Simone M. came to MassHire Metro North Career Center in November 2018, one-month shy of turning 71. She had worked at her last employer for just under 20 years, so her job search skills needed updating. She also expressed an interest in returning to work as a home health aide/personal care assistant after being away from the field for many years.

Simone received assistance in creating a resume and began to explore training programs. The Partners CNA program was of great interest to her however, her computer skills were not strong enough to allow her to participate in this class. In the meantime, her career counselor referred her to Health Careers Collaborative for a 12-week CNA/Home Health Aide training program funded through Triangle, Inc. This program was geared to help Spaulding Rehab as well as other health care agencies staff up in this critical area. Triangle is a partner organization of the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board.

Simone met with the program’s intake coordinator of the program who accepted her into the January 2019 cohort. Feedback on her progress was very positive. The program coordinator for the training reported that staff was very happy with her progress. He wrote that, “She is a responsible participant and very happy in the program. She takes initiative, such as in providing transportation to the T to younger participants.”

At the program’s graduation, Simone spoke with three employers, including Spaulding Rehab.   As a result, she began working at Spaulding Rehab as a Patient Care Associate/CNA on May 13, 1019 at a pay rate of approximately $20/hr.  She has passed her 30-day mark at Spaulding and is working 32 hours per week with benefits. She will also be doing some additional work for other employers.

The testing required to gain certification as a CNA/Home Health Aide is very intense. Simone passed her written exam, however, she needed to re-take her clinicals. As of last week, she has retaken the clinical part of her certification exam and is awaiting the results.

Congratulations Simone!!  And kudos to the MassHire Metro North Career Center!