Announcements:
We need your help, Direct Care Workers! Share your voice and experience in the new Direct Care Workforce Collaborative (DCWC).
Join DCWC today! Nominate yourself or someone else by filling out the DCWC Nomination Form. Spots are limited.
The Direct Care Workforce Collaborative (DCWC) is an advocacy group created by the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) with the purpose to give a voice to people providing direct care services across the state. This forum allows caregivers from all settings to engage in conversations about the benefits and challenges of providing direct care and to provide feedback about proposals to ALTSA that will impact caregivers.
DCWC Focus Areas
The DCWC is responsible for providing feedback to and partnering with ALTSA as we develop recommendations and policies regarding:
- Caregiver recruitment strategies
- Caregiver retention strategies
- Caregiver training
- Career and professional development
- Data gathering and analysis
- Regulations
- Caregiver supports
- Programs and services for clients that impact caregivers
- Cutting edge programs and new technologies
- Identifying opportunities to improve job quality of caregivers
- Promoting community involvement in rebranding of direct care workers
Charter and Bylaws
You can learn more about DCWC by reading our Charter and Bylaws.
Meetings
The DCWC meets virtually monthly on the 3rd Thursday from 2 to 4 pm. If you would like more information on upcoming meeting agendas and/or previous meeting minutes, please contact Nicole Dronen, Strategic Engagement Manager at nicole.dronen@dshs.wa.gov.
Membership
The DCWC is comprised of up to 20 members to include Home Care Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, or Individual Providers who help older adults and people with disabilities to work and live where they want, including individual homes, assisted living facilities, nursing facilities, and adult family homes.
If you have questions about membership or are interested in becoming a member, please contact Nicole Dronen, Strategic Engagement Manager at nicole.dronen@dshs.wa.gov.
More Information
If you have additional questions or need assistance, please contact Nicole Dronen, Strategic Engagement Manager, at nicole.dronen@dshs.wa.gov.
ALTSA values the diverse caregiver experience. We are committed to equity, diversity, access, and inclusion. ALTSA staff will give DCWC members accommodations and supports to attend each meeting.