The Sconi

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has expanded its Certified Direct Care Professional (CDCP) program to include training in Hmong, alongside English and Spanish. This initiative is part of the WisCaregiver Careers program, which aims to train individuals for careers in health care, particularly those caring for older adults and people with disabilities.

Research from the National Institutes of Health's PubMed indicates that patients often experience better satisfaction and trust when their caregivers share similar racial or demographic backgrounds. This finding underscores the importance of offering CDCP training in multiple languages.

"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," stated Wisconsin Medicaid Director Bill Hanna. He emphasized that the CDCP program provides a pathway to more advanced health care roles.

Jack McDonald from PHI, an authority on the direct care workforce, commented on the significance of this initiative: "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 certified, candidates must complete approximately 30 hours of online courses covering various caregiving topics before passing an exam. The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay oversees this process. Once certified, individuals can use WisCaregiver Connections to find suitable employment opportunities.

CDCPs who secure jobs with eligible employers may receive bonuses totaling up to $500 based on hiring and retention milestones. Additionally, there are incentives for referring others to join the program.

The CDCP initiative is also included in career pathways designed for high school students preparing for post-graduation careers. Teachers who promote this career path could earn bonuses for their schools.

Further information about enrollment can be found at WisCaregiverCDCP.com.