Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation Grand Funds Kingsley House Career Pathways Program

NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Kingsley House has been awarded a grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation to oversee a collaborative workforce development initiative to recruit, train and hire 50 job seekers to work in the healthcare industry. Over three years, individuals in the Kingsley House network will be funded to earn multiple healthcare certifications and gain sustainable employment through a Community Health Worker Apprenticeship Program.

The project is spearheaded by the Kingsley Connections Career Pathways Program, which assists individuals in preparing for careers in leading and emerging industries. Last year, Kingsley Connections helped more than 100 participants complete training and earn certifications that led to employment in their chosen field.

“This grant is a win-win and an example of the type of collaboration that will move New Orleans forward, stronger and better. Through this generous funding opportunity from the Blue Cross Foundation, Kingsley House is proud to partner with Ochsner Health and Delgado Community College to build educational and career pathways that lead to economic security for the families we serve.” said Arnel Cosey, Ph.D., Kingsley House Strategy and Impact Officer.

Enrolled apprentices will earn a starting training wage of $15.25 an hour, plus benefits from Ochsner Health, receive progressive wage increases as they advance through the program, and, if interested, be hired by Ochsner Health at $18.75 an hour upon completion and employed as a Community Health Worker.

Community health workers conduct chronic disease care management, offer community health outreach and education, link community members to health and social services, and collaborate both within and between agencies to improve community health outcomes.

“This program is a crucial and powerful step forward in improving both the physical and economic health of our Louisiana communities,” said Missy Sparks, Vice President Talent Management – Workforce Development, Ochsner Health. “We are proud to play a role in meeting our state’s critical workforce demands while also opening the door to high-wage jobs for so many.”

Ochsner Health’s training partner, Delgado Community College, will provide nationally accredited technical and academic instruction for the 15-month Community Health Worker apprenticeship. DePaul Health Centers, Kingsley House’s partner in its Thriving Families Collaborative, will provide a Community Health Navigator during the training period to address and mitigate barriers to participants’ retention and completion.

“We are grateful to all of the partners in this project for coming together to tackle this shortage in the healthcare workforce,” said Michael Tipton, president of the Blue Cross Foundation. “Kingsley House is demonstrating that collaboration and resourceful thinking can help us make sure there are enough qualified health professionals to provide exceptional healthcare to every Louisianian.”

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive a Community Health Worker Certificate of Completion and qualify to test for three nationally recognized certifications: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA); Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), and American Red Cross – Basic Life Support (BLS).

Digital Sponsors

Become a MyNewOrleans.com sponsor ...