Bridging the Gap for the Direct Care Workforce

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S4: Deep Dive: Bridging the Gap for the Direct Care Workforce

Build and sustain a strong Direct Care Workforce by reducing barriers and establishing a solid foundation for their future. Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) and United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona (UWTSA) join forces to address the growing DCW (Direct Care Worker) shortage, increase awareness of the issue and engage stakeholders in a collaborative problem-solving approach. In this caregiver-centric program, Community Health Workers provide light case management and help potential workers navigate the employment path and cover the cost of pre-employment requirements. DCWs are provided comprehensive training with hands-on skills experience in a realistic home setting, elevating confidence and abilities while preparing them for a successful work experience. This support, along with ongoing coaching, results in increased retention and the opportunity for healthcare career advancement.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Describe how innovative partnerships between health plans, providers, educators, nonprofits and stakeholders ensure a less siloed approach that supports retention and satisfaction in the field.
Demonstrate the value of having the DCW as the focal point while working to creating solutions and affecting change.on the caregiver workforce shortage.
Identify lessons learned regarding marketing, recruitment strategies, staff deployment, case management for caregivers and funding as well as forecasting next steps for this work.

Jean Van Ryzin (Moderator)

Senior Director, Communications

National Council on Aging

Jean Van Ryzin is Senior Director of Communications at NCOA, where she oversees all external messaging for the organization. Jean manages a team of marketing and communications specialists tasked with building the NCOA brand across multiple channels, including web, social, email, and public relations. Prior to working at NCOA, Jean had a freelance writing and editing business and worked for a variety of organizations in the aging field, including LeadingAge.

Elizabeth Cozzi AuD

Associate Vice President of Community Development

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona

Elizabeth Cozzi, AuD, is Associate Vice President of Community Development at United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona. Liz oversees the Older Adult and Financial Wellness Impact Areas and has an extensive background in healthcare, community outreach and education, program development and implementation, clinical supervision, patient advocacy and improving access to care. Originally from Chicago, Liz holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Education, a Masters in Auditory and Speech Sciences, and a Doctorate in Audiology. She has lived and worked in Tucson for 25 years.

Rebekah McGee

Senior VP Business Development and Strategy

PCOA

Rebekah McGee, Vice President of Population Health Initiatives, has worked for 17 years with nonprofit human and social service organizations. The last 8 years have been spent serving in an executive leadership capacity. Rebekah oversees PimaCare at Home, PCOA’s non-medical home care agency, as well as overall population health services provided by PCOA. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Caregiver Training Institute and a member of the Arizona Housing Coalition.

Yadira Mosqueira

Director

PimaCare at Home

Yadira Mosqueira is the Director of PimaCare at Home, PCOA’s non-medical in-home care agency. Yadira thrives in bridging gaps for people needing services and people seeking employment as direct care workers. Being a native Tucsonan has proven to be invaluable in building relationships, bringing awareness to the caregiver shortage, and developing strategies to address the growing concern. Her passion and skills to work in this industry comes naturally as she began as a certified nursing assistant in college, graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona in Medical, Legal and Business Translation and Interpretation.