Project Description:
This program has been designed to address the work force challenges based on several major factors (1) A widely dispersed population across three major regions of the state with hub communities (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau/Sitka) provides the bulk of the LTC services due to the lack of available programs and the limited infrastructure to meet LTC needs in rural and remote communities. (2) Rapid growth in the senior 65+ age population needing in-home as well as facility based programs and services due to the aging process and chronic health conditions. (3) No state requirements for credentialing or licensure of direct service workers that is recognized by the LTC system. (4) A statewide workforce investment and economic development system with limited knowledge of the LTC industry training needs and limited coordination with the education systems to address those needs. (5) A statewide education system with limited knowledge of the workforce investments system capacity to support education and training needs in the LTC system. (6) LTC employers with limited knowledge of resources available from the education and workforce investment system for education and training that is designed for on the job learning (apprenticeship) through existing certificate and/or degree programs leading to career advancement opportunities (career lattice). (7) High turn over rates averaging 40% to 60% in LTC setting due to several factors: low pay, lack of training, poor supervision, and lack of career ladder/Jattice for workers. (8) Limited coordination with K-12 and high school career center training programs to provide access to internships and practicum opportunities in long-term care settings.
LTC workforce is projected to lose 1 0,384 LTC workers by 2025, while the older population (65+) is projected to increase 222.5% over the same time period, thus creating an even more serious workforce crisis over the next 18 years. Employers face the following challenges; 1)
high turnover, 2) difficulty finding and attracting qualified employees, 3) limited knowledge of the resources available within the education and workforce investment system, 4) current training is piecemeal and does not offer on-the-job learning (apprenticeship), and 5) there are no state requirements for credentialing or licensure of direct service workers that is recognized by the LTC system.
The 17-credit DSSOE is based on the Community Support Skill Standards for Direct Service Workers in Human Services. These competencies have been accepted nationally and are the basis of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals voluntary credentialing program that
utilizes the US DOL Apprenticeship program for Direct Support Specialists. The US DOL Apprenticeship for Direct Support Specialists embeds the DSSOE coursework to meet the instructional component of the apprenticeship.
The primary goal for this program is to strengthen and coordinate the partnerships between education, the workforce & economic development systems, and employers to implement an industry-driven LTCAP.
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Cultural Diversity, Other - Leadership
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
