Department of Labor
Allocation: $600,000
Status: Active
Health care employs more workers than any other job sector in Maine, yet critical worker shortages existed in Maine prior to the pandemic and have been exacerbated by it. These shortages limit access to quality care, particularly in behavioral health and long-term care; increase costs; and affect Maine's ability to attract talented workers since quality health care is often a priority for relocation.
Maine's Health Care Career Navigators will help people interested in health care jobs determine the best career paths for them. To introduce people into health care jobs, navigators will provide customized career guidance, including the creation of person-specific employment and training plans. They will assist with navigating available training opportunities and referrals for health care jobs and apprenticeship opportunities. Navigators will be housed within the Maine Department of Labor's CareerCenters and will work closely with employers and community-based partners to connect jobseekers with opportunities. Navigators will also help out-of-state and foreign-trained professionals translate and evaluate prior credentials, access licensing, and learn how previous training may apply to health care jobs in Maine.