives to help them complete their training.
“Certified home health aides provide a critical service to older residents who wish to remain in their homes,” said Louise Rush, assistant commissioner for the Division of Aging Services. “They not only provide care and support, but also companionship.”
The agencies that will provide training and placements include Attentive Care Inc. and Dedicated Home Care LLC, both in Gloucester County, and Total Care Solutions Corp. in Atlantic County.
The scholarship program is the latest effort by the state to strengthen the home- and community-based services workforce. Earlier this year, the human services department partnered with an ad agency to launch a marketing campaign called “Jobs That Care” to promote and raise awareness and encourage individuals to join the growing fields of direct support professionals and home aides. To learn more, visit JobsThatCare.NJ.Gov.
Individuals can apply for these programs at https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b3nWwYT8zMJzQF0. Applications will be accepted until all spots are filled.