Like many Bay Area residents, Damien used to work two jobs to cover the high cost of living in the region. As a security officer, his 16-hour days left little time for his family and personal wellbeing, and he knew he wanted to make a change.

In 2022, Damien did just that. He enrolled in HealthCare Academy, an innovative program funded by the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development and administered by JVS. This initiative is part of a larger effort involving five training providers, including JVS, offering a total of 14 healthcare-focused programs. JVS specifically oversees three career paths designed to provide economic mobility and family sustaining wages—Medical Assistant Certificate, Medical Administrative Assistant, and Dental Assistant. Damien began his training in the Medical Assistant Certificate program through JVS’s partnership with Kaiser Permanente.

“Healthcare is a career I’ve always had a passion for and never pursued until now,” Damien explained. “I really appreciate JVS for helping me get started.”

Upon completion of his Clinical Medical Assisting training and over 200 hours of a paid externship at Kaiser Permanente’s Head and Neck Department, Damien was the first student in his class to receive an offer for a full-time career position at Kaiser. He was recognized during his first three months of employment as an invaluable employee, receiving the “Top Performer – Staff Courtesy/Helpfulness” and “100% Club – Staff Courtesy/Helpfulness” certificates for his outstanding performance in the delivery of exceptional and compassionate care. In addition to these achievements, JVS nominated Damien for the 2023 HealthCare Academy Honoree Rising Star Award, which he received at the program graduation and celebration that year.

Now, Damien continues to work at Kaiser as a Medical Assistant, where he receives a solid income and benefits and has opportunities for career advancement. He’s looking forward to growing his skills in healthcare, and he hopes future JVS alums can do the same.

“I hope the next JVS graduate can achieve their goals in the near future and never lose sight or faith in reaching their goals,” Damien says. “I give credit to myself for doing the work, but JVS built the confidence in me to help me walk through the tides without getting wet.”