The Sconi

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has introduced a free online training program for certified direct care professionals (CDCPs) in Spanish. CDCPs provide essential care to older adults and individuals with disabilities, assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and exercise.

Research from the National Institutes of Health's PubMed indicates that patients tend to have higher satisfaction and trust when their healthcare providers share their racial or demographic background. According to Health Compass Milwaukee, approximately 4.7% of Wisconsin's population over age five, or about 263,000 people, speak Spanish at home. The 2020 Census reports that 18.7% of Wisconsin's population is Hispanic.

"Certified direct care professionals serve some of the most vulnerable people in Wisconsin. Ensuring the best care possible includes being able to easily communicate and understand an individual's unique needs," said Wisconsin Medicaid Director Bill Hanna. "The CDCP program is crucial to meeting our state's caregiving needs, and it offers workers a chance to establish a path to more advanced health care jobs, such as certified nurse assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or registered nurse (RN)."

Jake McDonald, senior state policy advocacy specialist for PHI, remarked, "This program is a vital intervention. Wisconsin's approach weaves together compassion and practicality, addressing the demand for skilled workers with an understanding of the community's linguistic diversity."

To become a CDCP, candidates must complete online courses on topics such as safety, ethics, and communication. The training typically takes about 30 hours to complete. Afterward, candidates must pass an online exam to earn certification. The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay oversees the curriculum, testing, and certification process.

CDCPs who secure employment with eligible employers can receive a $250 hiring bonus and another $250 retention bonus after six months of work. They may also earn bonuses for referring others to the program.

Certified CDCPs will have access to WisCaregiver Connections—a free online platform where they can post profiles, browse job postings, connect with employers, and find resources. Currently, around 700 registered healthcare providers are seeking job candidates through this platform.

Eligible home and community-based service providers can also utilize WisCaregiver Connections to access potential employees without cost implications for training current staff who can earn up to $500 in bonuses.

The CDCP program is included in the Direct Patient Care Career Pathway designed for high school students preparing for careers post-graduation. Teachers supporting students by providing information about this career path may be eligible for a $250 bonus for their schools.

For more information or to enroll in the program, visit WisCaregiverCDCP.com or WisCaregiverCDCP.com/es.

Members of the media can direct questions to DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

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