Direct Caregiver Flexibility Training Program

The New York State Department of Health's (DOH) Direct Caregiver Flexibility training program is an initiative designed to create opportunities for New Yorkers to receive free training and employment referrals for work in long-term care. The Direct Caregiver program creates accessible training and certification as a Personal Care Aide, Home Health Aide or Certified Nurse Aide as well as support for those entering employment.

Supported by up to $19 million per year for five years, 22 awardees across New York's ten Economic Development Regions have been selected to establish Direct Caregiver Flexibility Training Centers and Direct Caregiver Support Hubs.

Addressing Barriers in Healthcare Training and Employment

Currently, the process for obtaining certifications for long-term and community-based care— Personal Care Aide, Home Health Aide, and Certified Nurse Aide—is fragmented. Training for Personal Care Aides and Home Health Aides is typically separate from Certified Nurse Aide training programs, and training programs are split between Department of Health-licensed providers and State Education Department programs in secondary and adult education settings. Furthermore, the lack of comparison information across the long-term care field makes it difficult for individuals to locate training opportunities; evaluate the costs and time commitments that exist for each type of certification or understand how to move between programs and employment opportunities. The Direct Caregiver Flexibility program puts the worker at the center of the process, providing those who are interested with the information to select the training and know which long-term and community-based settings are hiring.

Direct Caregiver Flexibility Training Centers

The Department has funded Direct Care Training Centers ("Training Center"), in each of the State's ten Economic Development Regions. These regional centers training opportunities by offering three certifications as well as information on job openings enabling trainees to earn the certifications needed to apply. The training is free of charge, and while in training, trainees will receive a stipend for time and travel and referral to Direct Caregiver Support Hubs for additional resources and assistance if needed or desired.

Direct Caregiver Support Hubs

Serving as the workforce development branch of the Training Centers, the Direct Caregiver Support Hubs ("Support Hubs"), will provide essential outreach and case management for program participants. These Hubs are designed to:

• Provide support to ensure successful program completion.
• Help trainees envision careers in long-term and community-based care.
• Address work-life challenges that serve as barriers to employment.
• Make needed referrals to services to enable the trainee to begin employment.
• Support Hubs help program participants successfully complete training and then make informed choices as to site and type of work. By offering individualized support, the program aims to improve job satisfaction, enhance patient care, and expand access to this critical workforce.

Reach out to your Regional Center for more information about classes and locations.

For general questions please email The Department DCF.Grant@health.ny.gov.