Frequently Asked Questions

The state and federal governments, along with the Training and Employment Funds, the union, other union members, and your employers, are making a significant investment in your education. In the ten Career Pathways Training Program occupations, you will receive fully paid tuition and books without any out-of-pocket expenses. You may also receive paid release time. This investment in your future is also an investment to build the New York State healthcare workforce in occupations for which there is currently a staffing shortage. Your commitment is to work in New York State in the occupation for which you are receiving generous tuition assistance and support services.

No. You are required to obtain a job in the field for which you trained. That job is expected to offer regular wages and benefits.

Most hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, and health centers in the New York Metropolitan Area meet the criteria for a qualified employer. 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds will provide a list of many qualified providers before you enter the education program. Upon completion of your education, TEF will assist you with job placement.

While there is no guarantee of a job with your current employer, most employers partnering with the program have informed us of significant vacancies/job openings in the thirteen occupations. If your employer has vacancies, the Funds, your union, management and the 1199SEIU TEF will assist with your job application at your current employer.

If you do not comply with the service commitment, you will be asked to reimburse the costs of the program. However, the State of New York and the Training and Employment Funds’ trustees have agreed that some hardships will be considered. With proper documentation, a participant who experiences hardships may not be required to pay back program costs.

Hardships will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may include circumstances such as death and disability.

Hardship appeals will follow the standard Training and Employment appeals process and/or a process established by the New York State Department of Health.

Participants must agree to the service commitment at the beginning of any and all educational programs. As stipulated by the Department of Health CPT guidelines. However, some participants may be eligible for foundational skills and preparatory classes through other funding sources. An academic counselor can discuss your options with you.

No, you may change employers as long as all employers during the three-year commitment period are located in New York State and 30% of their patient population receives Medicaid.

The attached list is a good starting place. There are likely additional employers who also meet the criteria, and you may inquire with the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds or the New York State Department of Health.

It is your right to refuse the service commitment agreement. However, only grant funds are available over the next three years for the ten CPT occupations, so you will not receive education reimbursement, vouchers, or payments for these occupations unless you agree to the service commitment.

Employment commitments must be for full-time employment. However, we have requested additional guidance from the state to determine whether a participant offered a part-time job will meet the compliance requirements.

Yes.

You are eligible for a second degree in one of the ten CPT occupations if you agree to the service commitment like all other participants.

No, you must attend an approved school. However, most schools in the New York City Metropolitan area are approved. You will learn about this in the program orientation.