Program aims to certify more continuing care assistants

A new pilot program is offering funding for individuals to be certified continuing care assistants.

The program will help those currently working as long-term care assistants, or care workers who have come to Nova Scotia who want their credentials and experience recognized.

Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey said helping to recognize the skills and experience of more people will better support the care of people who need it most.

The Recognizing Prior Learning process has two phases with the first being an assessment in which a participant shows what they know.

The second phase is education in which the participant completes any outstanding training, education modules, or skills demonstration, and writes the certification exam.

The pilot program will support up to 200 participants by waiving the assessment phase fees ($800), and/or reducing the education phase fees by $800.

To qualify, participants must be accepted into the program between March 1, 2020 and March 1, 2021.

An individual must also provide a letter from a Nova

Scotia continuing care employer indicating the participant is currently employed or has been offered employment.

All participants must sign a letter of intent to work in Nova Scotia for one year after certification.

The pilot program will also provide for 10 new assessors and more support for employers to screen participants.

Funding for the initiative is being offered by the Canada-nova Scotia Home and Community Care and Mental Health and Addiction Services Funding Agreement.

To apply, visit http://www. novascotiacca.ca/.