New Free Paid Apprenticeship Training for Metro Detroiters Wanting a Career in Direct Care Work!

Gesher Human Services to Offer Free, Paid Apprenticeship Training Program for Metro Detroiters Wanting a Career in Direct Care Work.

New program will offer apprenticeships starting in January and provide trainees with a recognized national credential and guaranteed employment at Gesher.

 Gesher Human Services, one of the largest human service agencies in metro Detroit, will begin offering paid, on-the-job training for local residents who would like to start a human service career in working with people with disabilities. Gesher was previously called JVS Human Services before it merged with another nonprofit organization called Kadima in 2022.

The Gesher Direct Support Professional Apprenticeship program

will provide unemployed and underemployed individuals with on-the-job training and 155 hours related technical instruction to earn a nationally recognized Journeyperson Direct Support Specialist Credential. Apprentices will be matched with a journeyperson at Gesher who will provide training, support and mentoring to the apprentice. Direct care work at the nonprofit organization could include working in residential homes with people living with mental illness or other disabilities, or providing job support to metro Detroiters living with intellectual and other disabilities who are employed at work sites in the community.

The new program will be ongoing and there is no limit to the number of openings, although it is expected that at least 20 apprentices will train in 2024. For images of direct care workers in action click here.

“We have launched the apprenticeship because we are constantly hearing about people who would like to work in direct care but are told they aren’t suitable because they don’t have the needed experience,” explained Gesher Human Services COO James Willis. “Although being compassionate and caring are important requirements for direct care work, there are many skills that direct care professionals need, and we can now provide that specific training and the opportunity for people to start a new career for themselves.”

Participants in the program do not need to be current employees of Gesher

nor do they need prior experience, but they will need to formally apply, pass background checks, be available to work 35-hours-per-week, attend classes, and apply for services with Michigan Works.

The cost of the classes will be covered by Gesher Human Services and classroom time will need to be scheduled outside of work hours. Apprentices will earn at least $15.32 as an apprentice, and $16.67 once they complete the apprenticeship requirements, with an earning potential of $20.35. The apprentices will also be eligible for benefits and vacation while they are training.

To complete the program, apprentices will be required to demonstrate competencies in:

• Orientation to the field of disability
• Policies and Procedures
• Assessment and Planning
• Training and Interventions
• Reporting and Progress Notes

Technical instruction will include topics such as computer skills for the workplace, grammar refresher, effective communication skills, empowering students with disabilities, achieving success with difficult people, personal assertiveness, emergency preparedness, infection control and HIPAA basics.

“Direct care workers play such a vital role in supporting vulnerable members of our community, and we know that there are many caring people who would like to transition to this type of work,” said Willis. “We are hopeful our new program will allow metro Detroiters to take this leap into a new career by providing them with job training and mentoring, plus offering them an opportunity to serve our community.”

Interested candidates can apply for the internship at www.geshermi.org.

About Gesher Human Services

Gesher Human Services is a non-profit organization providing a bridge to hope and opportunity for people at work, at home and in the community. It is dedicated to helping people across metro Detroit lead more stable and fulfilling lives through workforce development, career mobility, behavioral health, inclusion programming and residential services that serve all metro Detroiters while meeting the needs of the Jewish community. The organization works with job seekers, people with disabilities, older adults, and the community at large to provide skills, support, and equitable opportunities for people to succeed. Uniting two of metro Detroit’s most influential Jewish human services agencies, JVS Human Services and Kadima, Gesher brings over 110 years of combined experience facilitating equitable employment opportunities and better mental health outcomes for residents. With a network of more than 400 employees and volunteers across 25 locations in southeast Michigan, Gesher delivers a continuum of services and support that directly impacts the lives of over 26,000 individuals and families annually. More information at www.geshermi.org.