FAQ's
What is a Public Authority?
What is IHSS?
What is CAPA?
Becoming a Caregiver
Find a Caregiver
WHAT IS A PUBLIC AUTHORITY?
The Public Authority for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a public agency whose purpose is to make the IHSS program in every county work better for consumers, who consist of the elderly, blind and disabled, and home care providers/personal assistants.
The significant role the Public Authority fulfills for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is to offer services that assist consumers with greater access to providers. This has been accomplished by: 1) creating a provider registry, and 2) establishing the Public Authority as an employer of record. A provider registry is a computerized database listing qualified and screened IHSS providers. These services offered by the Public Authority provide consumers with a greater level of confidence when hiring providers.
Aside from establishing a registry, the Public Authority is also responsible for: 1) investigating the qualifications and background of potential providers, 2) establishing a referral system to connect providers with consumers, 3) providing for training for consumers and providers, 4) performing any other function related to the delivery of IHSS.
The Public Authority also gives consumers a voice in how IHSS services are provided. Services are provided at no cost to consumers or their providers.
WHAT IS IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services)?
IHSS is a state program, administered by each county in California for the provision of in-home care workers hired by low-income blind, aged or disabled individuals requiring non-medical personal care such as bathing, feeding, dressing, and/or domestic services such as shopping, cooking, and housework to remain safely in their own homes.
About 400,000 individual consumers in California rely on IHSS. Generally, these consumers have under $1000 in monthly income and $2000 in assets. Those with a higher income pay a higher share of cost.
What is CAPA?
The California Association of Public Authorities, or CAPA, was created to provide proactive leadership to improve the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program; promote the general interests of the active members; promote higher professional standards, and through the exchange of information and ideas, stimulate a collegial and cooperative spirit among the membership. More specifically the purposes of CAPA are to:
A. Develop and support public policy and legislation to improve IHSS, and to improve personal assistance services, primarily in the independent provider mode;
B. Promote the independence of seniors and people with disabilities.
C. Prevent inappropriate, premature placement of consumers in institutions (i.e. skilled nursing facilities, community care facilities or hospitals);
D. Provide assistance, information, training, and technical advice to its members;
E. Promote the welfare and general interest of the members; and
F. Facilitate effective communication between and among Public Authorities, and county, state, and federal administrative agencies, including the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices.
Becoming a Caregiver
If you are looking for a job as an IHSS caregiver, contact the local Public Authority and follow their instructions on how to be included on the Registry. In many counties, you will be asked to attend an orientation session and complete an application. The Public Authority may also conduct a criminal background check. Persons who have been convicted of welfare fraud or of adult or child abuse are not eligible to be an IHSS provider. Depending upon the local Public Authority in a particular county, other criminal convictions may prevent someone from being listed on the Registry. To be included on the Registry, you will likely need the following:
- A Social Security card or other proof of the right to work in the United States (U.S).
- Proof of citizenship or legal immigration.
- A valid Driver’s License or other government-issued photo identification.
- Three references – a non-relative personal reference and two from previous employers.
- Documentation or certificates for any training you may have had.
- A completed application form.
- To grant the Public Authority permission to do a criminal background check to determine whether you have been convicted of any crimes that would prohibit your employment as a Registry provider.
- To complete an interview with Registry staff and/or attend an orientation for new providers.
If you are willing to transport the IHSS consumer to medical appointments, you may have to provide proof of a current auto insurance policy that includes liability, a copy of your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) record, and a valid Driver’s License.
Find a Caregiver
Contact your county Public Authority office for further information.
Please see http://www.capaihss.org/contactcounty.htm or go to the "Contact us" page on
our web site.
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