St. Paul – Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) along with the Department of Human Services (DHS) are among the state, regional and local organizations working together to raise awareness about the many employment opportunities now in home-, community- and facility-based care. The Follow Your Heart to a Caring Career campaign launching today encourages anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of others – including recent high school graduates, students interested in exploring caring careers and New Americans who are learning English – to consider employment that serves Minnesotans with disabilities and elders across the state.

"Many of these positions can be started with a high school diploma or equivalent and no health care experience – employers often provide the necessary training," said DEED Temporary Commissioner Kevin McKinnon. "Some of the positions offer scheduling flexibility, to help people work more easily with their child care or class schedules. We invite job seekers to learn more about these positions which many people may have not considered."

"The need for workers to care for older Minnesotans and people with disabilities in their homes, communities, nursing homes or other facilities is great. Shortages are causing a ripple effect across the state for individuals and health care systems," said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. "People considering the caring profession should know that not only is this the most meaningful work you might ever do, but wages for many positions have grown in recent years – and will continue to be raised – due to high demand, worker advocacy and legislative action. There are also many pathways for career growth."

Many entry-level positions in home-, community- and facility-based care can be started with employer-provided training, leveraging skills and experience people have gained working in other industries. Wages go up with additional training and certification, which in some cases is also paid for by the employer. There is projected long-term demand for many of these positions, according to DEED's Labor Market Information office, as well as critically high current demand. Caring Careers are among the employment opportunities that will be highlighted through the Drive for Five Workforce initiative funded during the just-ended legislative session.

Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed today as Follow Your Heart to a Caring Career Day in Minnesota to raise awareness about the many employment opportunities in home-, community- and facility-based care. Throughout the summer, DEED and its partners in CareerForce are hosting hiring events around the state and DHS is funding a statewide advertising campaign to reach job seekers. Staff from the Department of Health, Department of Education and Minnesota State HealthForce are also involved in the campaign. In addition, Local Workforce Development Board leaders and staff, plus industry associations representing home-, community- and facility-based care providers across the state are engaged in outreach efforts.

Minnesota leaders believe that by working together we can connect Minnesotans with career path employment in critically needed home-, community- and facility-based care positions and address our caring career workforce shortage. Learn more about career opportunities by visiting the Follow Your Heart to a Caring Career website.

DEED is the state's principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website, the CareerForceMN.com website for career explorers, job seekers and employers, the JoinUsMn.com website, or follow us on Twitter.