To lure more health care workers, New Jersey offers student loan relief

By: Gene Myers
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey

..... New Jersey announced $17 million student loan relief for group home aides and other health care workers, part of an effort to attract and retain staff in fields fraught wit turnover and vacancies.
..... Up to $50,000 in student loan relief is available to health care and social service professionals who commit to one year of service at designated agencies, the state said. Governor Phil Murphy said the program should improve services for New jersey residents with medical, mental health, and disability needs.
..... "This student loan redemption program further bolsters our home and community-based service workforce, and it is key in supporting qualified service providers to bring there skills and expertise to communities across the state," he said.
..... "I addition to alleviation the financial burdens of this workforce, this program also builds the capacity to deliver care in the community for more New Jerseyans," Murphy said.
..... The New Jersey Department of Human Services and Children and Families announced the relief, along with the state's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
..... The program aims to assist a wide range of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses , and counselors, among others.
..... Funding comes from the federal Centers for Medicare and medicaid Services and is part of a $100 million effort by the state to grow a workforce that has faced significant staffing shortages due to low pay and poor benefits.
..... In additions to the student loan redemption program, the Murphy administration said the money will help establish recruitment, training, and certification programs for direct care staff, as well as more community-based housing options for individuals with disabilities or behavioral health conditions.
..... "We continue to invest in innovative approaches to strengthen and prioritize independence and person-centered care that will help individuals live in their own homes and remain active in their communicates," Human Service Commissioner Sarah Adelman said in a statement.
..... "This new student loan redemption program will benefit caregivers who provide total supports to people with disabilities and with behavioral health needs, as well as, older adults living in the community," she said.

How to apply for NJ loan forgiveness program

..... The application proves for the loan forgiveness program opens on Jule 1. [2024] Selection of recipients will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, with decisions announced by October 1. [2024] Applicants must meet such criteria as being employed full-time in a qualifying role, holding the necessary certifications, and not participating in similar loan forgiveness programs.
..... For more information on how to apply and detail eligibility requirements, interested candidates can visit the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority website starting July 1. [2024]
..... "We are proud to offer this new benefit to dedicated workers who support individuals with disabilities and older adults in the community," said Kaylee McGuire, Deputy commissioner for Aging and Disability Services. "Creative steps such as a loan redemption program will help attract and retain workers and build a stronger foundation for the future."
..... The one-time student loan redemptioner program provides:
* $5 million for eligible employees serving in DHS' Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services-contacted agencies.
* $5 million for illegible employees serving in DHS' Divisions of Developmental Disabilities-funded agencies and self-directing employees.
* $5 million for eligible employees at DCF-approved settings
* $2 million for eligible private duty nurse employed by agencies contracted by NJ FamilyCare's managed care organization.

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