EJEC NJ is made up of a diverse group of stakeholders including health care providers, consumer advocates, workforce organizations, labor representatives, and policymakers. Together, we collaborate to strengthen the direct care workforce and improve care for older adults and people with disabilities.
What's the Problem?
Throughout New Jersey—in private homes, nursing homes, and residential care settings—older adults and people with disabilities rely on more than 132,000 direct care workers to meet their daily needs and live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Despite their enormous value, direct care workers struggle with low compensation, insufficient training, and limited career paths, which drive many workers out of direct care jobs and into retail, fast food, and other industries with easier, safer, and better paying jobs.
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Due to a rapidly aging population and more people hoping to age in their home, the federal government predicts New Jersey will have 22,190 new direct care positions to fill in the next decade (2022 to 2032).
However, because we are struggling to retain the workers we have due to poor job quality, we also expect to need to replace 205,301 direct care workers in the next decade.
That means, between 2022 and 2032 we expect to have to fill 227,500 direct care jobs across New Jersey.
Coalition Priorities
1
Increase the pipeline of workers
Increasing the pipeline of direct care workers requires targeted investments in better wages, training, career pathways, and data-driven policy reforms to attract and retain a skilled workforce.
2
Expand Access to Training
Expanding access to training for direct care workers is essential to enhance their skills, improve job quality, and support career advancement.
3
Develop a Universal Training & Credentialing Program
Developing a universal training and credentialing program standardizes core competencies for direct care workers, ensuring consistent, high-quality care across settings. It also facilitates career mobility and recognition, making the profession more attractive and sustainable.
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Stay in the Loop
June 02, 2025
Essential Jobs Essential Care Coalition Flyer
Essential Jobs Essential Care New Jersey Coalition Flyer 1
June 02, 2025
NJCCN Home Health Aide Data Report
From 2017 to 2023, there is a 15% reduction in CHHA workers. CHHA work…
June 02, 2025
NJCCN CNA Data Report
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Workforce report highlights the vital role of CNAs in…
Want to know more?
Send us an email—we’re here to help!