The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced a project that offers retention payments to newly hired direct care workers
The $3.9 million project was funded through the CARES Act.
The state says the goal is to hire and retain at least 2,000 new workers by Dec. 30, 2020. Newly hired direct care workers are defined as individuals who have not worked as a direct care worker in home and community-based services for at least 60 days before the date of hire. Workers could receive up to $1,600 if they complete training and 300 hours of work by Dec. 30.
“As Michigan continues to be devastated by this unprecedented pandemic, home care agencies struggle to recruit and retain direct care workers to provide MI Choice homeand community-based services to individuals who are elderly or have a disability,” said Kate Massey, senior deputy director of MDHHS’ Medical Services Administration, in a press release. “Without these critical services, these individuals are at risk for being admitted to a nursing facility. It is vital that Michigan takes every effort to encourage interested workers to consider employment in this field.”
This project provides monetary incentives for individuals to become direct care workers.The budget also allows for hazard payments to current employees who refer someone to become a direct care worker.
Workers who do not remain employed for at least six months may be asked to repay their retention payments, the state says.
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