HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has announced a $2.8 million grant program to boost the ranks of Pennsylvania’s direct care workforce. This initiative aims to improve job quality and increase career advancement opportunities for those within this critical sector.
“By creating quality jobs for the direct care workforce, we also invest in the quality of care for all Pennsylvanians,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. Her statement underscores the interconnectedness of these two aspects — the quality of jobs and the quality of care — that are vital to ensuring the well-being of vulnerable residents.
The need for such an investment is particularly pressing as the state’s population continues to age, driving up the demand for high-quality direct care services. This demographic shift necessitates a robust and skilled direct care workforce, capable of meeting the diverse needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities.
This latest round of Direct Care Worker (DCW) grant funding builds on previous efforts by the Shapiro Administration to address the challenges faced by direct care workers. During his first year in office, Governor Josh Shapiro allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to boost wages for over 55,000 direct care workers and set up a new worker registry and training programs for home-based care workers. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to improving the working conditions and career prospects for direct care workers, which, in turn, positively impacts the quality of care provided.
The importance of government spending in boosting the direct care workforce goes beyond the immediate benefits to the workers themselves. By improving job quality and providing avenues for career advancement, the state can attract and retain a larger pool of skilled workers in this sector. This is crucial in ensuring that Pennsylvania’s aging population and those with disabilities receive the care they need, enabling them to thrive in their communities.
Moreover, investing in the direct care workforce has the potential to stimulate local economies. By creating quality jobs, the state can reduce unemployment rates, increase household income, and boost economic growth. At the same time, a well-compensated and skilled direct care workforce can contribute to a more equitable distribution of wealth and promote social inclusivity.
The DCW grant funding is open to a broad range of organizations, including local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, and healthcare organizations. Applicants may request awards of up to $600,000 each, with the performance period commencing on July 1, 2024, and ending on February 28, 2026. Applications must be submitted by February 29, 2024.
For more information about DCW and other L&I grant opportunities, visit L&I’s website.
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