Abstract
Nationally, there is a great demand for systems that meet the needs of local employers as well as develop tools and training for their incumbent workers. Concurrently, demand for healthcare professionals is growing and projected to continue for the next decade. Worcester State University created the “Direct Care Workforce Development Program” to offer a pathway for nontraditional-aged students in direct care positions to advance to higher-level jobs with family sustaining wages. Direct care workers (DCWs) (e.g., patient care assistant) encounter challenges in a quest to continue their education. They may be non-native speakers, lack a foundation in basic numeracy skills, or lack experience with technology. Therefore, DCWs require many support services for success in professional health-studies programs. In response, a partnership emerged between an urban medical center, state university, and labor union to provide academic pathways for DCWs to progress in careers through higher education. Two cohorts of DCWs from the medical center enrolled in the program, which provided courses totaling nine college credits. Career maps, containing action steps towards goals, and individual coaching helped DCWs define their aspirations. Many workers who completed the program matriculated into two and four-year professional programs, while others plan to do so in the future.
Highlights
The demand for direct care workers is growing rapidly
Will the increased accessibility and support provided by a worksite approach f o r Direct care workers (DCWs) education promote an increase in the incumbent workforce able to advance their education?
Will the increased accessibility and support provided by a worksite approach f o r DCW education promote an increase in the incumbent w or kfor ce able to advance their education?
Summary
The demand for direct care workers is growing rapidly. Experts expect this growth to continue for the decade at a much faster rate than other professions (The Lewin Group, 2008; Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2017). Creating a true workforce on-ramp, benefitting both current and prospective workers in need of basic skills training, to prepare for entry into and retention in the direct care workforce, requires considerable work It begins with forging career pathways from the local community that lead to job-training programs and on to credit-bearing degree and certificate programs at community colleges. The Direct Care Worker Pathways Program faculty met monthly with the project staff to review curriculum development and implementation, as well as formative and summative student data This mechanism for regular review of evaluation feedback from university/employer/labor partners, as well as students, provided opportunities for ongoing continuous quality improvement
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