IHSS Provider Mandatory Orientation
and other recent changes to IHSS

Effective Nov. 1, 2009, new requirements to the IHSS program take effect. Both IHSS recipients and providers will be impacted by the statewide program changes. Information Last updated: August 8, 2010.


All IHSS Providers Enrolled (working since) before November 1, 2009:

  • State rules say providers must have completed the IHSS Orientation at the IHSS Enrollment Center before June 30, 2010. 
  • If you completed at least one of the 4 new requirements before June 30, 2010, you can extend the orientation deadline to December 31, 2010.  Don't forget to complete the other requirements before December 31, 2010.
  • Providers who did not begin or complete the IHSS Orientation by June 30, 2010, have been terminated as a homecare worker.  They will have to re-enroll as a new provider (complete the provider enrollment packet, background check, attend orientation, etc.) before receiving paychecks again.

Enrolling a provider new to IHSS – what do you need to do?

  • Request an enrollment packet by calling IHSS at (510) 577-1900 or coming to the IHSS offices.
  • Enrollment for providers new to IHSS includes:  
    • Complete and turn in an enrollment packet
    • Complete a background check  - IHSS provides a form you can take to a live scan vendor
    • View a video and receive orientation materials
    • Show current identification documents to county staff in person
  • Newly enrolled workers cannot be paid until they complete all forms, attend the orientation, and pass criminal background check.
  • If the provider clears the criminal background check, they can be paid retro-actively to the date of hire.
  • However, if a provider starts working and does not clear the criminal background check, the consumer will be responsible for paying the worker for the IHSS hours worked.


Enrolling an existing or returning IHSS provider?

If the provider has completed the IHSS Orientation and it has been less than one year since the background check was cleared, submit:

  • Enrollment packet (call 577-1900 to request or pick up at IHSS offices)
  • Signed copy of your social security card and valid/current government photo identification

Mail in or drop off the packet and copies to IHSS at 6955 Foothill Blvd., 3rd Floor, Oakland, CA 94605.

 

Where and When can I attend the IHSS Orientation?

BEGINNING JULY, 8 2010
Adult and Aging Services
Eastmont Town Center
6955 Foothill Blvd., 3rd Floor
Oakland, CA 94605

Open: Forms can be picked up and identification checked whenever IHSS offices are open (Monday - Friday).  The IHSS Orientation video required for providers new to IHSS is only shown on Thursdays (except the first Thursday of each month).

Hours: 8:30AM to 12:00AM and 1:00PM to 5:00PM

How long does it take?  On an average day, the attendees are able to complete all enrollment steps in about an hour.

What should Providers bring to IHSS when they come to enroll?

  • Providers must bring their original identification documents (valid California ID, Green Card or Passport and Social Security Card). If your social security card is not to be used for work authorization, bring a copy of your work permit (residency card or other documentation). No photocopies; names on documents must match exactly.
  • Completed enrollment forms (forms can be picked up at the IHSS offices). The forms require both provider and consumer signatures.

What are they looking for in the Criminal Background Check?

To pass the background check, IHSS providers must have no convictions or incarcerations within the last ten years for:

  • child abuse
  • elder abuse
  • welfare fraud

What about Consumer Fingerprints?

In the future, the State may implement a requirement that to receive IHSS services, Consumers must get fingerprinted.

  • Consumers will be fingerprinted for identification purposes only.
  • Consumers should wait for instructions from the county on how to get fingerprinted.

What about Unannounced Home Visits?

The visits will be made by IHSS staff to help prevent fraud.  The visit will verify that the consumer lives at the address listed, and that from the appearance of the home and the consumer – there is a homecare worker providing the approved services.

  • The chore provider does not have to be present.  The consumer still has the right to schedule the provider’s work hours.
  • The consumer should continue to go to appointments and other outings as usual.

What about Cuts to Provider Wages and Consumers’ IHSS Hours?

The State’s proposed cuts to providers wages have been stopped.  Proposed cuts to consumers’ hours based on Functional Index Scores (FI Scores) have temporarily been stopped by a lawsuit. Unfortunately, new cuts are being proposed by the Governer for the 2010 - 2011 budget.  Details about any possible cuts will not be available until the State budget has been signed.