FAQs
Provided below is a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and their answers about this project. Or, if you prefer, you can Download FAQs PDF.
How do I apply to the Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) Career program?
Click here to complete a CHHA Career program application. If you require a print application, please e-mail your request to: chha@ejb.rutgers.edu
What is the deadline to apply for training with the CHHA Career program?
Completed applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please complete and submit your application as early as possible.
Can I continue attending school or college while participating in the CHHA Career program?
This is a personal decision. The CHHA training program is a full-time commitment, and participants are expected to begin employment as a CHHA with the home care agency when they complete training and certification.
Can I continue to work for another home care agency while receiving training under this program?
No. The expectation is that you receive training through the program’s partner home care agency and accept employment with them upon completion of the training and certification. Additionally, the six-week and twelve-week on-the-job incentives will be paid through the home care employer.
Are CHHA Career program recipients required to pay taxes on the financial incentives received during the program? Are these incentives considered taxable income?
We are not tax professionals, so we highly recommend consulting with a tax professional to understand the implications of the benefits received, as they can be subject to taxation.
What are the implications of increased income from the program's financial incentives?
The increased income from the financial incentives has the potential to bring about positive changes in the lives of the program’s participants. However, there are some important considerations. Some incentives are considered income and should be viewed as such. Participants should check with their programs and the public benefits they may receive to learn if and how the program’s financial incentives may affect their eligibility.
What are some resources for individuals who did not complete high school but are trying to obtain their GED, particularly focusing on preparation classes, online resources, and other support available through community colleges and adult education centers?
Community colleges and adult education centers offer GED preparation classes covering math, science, social studies, and language arts. Online resources, including practice tests and study guides, offer flexible study options for individuals pursuing their GED at their own pace.
What resources are available to immigrants and refugees seeking to begin a career as a CHHA?
Fortunately, resources like the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offer guidance on work authorizations. And organizations like the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates offer certification programs and support services for healthcare professionals trained outside of the United States. Other resources, including legal aid organizations, immigration attorneys, and governmental agencies, are available to help individuals navigate the process of obtaining work authorizations.
What is the Office of New Americans (ONA) and how can it help me if I am an immigrant or refugee?
ONA in the New Jersey Department of Human Services supports new Americans through outreach and education. ONA works on priorities to build trust and improve access to social services, workforce development and employment services, and legal services for immigrants. ONA seeks to increase accessibility to state programs available to new Americans, including those who speak languages other than English. ONA also serves as a resource for other state agencies to amplify education and outreach on state initiatives and programs to ensure they reach every new American community in New Jersey.
For more information about services and supports, visit the ONA website.
How do educational institutions and community organizations assist immigrants and refugees in pursuing healthcare careers?
Educational institutions and community organizations provide immigrants and refugees with essential support in pursuing a career in healthcare through training, job opportunities, and mentorship programs. By accessing these resources and seeking assistance from their communities, immigrants and refugees can develop the skills and connections needed to excel in their chosen field. This support not only empowers individuals to achieve their career goals but also enables them to contribute their unique talents and perspectives, thereby enriching the diverse fabric of the nation.
Why are you implementing the NJ CHHA Career program and conducting research on this CHHA workforce?
In response to the current national shortage of CHHAs, this NJ CHHA Career program aims to expand and retain the CHHA workforce in New Jersey by partnering with home care agencies and educational institutions and collecting data on the experiences of this workforce. This study is being conducted to determine the outcomes of the program.