Increasing Employment and Workforce Development

Unemployment can be a barrier to healthcare access. As one of the largest employers in the state, UPMC continues to think creatively about how to create workforce development and training initiatives that helped individuals find stable careers that pay family-sustaining wages. This initiative, Pathways to Work, has resulted in several collaborations and programs to build and expand workforce services.

UPMC's Pathways to Work program aims to connect our UPMC for You members—and community members who are unemployed or have barriers to work—to job training programs and employment opportunities. Listen to how this program has been life changing. To learn more, see the Pathways to Work member website and the Pathways to Work Fact Sheet.

You don't have to be a health plan member to participate. Email pathwaystowork@upmc.edu to learn about the resources that are available to all community members.

UPMC Pathways for Veterans

For many military members, it can be challenging to transition into a civilian career after service. For their family members, it can be hard to find an employer that will stand by them through relocations. The UPMC Pathways for Veterans team provides personal, dedicated job search assistance to military members, veterans, and their families. UPMC Pathways for Veterans

UPMC Pathways for Students

The transition from school into the workforce can be exciting, but it can also be challenging and intimidating. UPMC Pathways for Students is a program for current high school and college students who are looking for an opportunity to start their career at UPMC. Recent graduates can also use the program. We guide students toward career paths and workforce development opportunities at UPMC, remove barriers to entry, and help them prepare for the workforce. Our goal is to make this a positive experience for the next generation of workers.

Learn more about our employment and workforce development efforts

Season 1, Episode 3: Better Jobs, Better Health

Publications

UPMC Health Plan Expands Job Training, Education, and Opportunities

Press Releases

UPMC Health Plan Earns Prestigious Governor's Achievement Award

Press Releases

Freedom House Foundations

Founded in 1967, Pittsburgh’s Freedom House initiative was one of the country’s first emergency ambulance services. The spirit of the program was revived in late 2020 by UPMC and UPMC Health Plan, in part by a grant through the UPMC Center for High-Value Health Care from Partner4Work.
The Freedom House Foundations program is designed to recruit, train and employ first responders from economically disadvantaged communities. Participants receive training and support focusing on emergency medical services as well as non-emergency psychosocial needs such as poorly managed chronic medical and behavioral health conditions or social needs. Comprehensive guidance is also available to trainees to address their own educational and employment barriers. Upon graduation, trainees are connected to resources to assist with their job seeking process. This programming is supported by funding from Partner4Work and the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services.
Freedom House Foundations received awards and recognition from both the Commonwealth and the Institute for Medicaid Innovation for its novel approach to workforce development. The program also recently received a more than $1M appropriation for expansion statewide to continue offering the program throughout Allegheny County and to begin scaling the program into additional counties in 2023. Recent program expansion includes new collaborations in Erie and Harrisburg.

Learn more about Freedom House Foundations programming

UPMC and UPMC Health Plan Launch “Freedom House 2.0” to Recruit, Train and Employ First Responders from Economically Disadvantaged Communities Impacted by COVID

Press Releases

Partner4Work

Partner4Work is the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) in Allegheny County that connects employer, job seekers, and agencies to develop a thriving workforce in Allegheny County. UPMC Center for Social Impact collaborates with Partner4Work to develop workforce training initiatives, job development programs, and develop a talent pipeline in areas critical to UPMC’s mission. Examples include Freedom House 2.0 and various apprenticeship programs.

Learn more about Partner4Work

Partner4Work and UPMC Health Plan join forces to forge career pathways for new Medicaid enrollees

Press Releases

UPMC Health Plan Launches Program Targeting Underserved Communities to Train and Hire Health IT-Focused Customer Service "Concierges"

Press Releases

Learn more about Partner4Work

Press Releases