#Japan #Tokyo #Kaigo Job Agent #Tokyo Welfare Bureau #care sector support

Kaigo Job Agent Partners with Tokyo Welfare Bureau

In a notable step toward addressing the ongoing shortage of caregiving professionals in Japan, Kaigo Job Agent, a staffing service for caregivers offered by SMS Co., Ltd., has announced a strategic partnership with the Tokyo Welfare Bureau's "Kaigo Challenge Workplace Experience Project" (commonly known as "Kaichalle"). This collaboration marks the beginning of a concerted effort to bolster employment support in the caregiving industry.

Context of the Initiative

Japan's super-aged society continues to face an escalating demand for caregiving services. Unfortunately, the sector is grappling with a significant shortage of skilled professionals. To tackle this challenge effectively, it is essential not only to encourage new entrants into the caregiving field but also to foster their retention within the industry.

The Tokyo Welfare Bureau has initiated the "Kaigo Challenge Workplace Experience Project" to provide job seekers from diverse age groups and backgrounds with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in caregiving settings. This initiative encompasses not only workplace experiences at caregiving facilities across Tokyo but also a comprehensive support system that includes job matching, spot work, and paid volunteering opportunities, assisting participants from initial engagement to sustained employment.

Details of the Partnership

The partnership entails Kaigo Job Agent acting as a collaborative recruiter through the "Kaichalle Plus" initiative, which is tied to the Kaigo Challenge. Those who complete the workplace experience program and express interest in employment in caregiving will receive tailored job matches with relevant caregiving establishments from Kaigo Job Agent’s extensive network. This arrangement empowers job seekers to select career paths that align closely with their aspirations by tapping into Kaigo Job Agent's vast array of job listings.

Furthermore, Kaigo Job Agent leverages its expertise from managing caregiver training programs, ensuring that new entrants receive appropriate support to enhance their chances of successfully adapting to caregiving roles. By doing so, this initiative aims to directly contribute to alleviating the caregiver shortage in Tokyo.

Supporting Caregivers' Employment and Retention

Since its inception, Kaigo Job Agent, operating since 2014, has transformed the landscape for caregiver recruitment. This includes managing the Kaigo Job Academy, which has been running since 2015 to further develop individuals in caregiving roles. Beyond simply providing recruitment services, the company also facilitates credential acquisition for experienced caregivers and aids career transitions for professionals from other industries.

To mitigate early turnover rates caused by the mismatch in job expectations, Kaigo Job Agent has established a dedicated team to provide ongoing support before and after the placement of candidates. This initiative focuses on addressing the anxieties of new caregivers, contributing to overall retention improvement strategies. Additionally, the Kaigo Job Academy offers specialized mentoring for newcomers in the field from experienced caregivers, ensuring they receive comprehensive resources to facilitate their professional growth.

Comments from Leadership

According to Kenta Tsujiyama, Director of the Care and Disability Welfare Staffing Division at SMS Co., Ltd., "To address the pressing issue of caregiver shortages, it is crucial to not only attract talent from other sectors but also to maintain that talent within the caregiving industry. We have amassed considerable insights since 2014, allowing us to effectively match caregivers with employers while supporting their career development and retention. Our mission is to foster an environment where individuals who are interested in caregiving thrive and contribute to alleviating human resource shortages in this vital sector.”

About Kaigo Job Agent

Kaigo Job Agent caters to both qualified and unqualified individuals aspiring to join the caregiving sector, offering tailored career advice from specialized partners during the transition process. For more information, visit Kaigo Job Agent.

About Kaigo Job Academy

The academy facilitates rapid knowledge and skills acquisition in caregiving, delivering foundational programs designed for field newcomers. Detailed guidance extends from skill training to job placement. For further details, visit Kaigo Job Academy.

About SMS Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2003 and incorporated in 2011, SMS Co., Ltd. transitioned to the Prime Market of Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2022. The company is committed to enhancing the quality of life in an aging society through innovative information infrastructure and a portfolio of over 40 services. More about SMS can be found at SMS Co., Ltd..