The Sconi

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced the availability of free online training in Spanish for becoming a certified direct care professional (CDCP). CDCPs assist elderly adults and individuals with disabilities in their homes or community spaces, helping with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and exercising.

Research published by PubMed from the National Institutes of Health suggests that individuals who have healthcare providers from the same racial or demographic background experience higher satisfaction, better quality of care, and greater trust in their provider. According to Health Compass Milwaukee, 4.7% of Wisconsin residents over the age of five—approximately 263,000 people—speak Spanish at home. The United States has the largest Spanish-speaking population outside Latin America and Spain, with the 2020 Census indicating that 18.7% of Wisconsin's population is Hispanic.

"Certified direct care professionals attend to some of Wisconsin's most vulnerable people. Ensuring the best possible care includes being able to communicate easily and understand a person's unique needs," said Bill Hanna, Wisconsin’s Medicaid Director. "The CDCP program is crucial for meeting our state's care needs and offers workers an opportunity to advance into more senior healthcare roles such as certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or registered nurse (RN)."

Jake McDonald, Senior Specialist in State Policy Advocacy at PHI—the leading authority on the direct care workforce in the country—stated: "This program is a vital intervention. Wisconsin's approach intertwines compassion and practicality, addressing the demand for qualified workers with an understanding of the community's linguistic diversity. Wisconsin is creating a more inclusive and empathetic environment where both caregivers and those needing care are seen, heard, and valued."

To become a CDCP, candidates must complete self-paced online courses covering topics such as safety, ethics, and communication. Most individuals can finish the training in about 30 hours. After completing the coursework, they must pass an online exam to receive certification. The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay manages the curriculum, exams, and certification process.

Certified CDCPs who secure employment with qualifying employers can receive a $250 hiring bonus. Those who work for at least six months may earn another $250 retention bonus. Additionally, they can earn bonuses for referring others to the program. Certified CDCPs will have access to WisCaregiver Connections—a free online platform where they can post candidate profiles, view job listings, connect with employers, and find resources.

Qualifying service providers' current employees can receive training and bonuses up to $500 at no cost to their employer. Eligible home and community service providers can also register for WisCaregiver Connections.

The CDCP program is now part of the Direct Patient Care Career Pathway designed to prepare high school students for careers after graduation. Teachers who provide information about this career path may qualify for a $250 bonus for their school.

Interested individuals can visit WisCaregiverCDCP.com or WisCaregiverCDCP.com/es for more information and to get started.

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