Question 1

What is home care?

Cascade · Accepted Answer

Home care supports older adults, people of all ages with disabilities, and people with behavioral and mental health needs. Home care professionals provide support with daily activities so people can live independently at home and in their communities.

Question 2

What do people who work in home care do?

Cascade · Accepted Answer

Home care supports people at home and in the community with essential daily tasks that help them thrive and live as independently as possible. This may include assisting with eating and making meals, shopping, traveling to appointments or grocery stores, managing medication, using the toilet, walking, bathing and supporting individuals at their jobs.

Question 3

What kind of impact could I have in home care?

Cascade · Accepted Answer

Working in home care makes a real difference in people’s lives. You support people with daily tasks so they can live the lives they want to live. The work is rewarding but can also be physically and emotionally challenging. You may need to lift people or heavy objects. You may need to support someone when they are having a hard day. There are trainings to build your skills and help you get ready!

Question 4

What types of home care roles are open?

Cascade · Accepted Answer

You can apply for four types of home care jobs. We encourage you to apply for one or more roles. You can work in more than one position at the same time. Each one supports a different group of people.

Homecare Workers (HCW) support older adults and people with disabilities through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Aging and People with Disabilities.
Personal Care Attendants (PCA) support people experiencing behavioral or mental health needs through the Oregon Health Authority Medicaid Division.
Personal Support Workers (PSW) support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the ODHS Office of Developmental Disabilities Services.
Personal Support Worker Job Coaches (PSWJC) support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their workplaces.

Learn more about home care roles and find the best fit for you.

Question 5

What happens after I apply?

Cascade · Accepted Answer

Once you apply and are enrolled, you’ll be assigned a provider number. This unique identification number is given to people in home care roles after they complete the application and approval process. It allows you to work and get paid for providing home care services.

Once you receive your provider number, you can begin searching for job opportunities through the online matching tool, Carina. You may also be hired by someone you know who qualifies for home care services. Your provider number is needed to track your work hours, get paid and access training and benefits.

There are a few more steps after receiving your provider number. Check your email or mail daily for updates.

Question 6

How do I find a job?

Cascade · Accepted Answer

Once you get a provider number, you can begin to look for jobs. There is a free online matching tool called Carina to find people who are set up to get state services from the State of Oregon and need in-home help. You may also be hired by someone you know who qualifies to receive paid home care services. The person you support is your employer. They direct your work and create a schedule with you.

Question 7

Can I get paid to support a family member or friend?

Cascade · Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Often a person who needs home care prefers to hire someone they know. There are some restrictions for roles, such as Personal Support Workers cannot provide services to their own children until they are 18+.

Question 8

Do I need experience?

Cascade · Accepted Answer

No. You do not need to have worked in home care before. Free trainings will help you build the skills you need to be successful.

Question 9

Are there jobs for me if I speak a language other than English?

Cascade · Accepted Answer

Yes. People from all cultures and those who speak languages other than English are needed. Many people prefer support from someone who speaks their language and understands their culture. You can also get help in your preferred language when applying for a job in home care.

Question 10

Can I grow my career?

Cascade · Accepted Answer

Yes! You can grow your skills with free training and certifications. Some will help you earn more money per hour.

You must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years to stay current in this career field and grow your skills. Classes are free, and you will be paid for the time you spend after you finish. Training information is available in multiple languages and interpreters can assist you.

Question 11

How much money do people in home care roles make?

Cascade · Accepted Answer

Home care jobs pay higher than minimum wage. All the trainings offered are free. For some trainings, you are paid when you attend. You may be able to earn more per hour based on the number of hours you work or the certifications you get.

Question 12

What kind of benefits do home care jobs offer?

Cascade · Accepted Answer

People who work in home care get benefits when they meet certain requirements. Benefits include:

paid time off
pay when you work overtime
health care options
dental and vision coverage
Employee Assistance Program
OregonSaves retirement savings account

Question 13

Is this a flexible job? Can I pick who I work for and my schedule?

Cascade · Accepted Answer

Yes! In any of the four home care roles, you pick who you want to work with. You use an online tool, Carina, to find people who need support based on the hours, type of care and work environment you want. You can work for people who want full-time or part-time support.

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