Human Services & Rutgers University Launch Scholarship, Mentoring, & Training Programs to Recruit and Retain More Certified Home Health Aides

Human Services & Rutgers University Launch Scholarship, Mentoring, & Training Programs to Recruit and Retain More Certified Home Health Aides

February 10, 2025

(TRENTON) - As part of continued efforts to grow New Jersey's home- and community-based services workforce, the Department of Human Services has partnered with the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey to offer scholarships to individuals interested in becoming certified home health aides (CHHAs) and provide specialized training to supplement the skills of those currently in the field.

Through $2.8 million in federal funds, the Certified Home Health Aide Career Program will offer scholarship, mentoring, and specialized training programs to help recruit and support current and future CHHAs.

"Through this partnership, we are empowering individuals to pursue meaningful careers in care," said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. "If you are interested in helping and caring for people as a career path, this program will cover training costs and certification fees; provide financial incentives to help with expenses like child care, transportation and food; and will connect you to a job once the training is complete. I encourage anyone who wants to join this critical workforce-and those already in the field who want to gain new skills-to take advantage of this opportunity and apply."

"The Heldrich Center for Workforce Development is excited to partner with the New Jersey Department of Human Services on this program to expand the state's pipeline of certified home health aides and provide training for those who are already working in this critically important field," said Carl Van Horn, Ph.D., Director of the Heldrich Center and Distinguished Professor of Public Policy at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. "I commend all of the home health agencies that have agreed to participate in this program."

Individuals can apply for these programs here. Applications will be accepted until all spots are filled

As part of its partnership with the State, Rutgers launched a website where applicants can access a resource toolkit to learn more about becoming a CHHA. The website also includes helpful links for aspiring CHHAs and a career pathway guide for CHHAs interested in pursuing additional certifications or degrees in the direct care and health care fields.

"Growing this workforce is essential for our communities. By removing potential barriers and making it easier for people to become CHHAs, we can improve access to care and enhance quality of life for people with medical needs and older residents," said Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire.

The Department's partnership with Rutgers offers three programs:

• A scholarship program that will connect successful applicants to CHHA trainers in the state and pay for the 76 hours of required training that they need to become certified. Successful applicants will have access to resources and online peer networking opportunities, as well as stipends to help pay for needs to participate in training, such as transportation and child care. Once applicants complete the program, they will be expected to work as CHHAs for the providers that trained them.
• A mentoring program that will provide the same training, funding, and incentives as the scholarship program, but will also include a 12-week, on-the-job mentoring program for young adults, immigrants, and refugees to support a more diverse workforce.
• A specialized training program that will provide current CHHAs with enhanced training on dementia care and mental health first aid, as well as monetary incentives to help them complete their training.

"Certified home health aides provide a critical service to older residents who wish to remain in their homes. They not only provide care and support, but also companionship. If you or someone you know has an interest in this work, this is a great opportunity to enter a competitive field and make a lasting impact," said Louise Rush, Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Aging Services.

The following agencies will provide training and placements through the program:

• Astera Housing Inc., Middlesex County
• At Ease Home Care LLC - Home Helpers, Bergen County
• Attentive Care Inc., Gloucester County
• DAALD Senior Care LLC - Home Instead Senior Care, Ocean County
• Dedicated Home Care LLC, Gloucester County
• Faith Home Healthcare LLC, Passaic County
• Heavens Care LLC, Passaic County
• Instacare Home Health Solutions, LLC, Middlesex County
• Ocean Care and Staffing, Inc. - Right at Home, Ocean County
• Total Care Solutions Corp., Atlantic County
• Visiting Angels of Matawan, Monmouth County

This is the latest effort by the state to strengthen the home- and community-based services workforce. Earlier this year, the Department partnered with an ad agency to launch a marketing campaign titled Jobs That Care to promote and raise awareness and encourage individuals to join the growing fields of direct support professionals and home health aides. To learn more about these career opportunities, visit JobsThatCare.NJ.Gov.

The Certified Home Health Aide Career Program is supported in part by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award to the New Jersey Department of Human Services totaling $2.8 million. 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.

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