Overview

Forming STARS is a professional workforce advancement program offered through the WisCaregiver Careers program, and is an initiative aimed at recruiting individuals to start a career in healthcare with free training to become a Certified Direct Care Professional (CDCP) in the state of Wisconsin.

The CDCP program is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

The program offers several benefits to participants, including:

• Free online training in essential caregiver skills, available in English, Spanish, and soon in Hmong
• $500 bonus upon completing the course and working for an eligible employer, with additional bonuses for referrals 
• Name added to the Wisconsin CDCP Registry
• Opportunities for career advancement through alternative pathways and training models

The initiative provides a free IT platform, WisCaregiver Connections, which allows employers to post job openings, automatically match with job seekers, and screen candidate profiles and credentialing details. This platform aims to facilitate the connection between CDCPs and eligible employers, streamlining the hiring process for open positions in programs like Family Care, IRIS, and PACE.

By offering free training, bonuses, and career advancement opportunities, Forming STARS addresses the shortage of healthcare workers in Wisconsin, specifically direct care workers in home and community-based settings (HCBS).

WisCaregiver Careers also offers a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program.

Resources

• Program Fact Sheet PDF - English | Hmong | Spanish
• Video: The importance of direct care professionals
• Wisconsin Certified Direct Care Professional (CDCP)