Healthcare career training comes in multi-languages
Free online training is now available to become a certified direct care professional (CDCP) in English, Spanish and Hmong. CDCPs care for older adults and people with disabilities, in their homes or community living spaces, helping with bathing, dressing, eating, exercise and other daily activities.
This program is part of WisCaregiver Careers, which trains and rewards caring people, who wish to pursue careers in healthcare.
Research published by the National Institutes of Health’s PubMed, suggests people who have providers of the same race or demographic background, have greater satisfaction, a higher quality of healthcare and more trust in their provider.
“Certified direct care professionals serve some of the most vulnerable people in Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin Medicaid director Bill Hanna. “Ensuring the best care possible includes being able to easily communicate and understand an individual’s unique needs.”
To become a CDCP, candidates must complete online, self-paced courses on caregiving topics such as safety, ethics and communication. Most people can complete the training in about 30 hours.
After training, they must pass an online exam to earn certification. The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay manages the curriculum, testing and certification.
CDCPs, who get a job with an eligible employer, can earn a $250 hiring bonus. Those who work for at least six months, can earn another $250, as a retention bonus. They can also earn a bonus for referring others to the program.
Once certified, CDCPs can find employment that is right for them with WisCaregiver Connections. This free online platform lets them post their candidate profiles, look at job postings, connect to employers and find resources. About 1,100 registered healthcare providers are looking for job candidates, with more added daily.
Eligible home and community-based service providers can also sign up to access WisCaregiver Connections, which allows them to post job openings, auto-match with jobseekers, and screen candidate profiles and credentials.
Current employees of eligible providers can take the training and earn bonuses of up to $500, at no cost to the employer.
The CDCP program is now listed on the Direct Patient Care Career Pathway. Career pathways are designed to prepare high school students for their career after graduation. Teachers, who help support students by providing information about this career, may also be eligible to earn a $250 bonus for their school.
Anyone interested in the program can find more information and get started, at WisCaregiverCDCP.com.
“This program is a vital intervention,” said Jack Mc-Donald, senior state policy advocacy specialist. “Wisconsin’s approach weaves together compassion and practicality, addressing the demand for skilled workers, with an understanding of the community’s linguistic diversity. Wisconsin is crafting a more inclusive, empathetic environment, where both caregivers and those in need of care are seen, heard and valued.”
