NYS invests $646 million to recruit and train health care workers

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced three Workforce Investment Organizations (WIO) will receive awards totaling up to $646 million over the next three years to implement the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program, which will recruit and train thousands of new health, mental health, and social care workers across New York. This program, part of the New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) 1115 Waiver, will also provide new career advancement opportunities to many current health care workers throughout the State. The WIO awardees are 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds, Iroquois Healthcare Association, and the Finger Lakes Performing Provider System (FLPPS).

“We are grateful to be recognized by the State as a trusted partner to deliver on this important work. FLPPS has focused on building the healthcare workforce over the last decade as part of our Medicaid redesign and system transformation efforts, working closely with our partners and stakeholders,” said Carol Tegas, CEO, FLPPS. “The CPT Program will extend and scale our programming across the Finger Lakes, Western NY, and Southern Tier regions, and provide vital educational and training opportunities that are desperately needed throughout New York State. By fostering partnerships, enhancing skills and career laddering, and creating a new pipeline of students, we are building a more resilient and diverse healthcare workforce.”

The CPT Program will support workforce recruitment and retention to promote the increased availability of health care practitioners in two career pipelines – Healthcare Career Advancement for those who are currently in a healthcare profession and looking to move up, and New Careers in Healthcare for those who are seeking a career in healthcare. The program will target workforce shortages in healthcare staffing, support the delivery of health-related social needs, and increase access to culturally appropriate services.

“The 1115 NYHER waiver is a tremendous opportunity for our community to close the workforce gaps that exist throughout our healthcare system,” said Dave Seeley, Executive Director, RochesterWorks; Chair of the Regional Consortium of Health Care Workforce. “I can’t think of a more qualified organization than FLPPS to lead our region’s Career Pathways Training program, which will not only bring hundreds of new workers into the healthcare field, but also provide the necessary supports and pipelines for those workers to advance their careers. It is a win-win for our community: ensuring we have the necessary labor force to provide equity in our healthcare system, while also creating upward mobility for job seekers.”

Program participants will make a three-year commitment of service, in their new professional title, to Medicaid providers that serve at least 30 percent of Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals. 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 Worker, and Patient Care Manager.

“FLPPS has provided a tremendous amount of support to Community Action of Orleans and Genesee,” said Renee Hungerford, Executive Director/CEO of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. “I have partnered with FLPPS under two different roles at two different organizations and have always felt confident of their unwavering support.” She added, “Building a strong workforce that transcends all facets of the healthcare continuum is essential to fixing our broken healthcare system.”

Each WIO will be responsible for participant recruitment, coordination of training, supportive services, and educational case management support of the individuals to assure successful completion of their programs and job placement. Support services to program participants includes case management, pre-training and academic program readiness, academic and training support, enhanced academic support for struggling participants, job readiness and placement, language services, and additional non-academic support.

WIOs were chosen based on criteria, including their deep connections to their respective regions, demonstrated success in operationalizing workforce training program, and capacity to rapidly and effectively stand up the CPT Program in their region.

“We applaud Governor Hochul’s foresight in tapping Finger Lakes Performing Provider System to lead our region’s Career Pathways Training program,” said Wade Norwood, CEO of Common Ground Health. “FLPPS, as a community partner, has long been a trailblazer in addressing the needs of our region’s health care workforce. Right now, health care in our region is challenged by the need to expand, retain and support our health care workforce. This state investment will ensure that our health care workers are prepared to meet the challenges of today and the future. FLPPS has the experience to expand training opportunities and support those entering the health care field, helping our region keep up with evolving needs.”

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