Career profile: Home Health Aide

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Career changers, career explorers, Entry-level workers, Uncategorized
Home healthcare worker helps senior man with walker

If you’re looking for a career caring for elderly and others, that offers flexibility and abundant job opportunities, consider becoming a Home Health Aide.

Home health aides provide care for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities. Typical tasks include:

  • Assist clients in their daily personal tasks, such as bathing or dressing
  • Perform housekeeping tasks, such as laundry, washing dishes, and vacuuming
  • Help to organize a client’s schedule and plan appointments
  • Arrange transportation to doctors’ offices or other outings
  • Shop for groceries and prepare meals to meet a client’s dietary specifications
  • Keep clients engaged in their social networks and communities

One of the meaningful aspects of providing home health care is that your work may make the difference in allowing someone to stay living at home. Home health aides often develop close relationships with their clients, and, though they work under supervision, need to rely on their own skills and knowledge to solve problems that come up in the moment.

Home health aide work can also be stressful and discouraging, as patients may struggle with reduced independence due to injuries or illness, and want a sense of control over how their care is provided. Issues may crop up and responsibilities may be fluid or unclear. And for a demanding job, the pay may be low with long hours, although with experience, workers earn a higher hourly rate.

Where do Home Health Aides work? What are typical work schedules?

The largest employers of home health and personal care aides are individual and family services and home health care services. Some aides work with only one client, while others work with groups of clients. They sometimes stay with one client on a long-term basis.

Most aides work full time, although part-time work is common. They may work evening and weekend hours, depending on their clients’ needs. Work schedules may vary.

Would this career be a good fit for you?

Some of the qualities needed in this career include:

Detail oriented. Home health and personal care aides must carefully follow instructions and protocols, such as how to care for wounds.

Emotional skills. Aides must be compassionate and enjoy helping patients who may at times experience extreme pain or distress.

Integrity. Patients and their families rely on home health aides to be trustworthy and respectful of the vulnerability of patients, and that care is provided in individuals’ homes.

Interpersonal skills. They need to listen closely to what they are being told and convey information clearly.

Physical stamina. The work is very physical, sometimes requiring HHAs to be on their feet for many hours or do strenuous tasks, such as lifting or turning clients.

How to become a Home Health Aide

To qualify for most jobs, home health aides need a high school diploma or equivalent, but some positions do not require it. Related training programs are available at community and technical colleges; they include personal hygiene, taking vital signs, infection control, and nutrition.

Some states require home health aides to have a license or certification, which may involve completing training and passing a background check and a competency exam.  

Pay and projected demand

Home health aide is one of the fastest growing occupations in the U.S., with a 25% increase projected over the next 10 years. In the most recent year reported, the lowest-paid 10% who work in this field earned less than $22,500, and the highest paid 10% earned more than $38,350.

Learn more

Want to learn more? Check out career profiles and videos for Home Health Aides.

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3 tips to avoid job scams

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Job seekers

It’s easy to find and apply for job openings online. But it’s also easy to get scammed by criminals looking for your money, your personal information, or both. 

Most legitimate job search engines are careful about identifying scammers and weeding out fraudulent job postings. That’s why it’s best to stick to well-known companies like Indeed, Zip Recruiter, Monster, Career Builder, LinkedIn (or use CareerOneStop’s Job Finder which collects and updates posting daily from the National Labor Exchange and other sources such as Indeed and Zip Recruiter), and to be wary of user-generated sites like Facebook, Craigslist, and other social media platforms.

Sometimes, however, deceitful postings will make it on to even mainstream job search sites. Guard against scammers by following these three tips:

Never pay to search through job openings on a job bank. You should also be able to post your resume for free. However, you may have to register with a user name and password in order to use all the features of a job bank.

If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Scam postings frequently ask you to pay for something, or coach you to perform illegal activities. Beware of job postings that ask you for an “up-front” investment of money. Also be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. For instance, you can’t really earn thousands of dollars for depositing checks from foreign countries. And it may be illegal to ship items from your home. Read more about job scams from Consumer.gov.

