Center for Community Health Education Research & Service is partnering with the Boston Housing Authority and other community-based organizations in the HEART target area to recruit long-term unemployed individuals (3 - 5 years unemployed) for enrollment in a training program leading to a home health aide certificate. The program consists of 2 components. The training consists of six weeks home health aide training program for 15 enrollees, utilizing the state sanctioned 75-hour PHCAST curriculum, and supplemented with personal leadership training and mentoring, financial literacy education, and job readiness skills development. At least 2 cohorts of 15 participants each will be trained in FY18, with potential for additional cohorts added as funding permits. The geographic target area for the HEART Consortium is the Southwest Corridor of Boston, from Chinatown through the South End, Roxbury and Mission Hill to Jamaica Plain, along the Orange Line. CCHERS' Director of Program Planning and Development (a contracted position) provides oversight, management and administration for the program.
CCHERS' HEART Coordinator is a staff position and is responsible for overseeing and coordinating daily functioning of the training initiative, including coordinating the services of the contracted trainers, workshop leaders and mentors on a day-to-day basis, and daily engagement of trainees including monitoring attendance, timeliness and adherence to program standards and requirements. Two organizations are sub- contracted to provide specific aspects of the training: The Home Care Aide Foundation provides PHCAST training (75 hour curriculum) leading to a home health aide certificate for trainees who successfully complete the program; and Mothers for Justice and Equality provides leadership training, financial literacy, job readiness skills development, and mentoring (71 hours) as part of the 146 hour training.
PHCAST training, financial literacy and job skills development workshops, and mentoring: The 6 week training begins with 2 weeks of leadership training, using “You Matter”, a curriculum developed by Mothers for Justice and Equality (MJE) to assist participants identify barriers to success and develop strategies for managing their obstacle, with support from mentors. “You Matter” helps individuals focus on the challenges and barriers in their personal life that may have affected their ability to be successful in the workplace, utilizing reflective writing and other similar tools. The training program also addresses “soft-skills” and other programming that helps participants prepare for entering the workforce.
At the start of week 3, the Home Care Aide Foundation begins the PHCAST (Personal Home Care Aide State Training) which continues through week 6. HCAF is sanctioned by the state to award a home health aide certificate to trainees who successfully complete a hands-on skills test, and a written test. Mentoring continues throughout the training, with weekly meetings of trainees and mentors. During weeks 3 through 6, MJE conducts workshops that are integrated into the training day in financial literacy and job readiness skills (including resume development, interviewing skills, and soft-skills, such as communication, being on time, working with co-workers, supervisors and schedulers). MJE mentors also continue to work with trainees during this time.
This program may be offered remotely.
