In this update:
- NYS and NYC Opportunities
- DOH Issues RFA for the Development of Direct Caregiver Training Centers Statewide
NYS and NYC Opportunities
DOH Issues RFA for the Development of Direct Caregiver Training Centers Statewide
On December 3rd, the New York State (NYS) Department of Health (DOH) issued a Request for Applications (RFA) to support the development of a uniform and centralized “training and support system” for direct care workers, which include Personal Care Aides (PCAs), Home Health Aides (HHAs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). Through this RFA, DOH will award up to $19 million in annual funding during the five-year program for the establishment of at least one Direct Care Training Center in each of the ten Economic Development Regions of the state. Contracts are expected to begin on October 1, 2025.
Direct Caregiver Training Centers are intended to concentrate the direct caregiver training opportunities into a regional Center to increase the pipeline of individuals trained and able to work in direct care jobs. Each Training Center will have a “Support Hub,” which will function as the workforce development branch and assist with outreach and case management for trainees. Awardees may provide the Support Hub services directly or through a subcontract.
Applicants must be:
- DOH-licensed Article 28 facilities with an approved CNA training program;
- DOH-licensed Article 36 facilities with an approved PCA and HHA training program; or
- State Education Department (SED)-approved PCA, HHA, or CNA training programs.
Applicants may apply for more than region, but each region will require a separate and complete application. Applicants that do not currently offer all three trainings (i.e., PCA, HHA, CAN) may subcontract with approved training programs to ensure that all titles are included in the Training Center.
The RFA is available here. Applications are due on January 21, 2025. Questions may be submitted to Carol Rodat at DCR.Grant@health.ny.gov with a reference to the RFA section and paragraph to which the question refers through December 17th. Answers to questions will be posted on January 7, 2025.