The New Jersey Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, has initiated a scholarship program aimed at bolstering the state's home- and community-based services workforce. The Certified Home Health Aide Career Program (CHHA) will utilize $2.8 million in federal funds to provide specialized training and mentoring for aspiring and current home-health aides.
Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman emphasized the significance of this initiative: “Through this partnership, we are empowering individuals to pursue meaningful careers in care.” She encouraged those interested in joining or advancing within this field to apply for the scholarships.
Carl Van Horn, director of the Heldrich Center and a professor at Rutgers University, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “The Heldrich Center for Workforce Development is excited to partner with the New Jersey Department of Human Services on this program.”
Rutgers has launched a website, https://njchhacareer.org, offering resources such as a tool kit and career pathway guide for those interested in becoming certified home-health aides or pursuing further certifications in direct care.
The department's partnership with Rutgers includes three key programs:
1. A scholarship program that covers 76 hours of required training for successful applicants who will work as CHHAs after completing their training.
2. A mentoring program offering similar benefits as the scholarship program but also includes a 12-week on-the-job mentoring component aimed at fostering diversity among young adults, immigrants, and refugees.
3. A specialized training program providing current CHHAs with advanced training in dementia care and mental health first aid.
Louise Rush, assistant commissioner for the Division of Aging Services, highlighted the importance of certified home health aides: “Certified home health aides provide a critical service to older residents who wish to remain in their homes.”
Training agencies involved include Attentive Care Inc., Dedicated Home Care LLC in Gloucester County, and Total Care Solutions Corp. in Atlantic County.
This initiative follows earlier efforts by the state to enhance its workforce through campaigns like "Jobs That Care," which promotes careers as direct support professionals and home aides. Applications can be submitted online until all positions are filled.
