CONSUMER TRAINING

Public Authority Services by Sourcewise gathers and develops educational materials for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) consumers in Santa Clara County

News & Notices

Independent Providers can take free training classes. Registration for the fall 2023 semester is open!

Providers who are connected to a consumer’s case can visit the Independent Provider Training page to view the fall class schedule and register for classes with the online registration portal.

Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Began July 1, 2023

Starting July 1, 2023, IHSS/WPCS independent providers, who do not live with their recipient, are required to check in and out for their shifts. EVV training webinars are available from CDSS.

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Additional assistance and resources are available through Sourcewise

Sourcewise—Santa Clara’s Area Agency on Aging—has many support programs and services available for all adults in Santa Clara County .

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Sign Up For Online Timesheets or Telephone Timesheets

To learn how to register and use online or telephone timesheets, view the step-by-step guide for IHSS care recipients:

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Consumer Handbooks

Created with partnership from the IHSS Advisory Board by consumers of in-home care services, for consumers of IHSS, these short handbooks can assist in better understanding of the role and responsibilities of IHSS consumers, as well as available supportive resources.

More information on the role, expectations and responsibilities of IHSS consumers is available on the IHSS website. You can find quick information on the IHSS Fact Sheets!

Does your Independent Provider need to brush up on common caregiving skills? They can watch provider skills videos any time!

Consumer Orientation Videos

Created with partnership from the IHSS Advisory Board, these short videos provide tips and information to assist in better understanding of the role and responsibilities of IHSS consumers.

Does your independent provider need specialized training to perform your authorized tasks safely? They may be able to receive reimbursement for classes through the Life Enhancement fund!

Consumer Connection Quarterly Newsletter

Four times per year, Public Authority Services by Sourcewise creates a newsletter which is mailed to every IHSS consumer in Santa Clara County.

The Consumer Connection newsletter provides information to help consumers remain safely independent. Articles cover a variety of topics relating to current IHSS policies changes, health and wellness topics, and information on community resources.

Missed a mailing? You can catch up on digital copies of the Consumer Connection any time!

Need to find an IHSS Independent Provider to work for you? The Public Authority Services Registry may be able to help!

Consumer Training FAQ

Can I go with my Independent Provider to their classes?

Provider training classes only have room for the providers who are registered into them and providers are not permitted to bring guests with them, including their children or care recipients.

Are there training classes available for IHSS consumers?

Public Authority Services by Sourcewise is currently developing classes for consumers, but there are no classes or webinars available at this time.

Other than the videos and materials on the webpage above, there are videos and materials available regarding IHSS with the “Quick Links” on the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) IHSS website: www.cdss.ca.gov/in-home-supportive-services

What should I do if I believe my Independent Provider needs more training?

Encourage your provider to visit the Independent Provider Training page to explore the training classes available to them. They can also contact the Training Department by calling (408) 350-3220.

As the employer of the Independent Provider, do I have to pay for their training classes?

Training classes facilitated by Public Authority Services in Santa Clara County have no fees. They are completely free and optional for providers.

Completing a training class is not an “authorized service” they are performing for you, so the hours they attend the training cannot be claimed on an IHSS timesheet. Instead, providers receive $35 for every Public Authority Services class they attend.

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