Never give personal information. A legitimate company won’t ask you for certain personal details online. Be careful about giving your social security or national ID number online. Also be wary of giving a credit card number, bank account information, or similar details.

Ready to and your next job? Visit CareerOneStop for resources to help you plan and execute a successful job search.

PRIDE month in the workplace

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Businesses and employers, Uncategorized
PRIDE rainbow flag with two hands making a heart shape in front of it.

June is PRIDE month, when public recognition and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community extends to allies, supporters, and workplaces too. While employment law now protects LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace, many employees in this group may not feel safe being themselves in the workplace and worry about encountering intolerance.

By openly supporting the LGBTQ community, employers communicate that all employees can be themselves and experience the safety, equal opportunity, and inclusive environment that helps everyone work more effectively. The U.S. Department of Labor and other federal entities have resources that may be helpful to employers who are building diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that may include PRIDE month.

Here is a sample of resources to explore:

  1. The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to protect LGBTQI+ workers and end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The nation and workforce are stronger when we embrace diversity, and when workers can apply their unique skills and talents to jobs that provide fair wages, benefits and safe and healthy working conditions, and ensure respectful inclusion. You can learn more about DOL’s work supporting LGBTQI+ workers on the DOL blog.
  2. The collections of the Library of Congress tell the rich and diverse story of LGBTQ+ life in America and around the world. Library holdings are particularly strong in LGBTQIA+ politics, history, literature and the performing arts. This guide is organized by subject, format, and time period.  This research guide serves as an introduction into the collection of LGBTQ+ resources available at the Library of Congress. You may also submit questions to the Library of Congress Ask a Librarian Service, and their LGBTQIA+ Studies Librarian will assist you.
  3. Federal LGBTQ+ Policy Resources

Visit CareerOneStop’s Business Center for ideas on recruiting, hiring, training and retaining your workforce.

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Career options for people who like to help, teach, or connect

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Career changers, career explorers, Students, Uncategorized, Youth
Drawing of figures practicing sharing and helping others.

Are you naturally helpful and interested in caring for people or the broader community? Like to teach or provide guidance to others? If your answer is an enthusiastic “yes”, you may thrive in a career related to the Social interest.

“Social” is one of six interest categories featured in the Interest Assessment. This assessment matches your interests to careers that have work environments related to your interests, providing good options for career satisfaction and success.

What are “Social” characteristics?

Personal qualities. Many of the people who are drawn to Social interests have qualities like these:

  • Helpful
  • Understanding
  • Responsible
  • Friendly
  • Patient

Career qualities. Careers with strong Social interests involve activities such as teaching, counseling, inspiring others, nursing, facilitating communication, and helping solve social problems. These careers can be found with employers in diverse arenas, from health care and personal services to education and religious institutions.

Which careers feature Social interests?

A variety of broad work categories tend to be a good fit for people with Social interests. Check out these types of work environments, and examples of activities that workers perform.

  • Culinary Art. Create new recipes, or a special cooking style. Coordinate activities of other cooks.
  • Teaching/Education. Teach school subjects to students. Adapt teaching methods to student needs.
  • Social Service. Advocate for community needs. Counsel clients. Provide economic assistance.
  • Health Care Service. Provide medical treatment to patients and prescribe medication.
  • Religious Activities. Organize religious services and education programs. Provide spiritual guidance.
  • Personal Service. Plan events. Make travel arrangements. Help customers with questions and services.
  • Professional Advising. Teach leadership skills. Coach clients to succeed in professional goals.
  • Human Resources. Hire employees and maintain personnel records. Explain company policies.
  • Animal service. Take care of animals. Train animals to assist persons with disabilities.
  • Social Science. Research social issues such as economics, culture, mental health, politics.

Curious to learn more about “Social” careers? You can see career profiles and watch career videos about these “Social” occupations by selecting a link below.

Ready to find out your top career interests? Take the Interest Assessment on CareerOneStop and explore the careers listed in your results.

You can also view a longer list of Social occupations on O*NET.

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Partner with public training resources for your employees

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Businesses and employers, Uncategorized
Woman packaging items at a small business

Need to develop training for your employees? Looking for resources to help build it or take training to scale?

Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) facilitate connections between businesses, community colleges, workforce agencies, and others to maximize the productivity and success of businesses in their region.

What are Workforce Development Boards (WDBs)?

WDBs are part of the public workforce system, a network of federal, state, and local offices that support economic expansion and develop the nation’s workforce.

Typically, each state has a WDB that links statewide business interests with U.S. Department of Labor efforts, as well as local WDBs that connect local businesses with the American Job Centers in their area. American Job Centers help businesses with recruiting, hiring, and training their workforce.

Workforce Development Boards provide local input and direction for meeting workforce development goals as outlined in state and federal statute. Local board members make connections among different stakeholders, develop regional strategic plans, and set funding priorities for their area.

WDB members are appointed by local elected officials. WDB members include representatives from community businesses, labor unions, community colleges, economic development agencies, workforce program leaders, and other community-based organizations. More than 50% of each WDB’s members must come from the business community.

As one of their many functions, WDBs facilitate partnerships between local businesses with similar training needs. WDBs also use labor market information to identify high-growth industries in their area, and develop strategies to support them, such as skill training for local businesses.

Learn more and get involved

Local WDBs want to hear from the businesses in their area—to learn about your workforce training needs, growth opportunities and challenges, and ways you’d like to partner. Some ways to connect and learn more:

Check out CareerOneStop’s Business Center for more ideas on recruiting and hiring, or training and retaining a competitive workforce.

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NIICA leverages competency models for new Talent Hub

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Workforce Development Professionals

Read how the NIICA leveraged competency models to support apprenticeships, competency-based hiring, and our nation’s businesses and job seekers.  

The Competency Model Clearinghouse (CMC) serves as an information hub that supports and promotes the use of competency data in workforce development strategies. Recently, the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement (NIICA) partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to update and validate the Advanced Manufacturing competency model housed by the Clearinghouse.  

Building on the foundation of updated competency data, validated by members of industry nationwide, NIICA was able to develop a National Talent Hub. The Hub serves as a portal that provides employers and job seekers with an interactive and user-friendly platform to learn about and utilize related competency information.

“Different from the typical, more general job matching services that use resumes and job descriptions to create matches, the NIICA’s National Talent Hub uses a dynamic database of required job competencies that is continually informed by industry to provide insights into the degree of alignment between individuals, careers and course curriculum to put the jobseeker in the driver’s seat.” – NIICA            

This talent portal uses competency-based data to support businesses in hiring the right employees for the job, not based on how well a person’s resume is written, but based on how well their knowledge, skills, and abilities match the position’s required competencies. It also uses competency-based data to inform and guide job seekers and students on potential next steps related to training and open positions relevant to their role.   

Read this case study to learn more about NIICA’s work.

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Expecting a job layoff?

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in employed workers, Uncategorized, unemployed
Layoff notice in paper file

A layoff notice can be life changing. While many laid-off workers ultimately find a better job or career direction, a layoff is a stressful event that comes with a lot of uncertainty. A looming lack of income and health insurance, grappling with painful feelings about the past job while developing a new path—all add up to a big challenge.

You don’t have to wait for a formal layoff notice to start exploring resources that may be of help. If you anticipate a job layoff is coming, here are some steps to take that can help mitigate the challenges.  

1 Learn about eligibility for unemployment benefits

Each state makes its own rules for their unemployment benefits program. You can look up your state’s requirements in the Unemployment Benefits Finder. To apply, you will need the start and end dates of your last job, and the address of your former employer. Once you become unemployed or your hours are greatly reduced, you should apply for benefits the same week. Even if you’re not sure you might be eligible, apply for benefits.

2 Connect with an American Job Center near you

AJCs are free resources that help people search for jobs, find training, and answer other employment related questions. There are nearly 2,400 AJCs, located in communities in every state. You can connect with an AJC near you even before your job ends or before you apply for unemployment benefits.

Most offer workshops on job search topics, free computer and printer access, and connections to other community services. They can help you update your resume and create or improve social media profiles for job search. They also offer special resources for laid-off workers, veterans, youth, and others.  When you contact an American Job Center, ask if you might be eligible for programs such as the dislocated worker program or funds for short-term training.

