If you are looking for your first job, a new career or a flexible schedule, home care may be for you. This is a job with purpose, where you can make a real difference in someone’s life while gaining valuable skills and benefits for yourself.
There are many home care jobs open now in Oregon. Take the first step toward a job with purpose today.
Work that matters. Benefits you want.
Flexible hours
Home care fits your life. Choose who you work with. Set the hours and schedule that work for both of you. Whether you want a full-time job or part-time work that fits around your schedule, home care offers the flexibility you need.
Benefits and pay
People who work in home care earn more than minimum wage, and can increase their pay through training and experience. They can get health benefits, overtime pay and paid time off. They also get a retirement savings account.
Meaningful impact
Home care is more than a job — it makes a real difference in peoples’ lives. You support people with daily tasks so they can live the lives they want to live. It can support people at work and in their community. The work you do matters.
Training and growth opportunities
Home care provides training to help you build your skills and grow in your career. Free classes and certifications allow you to expand your knowledge, increase your pay and take on new opportunities in this career.
Which home care roles are right for you?
Find home care roles that match your skills and interests by taking our quick quiz.
Homecare Worker (HCW)
Provide in-home care for older adults and people with physical disabilities. Help with daily tasks, personal care and mobility to help people live more independently.
Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Help with daily living, personal care and life skills at home and in their community.
Personal Care Attendant (PCA)
Help people with behavioral or mental health needs. Assist with daily living activities, medication reminders and coping strategies.
Personal Support Worker Job Coach (PSWJC)
Help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to get, learn and keep the jobs of their choice in the workplace. Provide on-the-job coaching, training and accommodations. They help individuals build confidence and stay employed.
Who do I work with?
- Older adults and people with disabilities who get services through the state
- The Oregon Department of Human Services
- You may help older people on a more regular basis. That may include helping more often with movement and self-care tasks like walking, dressing, and hygiene and health-related needs. There may be more lifting needed as you support mobility.
Who do I work with?
- Children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who get services through the state
- The Oregon Department of Human Services
- You may help with self care and health-related tasks as well as day-to-day living. This can include eating and cooking, grocery shopping and managing medicine. You may also work with children more often. There may be more lifting needed as you support mobility.
- You support a range of people and needs. There are free trainings so you have the skills you need. You agree with them on the tasks you do before you start working.
Who do I work with?
- People experiencing behavioral or mental health needs who get services through the state
- The Oregon Health Authority, through Comagine Health
- You may help people more often with organizing their day-to-day living. That can be things like meal prep, housekeeping, grocery shopping and managing medication.
- You support a range of people and needs. There are free trainings so you have the skills you need. You agree with them on the tasks you do before you start working.
Who do I work with?
- People with intellectual or developmental disabilities who work and get services through the state
- The Oregon Department of Human Services
- You help people meet their career goals at work. You may help to grow job skills, interact with coworkers and provide transportation. You may be in public settings more often and engage with other people on a more regular basis, compared to other home care roles.
As a Personal Support Worker Job Coach, you also enroll as a Personal Support Worker. You have extra trainings and requirements beyond core training.
- Feel free to adjust your answers to try to find a position that fits with your interests.
FAQs
Have questions? We have the answers you’re looking for.
About Home Care
Category: About Home Care
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.
Category: About Home Care
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.
Category: About Home Care
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.
Job skills and growth
Category: Job skills and growth
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.
Pay and benefits
Category: Pay and benefits
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.
Category: Pay and benefits
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
Category: Pay and benefits
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.
Ready to apply?
Are you looking for your first job, a new career or a flexible schedule? Home care may be for you. Support older adults, people of all ages with disabilities, or people with behavioral and mental health needs at home, in their community or at work.
Still have questions? Contact us using the form below.