WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Matching Talent with Need By Stephanie Robert C
ASA, the leading immigrant or- ganization in the mid-Atlantic re- gion, is partnering with Argentum
to connect job seekers with senior living employers. With over 122,000 members across 46 US states, CASA is committed to supporting immigrant families and ensuring they have the necessary support to fully par- ticipate in society. By combining human ser- vices, community organizing, and advocacy, CASA addresses the diverse needs, dreams, and aspirations of its members. CASA’s collaboration with Argentum
aims to upskill the immigrant workforce to meet the demands of employers in the senior living industry. While CASA is not an employment agency, its mission is to connect employers with qualified candidates and enrich workers’ skill sets to improve their economic stability. Through workforce development services,
immigrants can enhance their skills, earn higher wages, and support their families. Immigrants make up a significant portion of the US workforce and should be an in- tegral part of local workforce development strategies. Middle-skilled jobs, which do not require a four-year degree, offer valuable employment opportunities to immigrants. Employers are increasingly seeking workers with bilingual and cultural skills to serve di- verse communities. CASA and similar organizations provide
crucial access to workforce development ser- vices, education, and training for immigrant community members. Local workforce de- velopment boards, community colleges, and school districts play a vital role in supporting these organizations and improving program accessibility. By hiring multilingual staff and partnering with immigrant-serving organi- zations, they can bridge gaps in visibility,
language access, and cultural knowledge. Employers who want to recruit and retain
workers can invest in improving job quality by addressing barriers like childcare and transportation. They can also provide sup- port services and invest in upskilling their employees through onsite training and English language learning. Collaboration with immigrant-serving organizations and training providers ensures that training programs align with current industry needs. Argentum convened a coalition of work-
force organizations, educators, and policy- makers for a “Day of Discovery,” the first grassroots workforce development event of its kind. Participants included representa- tives from CASA, as well as representatives for U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and major play- ers in workforce. “Argentum is taking significant steps to
address the pressing shortage of senior caregivers. With an anticipated shortfall of 400,000 professionals, which is set to skyrocket to over 20 million by 2040, Ar- gentum is committed to finding innovative solutions to workforce challenges,” com- mented Ashante Abubakar, Vice President, Workforce Development. “We are actively developing strategic partnerships with the sole purpose of expanding and promoting career pathways and pipelines culminat- ing in apprenticeships, incumbent worker training, and recruitment and retention. We’re essentially engaging the ʻtotal career opportunity� through supportive programs for workers.” Earlier this year, Argentum introduced
a comprehensive three-year strategic plan. The vision is clear: expand career opportu- nities and establish strategic partnerships to create pathways and pipelines for those as-
30 SENIOR LIVING EXECUTIVE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023
piring to become a part of the senior living industry. Under the “Develop Our People” imperative, the plan encompasses vari- ous initiatives, including apprenticeships, training for existing workers, and focused recruitment and retention efforts. Argentum is at the forefront of public
policy efforts to meet the workforce needs of the senior living industry. They are working closely with congressional law- makers to reintroduce the SENIOR Act, a legislation aimed at strengthening the senior living workforce and improving access and affordability of senior living options. This important legislation is anticipated to be reintroduced later this summer. In addition, Argentum is actively collab-
orating with lawmakers on both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Their goal is to secure program funding for the Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration, Job Corps, as well as the HRSA Health Workforce. By working closely with lawmakers, Argentum aims to ensure that these crucial programs receive the necessary financial support. With this ambitious vision and strategic
plan, Argentum is dedicated to tackling the senior caregiver shortage head-on, paving the way for a thriving workforce that can meet the growing demands of our aging population. Learn more about the Argen- tum strategic vision and what Argentum is doing to advance the senior living industry at
www.argentum.org/strategic-vision/.
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