Job Fair Addresses Direct Care Worker Shortage During Pandemic

MICHIGAN — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Aging and Adult Services Agency has partnered with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to host a virtual job fair for Southeast Michigan employers to help address a shortage of direct care workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has worsened the existing shortage and created significant staffing demands for licensed long-term care organizations throughout Michigan, officials said in a news release. Support for home health agencies is needed more than ever. The virtual job fair allows home health agencies the opportunity to highlight their organizations’ mission and vision, summarize current job opportunities, post a video about their organization and talk with job seekers in a virtual platform.

“We are excited to partner with Detroit Area Agency on Aging on this unique way for job seekers and employers to connect,” MDHHS Senior Deputy Director at Aging and Adult Services Alexis Travis said. “Michigan currently has a direct care worker shortage of 34,000 and this is one of several strategies we are pursuing to help build and support this important sector of the health care workforce.”

The virtual event will take place on from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 27. Home health agencies looking to hire can sign up for a “virtual booth” here. Job seekers can sign up for the event at bit.ly/BrazenConnectMI.

“The older adults we serve rely on home care agencies to provide services that allow them to age in place,” Detroit Area Agency on Aging President and CEO Ronald S. Taylor said. “We hope the virtual job fair will connect job seekers with a passion for supporting older adults to opportunities in the communities we serve.”