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State

On June 19, 2018, Governor Tom Wolf signed and codified the Employment First Law and established the Employment First Law for people with disabilities. Attached are the 2021 Employment First Annual Report and the 2020 Employment First Oversight Commission Report.

Additionally, the Employment First Oversight Commission Leadership beginning January 27, 2021 has been named. We are proud that RCPA member Steve Suroviec, President/CEO, Achieva, is the chair of the commission. The leadership positions are:

A link to these reports is also available on the Department of Labor & Industry’s Department of Labor & Industry’s website, under the “Employment First Act Documents & Reports” heading. Additional information or alternate formats of the reports may be obtained by contacting Edward M. Butler, OLTL Employment Specialist via email or phone (717-214-3718).

Image by Katja Fuhlert from Pixabay

The Wolf Administration has released a new order effective today to increase the administration of vaccine dosages received; ensure ease of scheduling appointments; reinforce specific reporting by vaccine providers; and ensure accountability in providers’ adherence to vaccine priorities. Key messaging around the order and specifics can be found in the order. A frequently asked questions document can be accessed here.

HARRISBURG (January 22, 2021) — Governor Wolf announced today that he has nominated Alison Beam as the next Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Beam will succeed Dr. Rachel Levine, who was recently selected by President Biden as his Assistant Secretary of Health.

With many years of experience in the health care arena, one of Acting Secretary Beam’s first priorities will be executing the Department of Health COVID vaccination plan. Prior to her nomination as the Secretary of Health, Ms. Beam served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Tom Wolf.

RCPA President and CEO Richard S. Edley commented, “Acting Secretary Beam’s work with policy development, legislative initiatives, communications, and stakeholder engagement involving multiple state agencies will prove invaluable in helping Pennsylvania move forward to combat the current COVID crisis and all of its far-reaching implications for the health and human services community. As all PA citizens know, focus on and success in this area will be critical. RCPA extends our sincere congratulations and we are very optimistic as to what the future holds for this administration, and for the Commonwealth as a whole.”

Read the Governor’s official press release here.

About the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA):
With well over 350 members, the majority of who serve over 1 million Pennsylvanians annually, Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA) is among the largest and most diverse state health and human services trade associations in the nation. RCPA provider members offer mental health, drug and alcohol, intellectual and developmental disabilities, children’s, brain injury, medical rehabilitation, and physical disabilities and aging services, through all settings and levels of care. Visit www.paproviders.org for more information.

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We’re excited to announce that RCPA’s Direct Care Works initiative is now live. The workforce development pilot project is using social media platforms to engage potential applicants likely to be attracted to careers in health and human services.

We established a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube (Look for LinkedIn soon!). As part of the pilot project, paid advertising will drive individuals to the Direct Care Works website, where they can learn more about the field and access job opportunities.

The initial paid campaign is focused on Allegheny County and some of the surrounding areas, yet we welcome members from throughout the Commonwealth to share information about employment opportunities for the job portal, as we will be sharing information on several social media channels that reach a statewide audience.

To include your organization in the DCW Job Portal, email directcareworks@paproviders.org with the following information:

  • Organization’s name and one line program description (approximately 15 words – see job portal for examples)
  • List of regions where your programs are operated (i.e., Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest)
  • Contact person
  • Website link where potential candidates can view organization information and employment openings

RCPA recently issued a release that details the project. Additionally, a social media toolkit has been developed, for our members to use the collateral materials as a way to enhance recruitment efforts and share the Direct Care Works networks with your own audiences.

For more information, please contact RCPA Children’s Division Director Jim Sharp or email directcareworks@paproviders.org

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are hosting the Livengrin Friends & Fundraising Breakfast virtually this Friday, October 23. Thank you so much for your support for this event and your ongoing support to Livengrin. During these difficult times, our work is even more important with the rise in overdose deaths.

Please register for free through eventbrite so we know how many attendees will be online and share this link to your network. A link will be sent to login within the next few days.

You will not want to miss the incredible presentation from Kevin Sabett, MD on the 7 Myths of Marijuanna and also our award presentation to Livengrin Alumni, Sean Murphy.

REGISTER TODAY