3 Find more benefits and assistance

Being unemployed can be stressful, but there are a lot of sources of financial and personal support available.

You may be eligible for assistance from one or more programs while you are unemployed, including:  health insurance, rental assistance and mortgage help, food support, cash assistance, help with energy and internet bills, financial counseling, free help with tax filing, and free counseling services to help cope with stress.

CareerOneStop’s State Resource Finder offers information on benefits you may be eligible for. The website www.211.org offers free, confidential referrals to local help and information on related topics. Benefits.gov provides a short quiz to identify government benefits you may be eligible for.

4 Set up a job search plan to guide your daily activities

Once you’ve applied for unemployment and other benefits, you’re ready to focus on your job search. A job search plan will guide your daily activities, help you stay motivated, and point you in the right direction to get your next job.

Visit Create a Job Search Plan to find a list of job search activities. Write your own detailed job search plan with activities, a schedule and deadlines. If you’d like more ideas or feedback on your plan, ask an American Job Center staff member or other employment professional to review it.

If you are considering making a career change, now may be the time to explore your options. CareerOneStop offers step-by-step guides for career planning: How to: Find career ideas takes you through career assessments and basic research to generate new options, while How to: Switch careers will help you build a career change based on current skills and experience.

5 Stay on track

If you receive unemployment benefits, you will need to document your work search activities and may need to schedule check-ins to maintain your eligibility for benefits. Take a moment to check your state’s Unemployment Insurance website to confirm program requirements, how to document your activities correctly, and how to follow up on any required calls and in-person visits.

Job search can be discouraging and take longer than you plan for, so it’s also important to stay on track moving it forward. Consider meeting regularly with a job search partner or joining a job club at a nearby AJC to network, check-in regularly, get support, and see the newest job leads.  

This information and more are included in CareerOneStop’s How-to: Recover after a layoff. Follow the links at each step to read information and complete activities on the website.  And good luck with your job search.

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Five ways to gain work experience

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Entry-level workers, Students

Most employers want to hire people with experience. But how do you get experience if you can’t get hired? It’s s a classic bind.

One solution is to volunteer or do other unpaid work. You’ll gain skills and practical experiences. You’ll also gain references and a better understanding of your work preferences and talents. And all of those will improve your chances of getting hired.

Here are five types of unpaid (usually—sometimes you can get paid) work experiences:

Volunteer work

To volunteer actually means to work without being paid. There are opportunities to volunteer in every community, typically at nonprofit organizations and schools. You can gain skills like writing, childcare, teaching, coaching, fundraising, mentoring, sales, phone answering, organizing materials, construction, arts, and much more. Many organizations provide training to volunteer positions.

Get started by thinking about organizations you’d like to support. You can also search the Business Finder for businesses and non-profits in your area. Check organizations’ websites for volunteer opportunities,or call or email them directly.

Internship

An internship is a short-term job that can be paid or unpaid and gives students or job seekers experience in a real-world work environment. Usually if an internship is unpaid, it does provide some college or classroom credit. Internships are available in government, private businesses, and non-profit organizations. Interns, unlike volunteers, usually have a specific mentor or co-worker who helps them navigate the experience.

Apply for an internship through a college or high school internship office, by using an internship finder service, or by contacting the human resources office of a business directly. You can also use the Business Finder to locate companies and search their websites—or contact them directly—for internship opportunities.

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships combine a full-time job with training—and prepare workers to enter in-demand careers. They are formal programs designed to provide affordable pathways to high-paying jobs and careers without the typical student debt associated with college. Apprenticeship opportunities are typically available in industries such as information technology, finance and business, healthcare, hospitality, transportation, and manufacturing.

To find apprenticeship opportunities that match your interests and skills, visit the new Apprenticeship Finder on Apprenticeship.gov—a one-stop source to connect career seekers, employers, and education partners with apprenticeship resources.

