You have the power to make a difference in the lives of others!
Discover what's possible in the human services field and get paid training, mentorship, and career placement at our partner agencies after successful completion.
Congratulations to Cohort 4 on their graduation! View the program here.
Enrollment for cohort 5 has closed. The program will begin in mid-July.
Ready to apply?
Or contact Omo Fagboore, Career Pipeline Manager
Omo.Fagboore@openskycs.org
(508) 318-7737
About the Human Services Career Support Program
In alignment with the Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan, the HSCS will address barriers to accessing direct care and home and community-based long-term services and supports roles among immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC communities from our region. The plan intentionally promotes opportunities and provides support for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), immigrant, and refugee communities to embark on meaningful career pathways.
The first cohort graduated 16 people in August 2022, mostly immigrants and refugees, who are now working in our partner agencies. The second cohort of 24 people graduated in February 2023 and the third cohort will graduate in December 2023.
This project is funded in part by the Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grant (Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund FY’21 Appropriation) and funds appropriated through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. This grant initiative is administered by Commonwealth Corporation on behalf of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Workforce Skills Cabinet.
Current participating agencies: African Community Education, Open Sky Community Services, Seven Hills Foundation, and Southeast Asian Coalition
Learn more by contacting Omo Fagboore, Career Pipeline Manager at Omo.Fagboore@openskycs.org
Program Components
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Five months of PAID training
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Internship/job rotations
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Supervision
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Peer mentors
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Certificate of completion
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Career placement after successful completion
Wraparound Supports
Connect with resources and get reimbursed for supports up to $2,000 on:
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English language classes
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Immigration-related legal support
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Driver training and transportation
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Childcare
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Housing assistance
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HISET or diploma costs
Benefits
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Expose participants to the human services field
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Develop a more culturally and linguistically diverse workforce
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Enhance more opportunities for meaningful career development
Eligibility
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Have a strong desire to help people who have challenges
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Be 18+ years old
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Pass CORI and background checks
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Speak and write basic English, fluency not required
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Be able to complete training in Worcester, MA
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Have flexible hours during training to work 3pm-11pm and overnights as needed
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Have, or be willing to obtain, a driver's license
Program Participant Experiences