As Case Managers at CHCA, we are the eyes and ears of our training program, we evaluate the applicant’s aptitudes, communication skills, time management, and ability to build rapport with others. During the initial onboarding, we work side by side with the applicant to identify areas of their professional and personal lives that may need additional support and assist in removing any impediments or barriers to help them become a member of CHCA’s workforce.
Our goal is to ensure that individuals are successful in our training program by focusing on their professional and personal development. We partner with other organizations that provide them with the following services:
We invite participants to an open house to learn about:
We actively observe how applicants carry themselves and interact with each other.
After attending the open house, the applicants are invited to participate in a one-on-one interview. They will continue to be assessed in areas such as reading and writing, empathy, and their fit for a caregiver role. Our main goal is to get the applicant prepared to join the workforce whether this is their first formal job in this industry, or they have many years of experience.
During the recruitment process, we assess their ability to care for older adults and clients living with disabilities. In addition, the candidate must be able to become a part of the client's healthcare team based on their communication skills, caring attitude, and maturity to do this job.
The Home Health Aide curriculum is a rigorous training program that will prepare the participants to effectively manage difficult health issues and work independently in the client's home. As a case manager, we do not make the determination on the spot, we take the time to observe the applicant and their interactions with members of the organization.
We ask ourselves as we evaluate each individual applicant: Will the person be committed to the training schedule? Will this individual be able to effectively manage the barriers they are facing while in the training program? Will the individual provide exceptional care to our patients?
The candidates participate in roleplay exercises to determine how they would approach and manage common situations that may arise in the client's home and healthcare network. We also ensure that the applicants are aware and able to follow the Home Health Aide training program policies and procedures before making a final decision to invite them to participate in the training.
As case managers at CHCA, before our trainees join the homecare field, we ensure that essential aspects of their employment are covered such as transportation expenses, uniform, and dress code, and that they can implement effective communication in the field.
In addition, we coach them to become self-aware, and how to work with different personalities, backgrounds, and cultures. We want them to find their life mission and recognize their value to the communities that they serve; we train them to become future-oriented and identify their career prospects. Learn more about the benefits of a career in home care.
Since the beginning of the enrollment process, we have built a connection with the participants in the training program. This connection carries through the training program and employment. As a case manager, we try to gauge how they are doing in their initial weeks in the field and encourage them to continue visiting the office if they need additional support.
Besides ensuring that the trainees successfully complete their training and join the workforce, as case managers, we are also responsible for administrative duties (paperwork), state and contract audits, and ensuring that the organization is meeting the criteria to qualify for grants to continue our mission. We also ensure that the new employees are aware of their benefits package, and unionization membership and refer them to other departments within CHCA if needed.
At the beginning of the enrollment process, we have not had the chance to build trust or a connection with the applicant and they may be reluctant to share certain personal challenges that could have been appropriately addressed in the initial stages of training. Time constraints may also present a challenge for the trainees and us to accept and implement the feedback we provide so that they can be successful in their roles.
Turnover is a big challenge for home care agencies, however, our role as case managers and the additional assistance we provide to our applicants, trainees, and employees ensure that our employees become successful in their role and in their personal lives. We are proud to have employees with longevity that reflect the excellence of our organization and our mission. Case managers are part of the support system that our workers can count on for assistance while learning how to cope with a new job.
As case managers, we witness the growth of our employees and accompany them through this journey of success. Seeing individuals achieving and surpassing their goals, and improving their lives fills us with joy and excitement. The opportunity to provide guidance and share our knowledge with others is the brightest highlight we experience daily in this position.