NJ Certified Home Health Aide Career
Our goal is to address the statewide shortage of certified home health aides by implementing scholarship, mentoring, and specialized training programs in New Jersey.
The Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) Workforce Expansion Project is administered by the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey and the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services. The demand for CHHA services in New Jersey is great and the need continues to grow. Our goal is to expand the number of CHHAs working in the state by implementing scholarship, mentoring, and specialized training programs. We aim to expand and retain the CHHA workforce in New Jersey by partnering with leading home care agencies and educational institutions that provide training opportunities for interested candidates and gather data on their experiences. Together, we can make a positive impact, enhance the lives of both workers and those in need, and elevate the CHHA workforce to new heights. Licensed home care agencies that are training providers and employers can apply to become a program partner today.
Attention Home Care Agencies!
Are you looking to expand your business and make a difference in your community? If so, we want to partner with you!
We are seeking CHHA employers that offer CHHA training approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. By partnering with us, you will have the opportunity to participate in three pilot programs and make a tangible impact through our mentorship program.
Take advantage of this opportunity to grow your business and give back to your community. Apply to become a program partner and receive funding to help recruit and support CHHAs through your agency. Interested organizations should be dedicated to ensuring the work readiness of potential employees.
What does it mean to be a CHHA project program partner?
To become a CHHA project program partner, your organization must provide CHHA training and offer a promise of employment for participants upon completion. Program partners will receive funds to offset training costs and must make upfront direct payments to participants, which will be fully reimbursed.
Additionally, partners participating in the mentorship program will be required to make incentive payments to selected mentors and mentees, which will also be reimbursed.
Click the links below to apply to become a program partner and to read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Programs
CHHA Scholarship Program
Our scholarship program supports individuals in obtaining certification as CHHAs. The program covers certification costs and offers incentives to assist with expenses such as childcare, transportation, food, and other needs during training. After becoming certified, participants will receive two bonus payments after they work as a CHHA for 6 and 12 weeks. Our agency partners will also employ program graduates, benefiting both the individuals involved and the healthcare industry. If you are ready to join a rewarding workforce that cares, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
Mentorship Program for Young Adults, Immigrants, and Refugees
This mentorship program aims to offer additional support to participants aspiring to become CHHAs. Selected participants for this program will be paired with experienced CHHAs who will provide them with mentorship. Mentors are trained and experienced and will support program participants in developing competencies and interpersonal skills aiming to improve participants’ abilities to perform their jobs successfully and ultimately increase job retention. Mentors who participate in this program will receive a financial incentive for their time and efforts.
Mentees will also receive access to a resource toolkit and an exclusive online peer social networking platform, in addition to the guidance provided by their mentor over a period of 12 weeks.
Specialized Training Program to Enhance CHHA Skills
Our specialized training program is focused on dementia care and mental health first aid, providing CHHAs with the skills needed to care for clients with Alzheimer's, dementia, or behavioral issues. By completing this program, CHHAs will be better equipped to serve their clients effectively, leading to improved outcomes and a higher quality of life.
As a token of appreciation for their dedication, the program offers financial incentives to those who complete the training. Participants will receive $50 upon successful completion of the dementia care training and $200 upon completion of the mental health first aid training.
Candidate Requirements to Participate
Our recruitment process includes outreach to everyone, including young adults, immigrants, refugees, and men, fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. Individuals must be “work ready” to participate. Being work ready means:
- Having legal authorization to work in the United States - Depending on the employer and the nature of the job, additional documents may be required. Requested documents may include but are not limited to:
- Possessing the necessary skills, knowledge, and professionalism to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to clients in their homes.
Apply to partner with us today!
Read our FAQs for more information on how to be work ready.
Watch a video overview about our programs.
If you have any questions or comments, please email chha@ejb.rutgers.edu.
This project is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $5 million with a portion funded by CMS/HHS to the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Money Follows the Person Demonstration. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
