Home Health Aide Training Program FAQ | May 2020

Overview

The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is seeking energetic, caring

individuals to help New Yorkers in need during this challenging time. SBS has partnered

with the City University of New York (CUNY) to offer a no-cost, online Home Health

Home Health Aide (HHA) Training

1. What is the training?

The Home Health Aide (HHA) Training Program is a no-cost, online HHA training

and certification program. After successfully completing the online training,

participants will be placed and employed by a participating home care agency.

2. What does the training prepare you for?

The goal of this training is to support the City’s long-term care sector during the

Yes, upon successful completion of the training program, achieving certification,

and passing any required pre-employment screenings, participants will be hired

by a home care agency employer partner.

4. What are the responsibilities of a home health aide?

Home health aides care for individuals in their homes under the supervision of

the nursing and medical staff. Responsibilities may include:

a. Helping clients perform daily personal tasks, such as bathing, dressing,

shopping, eating, and walking

b. Doing light housekeeping, such as laundry, washing dishes, and

Home Health Aide Training Program FAQ | May 2020

e. Preparing meals in accordance with modified diets

5. What materials do I need to participate in this program?

To participate in this program, you will need access to a laptop or a personal

computer with a video camera. You will also need access to a stable internet

connection, like Wi-Fi or broadband.

6. What is the time commitment for the training?

This first training will start the week of June 8, 2020, and end the week of June

22, with classes Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and breaks throughout the

day. Each class is three weeks long and will cover 100 hours of material. The

A minimal portion of this training program - the supervised practical training – will

occur in person. The supervised practical training portion of the Home Health

Aide Training Program will be 8 hours long and conducted in a skills laboratory.

During the supervised practical training, the trainee demonstrates knowledge

while performing tasks on an individual under the direct supervision of an

approved Nurse Instructor.

Eligibility and Application Process

d. Comfortable working with limited supervision

e. Reliable, energetic, self-motivated and well-organized

f. Willing to undergo a criminal history check, drug test, and physical

examination

Home Health Aide Training Program FAQ | May 2020

9. Can I participate in the training if I don’t have formal healthcare

participate in this program. However, a strong interest in care taking is very

important!

10. Is the training offered in languages other than English?

This training will be taught in English.

11. Is a High School Diploma or TASC (formerly known as GED) required to

qualify for this program?

A high school diploma or equivalent is not required to qualify for this training

program.

Lived caregiving experience as family/informal caregiver, childcare provider,

housekeeper, respite provider, is a plus!

13. How would I be notified if I am selected for the program?

Candidates must complete the following application steps:

Step 1: Complete an online program application

Step 2: If found eligible, register online with Workforce1

Step 3: A Workforce1 representative will reach out to schedule a phone

screening

Step 4: Based on your phone screening, you may be invited to interview with

an employer partner

Step 5: If selected by an employer partner, you will be invited to begin the

14. What are the benefits of completing this training program?

Individuals who complete the training program will receive New York State

Certification and will be hired by one of our home care agency partners.

Home Health Aide Training Program FAQ | May 2020

a. Physical Exam

d. Physical fitness (able to bend, reach, crouch, and transfer more than 50

lbs. on a regular basis)

**Please note that a drug screening may be required for employment.

16. Will I have to work with clients who have COVID-19?

If you are assigned to care for clients who have COVID-19, home care agencies

will provide special protective equipment, known as PPE. This can include:

a. Gloves

b. Mask

work some weekends, nights, early mornings, holidays and/or some overtime. If

this is not the type of schedule you are looking for, this program would not be a

good fit. We encourage individuals to be upfront and open about

their availability to work.

18. What is the compensation?

HHAs earn a minimum of $15 per/hour. The annual median wage for home

health aides in NYC is $28,000.

19. Will I have health insurance?

Yes, Home care agency partners offer health insurance after 3 months of work (a

minimum 100 hours/month). Employees at all partner agencies are represented