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Occupational Credentials and Job Qualities of Direct Care Workers: Implications for Labor Shortages

Journal Article Training & Advanced Roles
December 15, 2020

Using a nationally representative sample of psychiatric aides, nursing assistants, and home health aides, this study examines the effects of occupational credentials on various measures of job quality, such as wages, benefits, and scheduling.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12122-020-09312-5

Key Takeaways

Direct care credentials are associated with higher earnings, full-time work, and employer benefits.
Because the size of the effect is modest, however, credentials alone cannot resolve job quality concerns.
Raising the wage floor for direct care jobs and other solutions are also needed.
 

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