Professional Home Caregiver Training Program
This vocational training program prepares individuals for successful careers as nonmedical caregivers for older adults and others who need assistance with daily activities. The program consists of a 50+ hour free training, job leads, coaching, and other supports. The Caregiver Training Program is CCSC’s newest employment program, developed on the recommendation of a volunteer Vocational Training Committee that worked for two years to create a strategy to expand CCSC’s employment programs. Building upon CCSC’s successful Martha’s Way program, the Caregiver Training Program has an entrepreneurial focus to equip participants to work directly with families, increasing the caregiver’s earning potential.
What is a Professional Home Caregiver?
Professional home caregivers are sometimes called nonmedical direct care workers or personal care aides. They assist older adults and people with disabilities with daily activities such as bathing, personal hygiene, moving around their homes, meal preparation and remembering to take medications in the prescribed manner. Caregivers also provide important social and cognitive engagement for their clients.
According to the Gulf-Coast Workforce Board, personal care aide will be the second fastest growing occupation in the region in the coming years with 40% growth from 2016-2026. Caregivers have a variety of employment options including working for an agency or working directly for a family.
CCSC’s Training Approach
The Professional Home Caregiver Training Program curriculum was developed in partnership with the Collaboratory for Aging Resources and Education located in Houston. The 50+ hour training includes content on soft skills for caregiving, technical skills, and small business development skills. A selection of specific topics covered include:
Roles of caregivers
Professional behavior and communication
Ethics
Documentation
Disabilities
Loneliness
Dementia
Bathing and personal hygiene
Cleaning and disinfecting
Infection control
Ambulation, transfers, and positioning
Falls and fall prevention
Assisting with financial matters and mail
Meal preparation
Exercise
Self-Care
Working directly for families vs. an agency
Creating a business plan
Marketing to find clients
Additional training options
Other services and supports
CCSC is committed to providing Caregiver Training Program graduates with the support they need to find success and achieve their goals. Graduates of the program have access to the following:
- Coaching and connection to community resources to achieve personal, business, and family goals
- Appropriate job leads sourced from congregants in CCSC member churches and other community residents
- Access to the JobNet computer lab and other JobNet career development services
How to Enroll
Our trainings are scheduled to begin periodically throughout the year. Contact us at 713-961-3993 ext. 327 or cgmanager@ccschouston.org to learn more. We look forward to speaking with you!
Hire a Caregiver
One of the best ways to support the Professional Home Caregiver Training Program is to hire one of our graduates. Click here to complete a Caregiver Request form or contact us at 713-961-3993 ext. 327 or cgmanager@ccschouston.org.
Volunteers support the Professional Home Caregiver Training Program by assisting with administrative tasks, conducting mock interviews, and other projects. All potential volunteers may contact our Volunteer Manager at volunteer@ccschouston.org. The Volunteer Manager will make an appointment to meet with you to answer your questions, explore your interests and review current CCSC volunteer opportunities.
