4136.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 12:35 PM

Abstract #24305

The Los Angeles County Health Care Workforce Development Program

Diane Factor, MS, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services/Service Employees International Union Local 660, Los Angeles County Health Care Workforce Development Program, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Building 308, 7601 East Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242, 562/940-1206, dfactor@dhs.co.la.ca.us

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) is the second largest public health service, serving the largest regional population of uninsured residents in the country, close to three million. The 21,000 workers who run the six hospitals, six comprehensive health centers, and 22 community-based clinics require skills upgrades and educational opportunities to remain productive within a system undergoing restructuring. As part of the 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Project (Waiver), funded by the Health Care Financing Administration to Los Angeles County, a $40 million workforce development program is being initiated jointly by DHS and the Service Employees International Union Local 660.

A comprehensive research and planning process, funded by the Department of Labor constructed the foundation for the large-scale workplan for the workforce development program. The presentation will include highlights from the planning process, research findings, results from a pilot training program and an explanation of the workforce development program.

Learning Objectives: 1. Identify components necessary for planning a large-scale workforce development program within the context of the restructuring of a major public health service. 2. Understand the importance and opportunities in conducting this type of effor as a labor/management joint venture. 3. Describe the successful and innovative approach to the pilot training program for patient financial services employees. 4. Understand the concepts and program outlined in the five-year workplan for the workforce development program.

Keywords: Workforce, Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Los Angeles County Department of Health Services Service Employees International Union Local 660
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA