Two agencies in Philadelphia have been awarded federal funding for home health aide training through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
Home Care Associates (HCA), a worker-owned home care organization, has been granted $200,000 to support and expand training for home health aides. The Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, which promotes economic development through the gainful employment of legal immigrants, will receive $182,700 of ARRA support for its home health aide and certified nursing assistant training program.
“Our commitment to training on the front end really makes a difference in terms of the quality of care we deliver to consumers,” said Karen Kulp, HCA president/CEO and a PHI board member. “We also believe we’re contributing to the Philadelphia community by offering quality jobs.”
Mayor Praises Awards
The ARRA awards will be used to focus on preparing workers for, and place workers in, 21st century jobs in growth industries, according to Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter‘s office. A total of 10 workforce development program awards, including awards to other industries, were announced by the mayor on January 13, following a competitive bidding process that ended in October.
“Educating Philadelphians for diverse, lifelong careers is absolutely critical in today’s ever-changing economy,” Nutter said. “We want to make sure people have the strong skills they need to compete in a constantly evolving job market.”
Direct-Care Jobs and the Economy
Home and community-based direct-care jobs are among the top ten fastest-growing occupations in Pennsylvania (pdf). Job openings for home health aides in the state are expected to expand by 53 percent from 2006 to 2016.
“These training programs are a critical component of our economic recovery,” said Sallie A. Glickman, CEO of the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board.
“We are investing in motivated adults so they can acquire the core skills necessary to fulfill current and emerging demands for employers. And for the individual trainees, their hard work will help them move toward financial independence,” Glickman said.
Training and Support Crucial to Meeting Demand
“HCA hires all of its successful training program graduates and also provides its direct-care staff with employment transition support services, continuous learning, and coaching supervision,” said Peggy Powell, PHI National Director of Curriculum and Workforce Development.
“This investment in its frontline staff is not only essential to HCA’s business strategy — it also represents a model approach to address the growing demand for long-term care service and supports,” Powell said.
PHI developed guidance to help organizations access the $8.8 billion in federal employment and training funds available through ARRA. While the deadline for applying for competitive federal grants funded by ARRA has passed, PHI’s guide continues to be an excellent resource for long-term care organizations working with state and local workforce entities to direct new federal employment and training dollars toward investments in the direct-care workforce.
– by Deane Beebe
