The #1 recommendation from Pennsylvania's direct care workers is "make it a profession". The purpose of PA's Direct Care Workers Association is to do just that!   To join, click here and print the application, fill it out and send it to BJBC-PA.  The benefits of a professional association are:

• Education - refine professional skills and learn about new theories and practices
• Positive Image - improve the public perception and understanding of direct care work
• Networking - especially for home based workers who may be isolated from their peers
• Leadership - opportunities to learn leadership skills and to be a leader
• Change - work with employers, the public and policy makers to support direct care workers and improve the quality of long-term care

By joining together, direct care workers will raise awareness of the importance of their care giving work. The PA Direct Care Workers Association will be a leader in discussions about long-term care policy and workplace practices that impact their work. BJBC-PA believes a statewide Association will create the professional image for direct care work that workers, employers and consumers want to see.

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