Your Caring Gene® Service Commitment
As a Caring Gene® participant, you are required to complete a three-year service commitment in the eligible healthcare, behavioral health, or social care title for which you received Caring Gene funding.
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has provided updated guidance that gives participants greater flexibility in meeting this requirement. Here’s what you need to know:
Full-Time Employment Is 35+ Hours Per Week
Full-time employment is defined as 35 hours or more per week. To meet your service commitment requirement, you must work a combined total of at least 35 hours each week in your eligible title at an approved Service Commitment Site.
You Can Work at More Than One Approved Site
You may combine part-time employment at multiple approved Service Commitment Sites to reach the 35-hour-per-week requirement.
For example, if you work 20 hours per week with one approved employer and 15 hours per week with another approved employer, your combined 35 hours may satisfy the full-time service requirement.
Important: Each employer must independently meet Caring Gene®/DOH Service Commitment Site requirements. View a list of approved employers.
Your Service Commitment Starts on Your First Day of Qualifying Employment
Your three-year service commitment begins on the first day you work in the eligible title for which you received Caring Gene® funding at an approved Service Commitment Site.
Be sure to notify your Caring Gene® Case Manager when you accept qualifying employment so your employment information and service commitment start date can be documented.
You Must Begin Your Service Commitment by March 31, 2028
All Caring Gene® participants must begin qualifying employment and start their service commitment no later than March 31, 2028.
Do not wait until the deadline to begin your job search. Your Case Manager can help you understand Service Commitment Site requirements and the steps you need to take as you prepare to enter the workforce.
Stay Connected With Your Case Manager
Once you begin your service commitment, you are responsible for keeping your employment information current.
Meet with your Caring Gene® Case Manager quarterly to review and update your employment information, confirm that you continue to meet program requirements, and track your progress toward completing your three-year service commitment.
Changes to your employer, employment status, weekly hours, or other information related to your service commitment should be reported to your Case Manager.
Your Next Steps
- Secure employment in the eligible title for which you received Caring Gene® funding.
- Confirm that your employer is an approved Service Commitment Site.
- Work at least 35 hours per week, either at one approved site or across multiple approved sites.
- Notify your Case Manager when you begin qualifying employment.
- Meet with your Case Manager quarterly to update your information and track your progress.
- Complete your full three-year service commitment in accordance with program requirements.
Questions About Your Service Commitment?
Your Case Manager is your primary resource throughout the service commitment process. Connect with your Case Manager through the Caring Gene® Student Dashboard to update your information, ask questions, and make sure you remain on track to fulfill your program requirements.