Caring4Cal is a workforce development program created to expand, enhance, and strengthen California’s Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) through free training, coaching, and incentives of up to $2,750
Caring4Cal is a workforce development program created to expand, enhance, and strengthen California’s Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) through free training, coaching, and incentives of up to $2,750.
The California Department of Health Care Access and Information (formerly the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development), or HCAI, is committed to expanding equitable access to health care for all Californians—ensuring every community has the health workforce they need, safe and reliable health care facilities, and health information that can help make care more effective and affordable.
Through this new initiative, HCAI will be expanding, enhancing, and strengthening the workforce of California’s licensed or certified providers or those working as a community Health Worker (CHWs) in Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) to increase access to health services for rural communities, children with complex medical conditions, and individuals with disabilities, as well as geriatric care for aging adults for the Medi-Cal population.
An aging population and an increase in chronic diseases has increased the demand for licensed or certified healthcare providers as well as Community Health Workers (CHWs). Each year the need continues to grow, placing further strain on the existing workforce that is already stretched thin.
This initiative by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) works to increase access to health services for rural communities, children with complex medical conditions, individuals with disabilities, as well as care for older adults. These Californians are increasingly diverse and need a provider workforce that is inclusive, supportive, and effective, providing everyday care in the home and throughout communities across the state.
Through Caring4Cal, current and aspiring licensed or certified healthcare providers or CHWs in Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) have access to hundreds of free training courses that deliver a three-part approach:
HCBS licensed or certified providers and CHWs are essential to providing quality care in California homes and communities. Caring4Cal builds a better workforce today to meet the healthcare needs of tomorrow.
1. Caring4Cal Workforce Fund
The Caring4Cal Workforce Fund awarded approximately $25 million to various organizations to recruit and train HCBS care providers.
2. Caring4Cal Home Care Provider Training Program
Caring4Cal offers training, personal coaching, and incentives for current HCBS providers and care providers working or volunteering under supervision in institutional settings interested in switching to a home health care career path. Caring4Cal also offers newcomers such as students and others currently not in healthcare the opportunity to start their home health care provider career.
The Caring4Cal program targets the recruitment and training of eligible workers providing providing care in-home and community-based settings in California.
Example Target Workforce
Current and prospective HCBS providers that work in the following licensed or certified roles:
Example Target Settings
A home- or community-based setting refers to a living arrangement where individuals receive care, support, and services in their own homes or in a community setting rather than in an institutional facility like a hospital or nursing home. This setting is designed to promote independence, comfort, and a sense of belonging within a person’s familiar environment.
Examples of home- and community-based settings include Adult Day Care, AIDS Waiver, Assisted Living Waiver, provider Resource Centers, Community-Based Adult Services, Home and Community-Based Alternatives Waiver, Multipurpose Senior Services Program, Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE).
Home- and community-based health careers are growing fast: Did you know that 1 in 4 Californians will be over the age of 60 in 2030? That’s an estimated 10.8 million people who might need your help in the future. This is your opportunity to build a career that will be in high demand for many years to come.
Good healthcare outcomes and stronger connections: Research has shown that clients prefer in-home care, and the care provided can produce as good and at times better health outcomes. Start building stronger relationships and make a greater difference in the lives of your clients.
An accelerated path toward an HCBS career: Caring4Cal has courses to help you attain the certifications you need, and personal coaches available to guide you to meet your career goals.
Choose what you learn: Our courses are for those new to the healthcare field and experienced healthcare providers alike. Build a career path, or focus on select skills and topics you’d like to learn.
Caring4Cal is entirely FREE: With financial incentives up to $2,750, there’s no better time to boost your skills or start a new career!
© Copyright 2024 Caring4Cal and California Department of Health Care Access and Information
