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Human Services Career Support (HSCS) Program

OPEN SKY COMMUNITY SERVICES INC

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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Human Services Career Support Program

Status: Active - Cohort 8 now recruiting

Geographic Scope: Central Massachusetts (Worcester area)

Focus Areas:

  • Building a pipeline of diverse and compassionate professionals in behavioral health, residential services, case management, and human services

  • Supporting individuals with limited access to education, employment, and professional development

  • Serving immigrants, refugees, underemployed, and unemployed individuals

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Valid work authorization

  • At least 18 years old

  • Possess at least a learner's permit or driver's license

  • Passionate about health and human services field

  • Identify as immigrant, refugee, underemployed, or unemployed individual seeking career growth

    • Program Description:
    The HSCS Program is a 13-week intensive program designed to support individuals in establishing sustainable careers in human services. The program uses a Career Pipeline STEM Model that includes:

  • Support: Help individuals overcome barriers to employment

  • Training: Critical skills for care and service roles

  • Education: Deepen understanding and passion for the field

  • Mentorship: Guide toward sustainable and meaningful careers

    • Program Structure (13 weeks):

  • Weeks 1-3: Classroom training (Foundations, communication, cultural competency)

  • Weeks 4-6: First job rotation (practical field experience)

  • Weeks 7-9: Second classroom training (specialized training, certification prep)

  • Weeks 10-12: Second job rotation (advanced field experience)

  • Week 13: Capstone project and career readiness wrap-up

    • Financial Compensation: Participants receive financial compensation throughout the entire program duration

    Training Content:

  • Foundations of human services profession

  • Communication skills and workplace professionalism

  • Behavioral health and trauma-informed care

  • Cultural responsiveness and diversity

  • Job readiness (resume writing, interview preparation)

  • Understanding direct care roles and responsibilities

    • Job Rotation Opportunities:
    Participants engage in two separate job rotation phases gaining hands-on experience at partner agencies in different human services roles

    Wraparound Support Services (Limited-Time):

  • Childcare assistance

  • Transportation support

  • Driver's license assistance

  • English language support

  • Other individualized support needed for success

    • Career Pathways & Opportunities:
    Graduates are placed into full-time employment positions including:

  • Direct Support Professional

  • Residential Counselor

  • Employment Facilitator

  • Other entry-level roles

    • Participants may also be eligible for the Clinical and Leadership Pathway Program (C&L) for continued professional growth

    Program Partners:

  • Open Sky Community Services

  • Seven Hills Foundation

  • African Community Education

  • Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts

  • MassHire

  • Commonwealth Corporation

    • What Success Looks Like:

  • Active participation in classroom and group activities

  • Professional behavior (punctuality, respect, task follow-through)

  • Demonstrated skill growth and competencies

  • Full participation in job rotations

  • Proactive use of wraparound supports

  • Relationship building with staff, peers, and mentors

  • Successful capstone project completion

  • Job placement readiness with polished resume and career direction

    • Outcomes Upon Graduation:
    1. Real work experience
    2. Professional support network
    3. Clear pathway to full-time employment
    4. Certificate that boosts resume
    5. Confidence to thrive in human services workforce

    Contact: Omo Fagboore, Career Pipeline Manager | Omo.Fagboore@openskycs.org | (508) 318-7737

    How to Apply

    How to Apply

    Applicants can apply by completing the online enrollment form using the provided link.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    workforce-developmentbipocminoritiesimmigration

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