September 2024 Work Force Newsletter

Health Care

Workforce Updates

September 2024

Finger Lakes Performing Provider System selected for workforce investment program

The NYS Department of Health selected the Finger Lakes Performing Provider System Workforce Investment Organization to manage the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program in the Finger Lakes, Western NY, and Southern Tier regions, as part of the New York Health Equity Reform 1115 Waiver. The program will target workforce shortages in healthcare staffing, supporting the delivery of health-related social needs through increased access to culturally appropriate services.

The CPT Program will fund training and education that focuses on career advancement. It will also develop a new healthcare workforce pipeline to address healthcare workforce shortages throughout NYS. The program will support workforce recruitment and retention to advance those in a healthcare profession who are looking to move up and to engage those seeking a career in healthcare.

Eligible training and education programs will include licensed practical nurse, associate registered nurse, registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, licensed mental health counselor, master of social work, credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselor, certified pharmacy technician, certified medical assistant, respiratory therapist, community health workers and patient care managers.

Click here for details and to sign up for updates.

Area Health Education Center enrolling scholars for fall 2024

A statewide, Health Resources and Services Administration-funded 2-year internship program is available for anyone enrolled in the last two years of a health-related degree program. There is a stipend of up to $1000 each year for completing the program. ($2,000 at program completion)

AHEC Scholars increase knowledge and understanding of barriers to quality healthcare in rural and underserved areas. Students work together as an interdisciplinary team to complete a combination of 40 hours of online learning and 40 hours of real-world experiential learning in medically disadvantaged areas. Learn more.

Upcoming events

Finger Lakes Caregiver Institute’s third annual caregiver conference - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept 14 at the Memorial Art Gallery. Featuring keynote speaker David Troxel, co-founder of the "Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's and Dementia Care”. Lunch is provided, and the event is free. Onsite respite is available with advance notice. Register here.

The New York State Association for Rural Health Older Adult Innovative Resources Fair is set for the morning of Sept. 19 at the NYS Association of Rural Health Symposium in Binghamton. The fair will share innovative technology and promising practices for older adults and their caregivers. The symposium, which takes place Sept. 19 and 20, features keynote speaker Dr. Alana Knudson (Director, NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis) and Dr. Brian Justice as the Plenary Speaker. Click here for details.

The 2024 Workforce and Economic Development Conference will bring together workforce and economic development professionals in Rochester on October 21-23. The event is sponsored by the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP) and the New York State Economic Development Council. Click here to register.

Upcoming in-person trainings and resources

The Arc of Monroe and Bryant & Stratton College kick off a five-week training program Sept. 27 for Direct Support Professionals who provide direct care for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Once enrolled, a student will be hired as a “DSP in Training” and will be an official employee of The Arc of Monroe. Each DSP-In-Training will be paid $17 per hour. In return, participants are required to make a one-year commitment to the role within The Arc of Monroe. A sign-on bonus of up to $1,500 is available. Find out more.

St. John Fisher University nonprofit management courses will begin in September. These in-person, on campus, fall courses in their Certificate in Nonprofit Management program run the span of the whole fall semester. Human Resources Management provides a high-level overview of human resources areas. Leadership Communication Skills gives an overview of necessary communications skills. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Contact Melanie Phillips at mphillips@sjf.edu or 585-899-3769 with any questions. Learn more here.

Virtual trainings and resources

Virtual coaches from the NYS Department of Labor provide instruction and guidance to practice hands-on immersive learning and assessments to encourage mastery of skills needed to get hired for well-paying jobs in a safe, supportive setting. The virtual Career Exploration option helps job seekers understand their career options and get started on a path to choosing the right job for them. The Health Sciences field includes a vast range of disciplines, such as allied health, nursing, and public health. Explore it now.

No-cost business engagement programs and services from the New York State Department of Labor assist with recruiting and training new employees or providing guidance on a variety of labor issues. Their goal is to help find and keep a skilled workforce and build strategic partnerships to maximize service delivery. Check it out.

Grant opportunity

Applications for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant program are due Sept. 23. The US Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration is funding programs to ensure communities have equitable access to devices and skills to fully participate in the digital world. Eligible nonprofits, healthcare institutions, schools and other entities can apply for the funding to ensure digital access for all members of the community. Get details here. 

What we are reading

In a new report on persistent challenges registered nurse recruitment and retention, the Center for Health Workforce Studies researchers identified factors contributing to patient-care RN shortages in acute care hospitals. It noted strategies to address these challenges, with a special emphasis on safety-net hospitals.

A new Oral Health Needs Assessment for New York State identified areas of the state with the highest oral health needs. It recommends strategies to address access barriers for underserved and vulnerable populations.

Please share your health care workforce updates

If you have workforce updates to share, or any feedback or ideas for this newsletter, please contact Melissa Wendland at melissa.wendland@commongroundhealth.org.

Please share this newsletter with others in your organization who might benefit and encourage them to sign up to receive it. 
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