Job shadowing

Ranging from a few hours to a few days, job shadowing allows you to learn about the real, day-to-day work of an occupation by following someone as they work. You can arrange a shadow experience by asking to observe someone you know through your network, or requesting a contact through a professional association or school program. Read accounts of job shadow experiences.

School and community activities

You gain skills when you participate in clubs, sports, theatre, music, dance, parent organizations, religious affiliations, and other community activities. Include these on your resume. To develop skills in a specific area, join a group involved in that field. Find opportunities through school districts, community education, local arts groups, religious organizations, and the public library.

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First job? You have lots of options

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Entry-level workers, Parents, Students, Uncategorized, Youth
Pizza delivery

Looking for your first job? Wondering how to get hired? When it comes to getting a job, it’s true that “you’ve got to start somewhere,” and then learn skills on the job. But it’s helpful to know which positions are easier to get without previous work experience.

The positions listed below typically have no education or experience requirements. Click the job title to learn more about what to expect if you apply for work in this field; you’ll find the typical tasks, the training needed, the average pay, a career video, and a link to current job listings in your local area.

Food service

Retail and other service

Jobs that keep you on the move

Lots of time outdoors

Learn about how to apply for jobs on GetMyFuture.

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What makes a “Good Job”?

Posted on by CareerOneStop Posted in Businesses and employers

The labor market has seen historic shifts in recent years—from the shock of businesses closing in response to the pandemic in 2020, through the quick upswing in remote work and the Great Resignation of 2021, and the ongoing realities of continued job creation by employers and job changing by employees.

One result of these trends is a heightened focus on defining “good jobs”. For workers, that can mean jobs that provide stability, satisfaction, and an opportunity for advancement. For employers, it often means creating jobs that allow them to recruit and retain qualified candidates.

The U.S. Departments of Labor and Commerce have partnered to identify the types of good jobs that meet both these definitions. The Good Jobs initiative provides a framework for a shared vision of job quality using the following eight principles:

Recruitment and Hiring. Qualified applicants are actively recruited – especially those from underserved communities. Applicants are free from discrimination, including unequal treatment or application of selection criteria that are unrelated to job performance. Applicants are evaluated with relevant skills-based requirements. Unnecessary educational, credentials and experience requirements are minimized.

Benefits. Full-time and part-time workers are provided family-sustaining benefits that promote economic security and mobility. These include health insurance, a retirement plan, workers’ compensation benefits, work-family benefits such as paid leave and caregiving supports, and others that may arise from engagement with workers. Workers are empowered and encouraged to use these benefits.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). All workers have equal opportunity. Workers are respected, empowered, and treated fairly. DEIA is a core value and practiced norm in the workplace. Individuals from underserved communities do not face systemic barriers in the workplace. Underserved communities are persons adversely affected by persistent poverty, discrimination, or inequality, including Black, Indigenous, people of color; LGBTQ+ individuals; women; immigrants; veterans; individuals with disabilities; individuals in rural communities; individuals without a college degree; individuals with or recovering from substance use disorder; and justice-involved individuals.

Empowerment and Representation. Workers can form and join unions. Workers can engage in protected, concerted activity without fear of retaliation. Workers contribute to decisions about their work, how it is performed, and organizational direction.

Job Security and Working Conditions. Workers have a safe, healthy, and accessible workplace, built on input from workers and their representatives. Workers have job security without arbitrary or discriminatory discipline or dismissal. They have adequate hours and predictable schedules. The use of electronic monitoring, data, and algorithms is transparent, equitable, and carefully deployed with input from workers. Workers are free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation at work. Workers are properly classified under applicable laws. Temporary or contractor labor solutions are minimized.

Organizational Culture. All workers belong, are valued, contribute meaningfully to the organization, and are engaged and respected especially by leadership.

Pay. All workers are paid a stable and predictable living wage before overtime, tips, and commissions. Workers’ pay is fair, transparent, and equitable. Workers’ wages increase with increased skills and experience.

Skills and Career Advancement. Workers have equitable opportunities and tools to progress to future good jobs within their organizations or outside them. Workers have transparent promotion or advancement opportunities. Workers have access to quality employer- or labor-management-provided training and education.