Internship Location: Madison (Remote)
Organization Type: Public/Private Partnership
Policy Areas: Workforce Development, Health
During the Summer of 2022, I was hired as a Data and Communications Intern for WisCaregiver Careers: a workforce development program administered by the Wisconsin Health Care Association, LeadingAge Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. This program works to expand Certified Nursing Assistant presence in Wisconsin nursing homes as they face a labor shortage. The program provides free CNA training, free certification testing, and a $500 retention bonus, designed to limit the financial burden of becoming a healthcare worker. WisCaregiver Careers acts as the facilitator between those looking to start their healthcare career in long-term care and employers who seek to hire them. I was a part of the team that launched the program in July 2022. My role involved tracking and analyzing program data, overseeing special projects, data base maintenance, and providing customer service to the public and participating employers over the phone and via email. The position is remote, but our team was able to meet biweekly in-person to discuss tasks and assignments for everyone. After the launch and summer concluded, I remained employed with WisCaregiver Careers to continue my internship as a member of the service team to assist those who request guidance with the program. This role greatly increased my level of customer service, comfortability speaking to those in authority, knowledge of marketing and business tactics, and most importantly: understanding the process of promoting and expanding a health policy to advance organizational goals for the good of the public. I am beyond grateful for my time with WisCaregiver Careers as it immersed me in the health policy sector and kindled a desire to incorporate this work in my future career!