Human Services, Children and Families, and Higher Education Student Assistance Authority Program Aims to Attract & Retain Health Care and Social Services Professionals
(TRENTON) – Nearly 450 individuals are enrolled in the New Jersey student loan redemption program designed for healthcare, behavioral health, and social services professionals serving individuals in their homes and communities. These professionals provide essential services to individuals with medical needs, mental health conditions, or disabilities. Developed by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), the initiative is part of New Jersey's ongoing effort to expand and strengthen its home and community-based services workforce. The Home and Community-Based Services Provider Loan Redemption Program offers eligible workers up to $50,000 in student loan relief in exchange for one year of service at an approved home- and community-based services provider agency or as a self-directed employee. The program generated significant interest from 1,086 professionals who submitted applications for consideration. With $17.5 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, 448 participants were approved to participate in the student loan redemption program. Among eligible individuals, participants were selected on a first-come, first-served basis. "New Jersey's home and community-based services workforce plays a vital role in supporting our residents with the most need," Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman said. "Through this loan redemption program, we are investing in our dedicated professionals, helping them alleviate student debt while enhancing the care and services we provide to those with disabilities, mental health needs, and medical conditions. Through this loan redemption program and our broader workforce initiatives, we are creating a stronger, more sustainable home and community-based services workforce in New Jersey." "From mental health supports to addiction recovery to services for children with intellectual and developmental disability services, the social safety net in New Jersey relies on social workers and clinicians who have the compassion, drive, and skills to offer individuals and families a helping hand," Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer said. "We're thrilled with the interest generated, and the progress we're making to build and grow the human services workforce in New Jersey. Thanks to our partners at DHS and HESAA for making this and other workforce development initiatives so successful." "This program enables us to bolster the workforce serving New Jersey residents in home and community-based settings by offering student loan redemption to the hard-working professionals providing these crucial services," said Margo Chaly, Esq., Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) Executive Director. "The HESAA team will continue to support the Murphy Administration's ongoing efforts to incentivize professionals in key fields to start and continue working in the high-need careers that promote the success of our State." "We are thrilled to see such an enthusiastic response to this program," Human Services Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire said. "We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of professionals working in our State-funded programs and I hope this initiative enables them to continue serving in these fields for as long as possible." "We are excited to support the behavioral health professionals who make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals impacted by mental illness and substance use disorders," Human Services Deputy Commissioner for Health Services Valerie Mielke said. "This loan redemption program is a meaningful way to recognize their dedication and ensure they can continue providing essential services without the full financial burden of student debt." Among the 448 participants, 34 percent are serving in programs under DCF's Division of the Children's System of Care, 32 percent are serving in programs under DHS' Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, 19 percent are serving in programs under DHS' Division of Developmental Disabilities, and 15 percent are private-duty nurses serving Medicaid members. The largest groups of participants are enrolled as registered nurses, licensed social workers, DCF care managers, and licensed professional and associate counselors. Notably, 65 percent of the participants have between one and five years of professional experience, highlighting the program's appeal to early-career professionals eager to build their careers in these critical service areas. HESAA will oversee compliance and distribute funds accordingly after each participant completes their one-year service commitment. This program is part of broader efforts by the Murphy Administration to strengthen the State's care workforce. These efforts include enhancing training opportunities, providing scholarships and mentorship for new workers, and funding wage increases for home health aides, certified nurse assistants, direct support professionals, child care workers, behavioral health providers, and other critical positions. Additionally, the State has rolled out initiatives such as the JobsThatCare.NJ.Gov website and a paid advertising campaign to promote direct care training and recruit new individuals into these fields.
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