A Career that Makes a Difference
Becoming a paid caregiver is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people with disabilities and older adults, while building a fulfilling career. With flexible schedules, training opportunities, and the chance to truly make a difference, caregiving is more than a job–it’s a way to bring care and compassion to those who need it most.
What Caregivers Do
Caregivers help older adults and people with disabilities by assisting with tasks such as:
- Bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene
- Using the toilet and walking
- Preparing meals and light housekeeping
- Grocery shopping and attending medical appointments
Employment Requirements
- Background check
- Provide a valid photo identification and be authorized to work in the United States
- Complete caregiver training requirements
Types of Caregivers
Where Caregivers Work
Caregivers can work in various settings depending on the needs of the people they support. Here are the most common environments:
In People's Homes
There are two options to work as an in-home caregiver:
- Licensed Home Care Agencies:
These organizations hire, pay, and supervise caregivers while matching them with clients. Apply directly to an agency in your community.
- Consumer Direct Care Network of Washington:
Employs caregivers as Individual Providers to support Medicaid-qualified people in their homes. This includes paid family caregivers. Apply directly to Consumer Direct Care Network Washington.
- Can be friends, family caregivers, or new to the client.
- Flexible schedules based on the client's needs.
- Provides training and representation through SEIU 775, which advocates for caregivers and offers benefits (eligibility requirements apply).
- If you are in need of a client, Carina Care is an online tool for matching clients and caregivers.
In Residential Facilities
Caregivers can also find opportunities in licensed facilities and apply directly. These facilities may offer full-time or part-time schedules, including day, evening, and night shifts.
- Small, private home care for two to eight residents.
- Employ Home Care Aides and Nursing Assistants-Certified.
- May offer full or part-time schedules, including day, evening, and night shifts.
- Larger licensed facilities serving many residents in the same building.
- Employs Home Care Aides and Nursing Assistants-Certified.
- May offer full or part-time schedules, including day, evening, and night shifts.
- Facilities providing 24-hour medical and personal care.
- Employing Nursing Assistants-Certified.
- Be part of a professional team.
Training for Caregivers
Training to become a paid caregiver depends on where you work and the type of care you provide. Understanding the requirements can sometimes be challenging, and regulations may change over time. Below is a basic overview of training paths for different caregiving roles, but for the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting a Long-Term Workforce Navigator.
For Home Care Aides
Home Care Aides care for clients in private homes, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities. Training is offered through approved programs or from employers who hire home care aides without experience and offer or pay for the training. Must complete 75 Hours of Home Care Aide training.
Training and Certification Requirements:
- During your hiring steps, complete the five-hour Orientation and Safety training.
- After that, you can begin working while you finish the remaining 70 hours of your 75‑hour DSHS‑approved training.
- Must complete training either before getting a job or within 120 days of hire date.
- Apply for certification with the Department of Health within 14 days of being hired.
- Pass both Home Care Aide exams within 365 days of hire.
- You must renew your certification every year. The renewal deadline is usually your birthday.
Additional Information:
- Find approved training programs on DSHS website.
- Learn about the Home Care Aide Certification on the Department of Health website.
- Many employers provide training for their employees. If you need help, contact a Long-Term Care Workforce Navigator.
- SEIU-covered home care agencies and Consumer Direct Care Network of Washington offer training to their employees through the SEIU Training Partnership
For Paid Family Caregiver
Family members who provide care to a relative can become paid caregivers if the care recipient qualifies for Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports.
Training Requirements:
- Most paid family caregivers must complete 35 hours of training.
- After you apply with Consumer Care Direct Network WA, you’ll get information on how to sign up for your training.
- Complete five hours of Orientation and Safety training during your hiring process.
- Training is provided through SEIU775 Benefits Group.
- Complete your training within 120 days of hire.
- Training requirements vary based on your relationship to the person you care for. For eligibility details, visit WAC 388-71-0523.
For Nursing Assistant-Certified
Nursing Assistants-Certified provide care in private homes, nursing homes, hospitals, and other community settings.
Training is offered through approved programs in many places, including vocational schools, community and technical colleges, high schools, nursing homes, and hospitals. This is an entry‑level role with opportunities to grow your career in health care with additional training.
Next Steps:
- Complete Nursing Assistant–Certified training.
- Complete the certification requirements.
Additional Resources:
Under Apple Health and the Long Term Services and Supports program, you cannot be paid to provide care for your spouse.
However, there are programs in Washington that do allow spouses to be paid caregivers:
- Veteran Directed Care
If your spouse is a veteran and qualifies for Veteran Directed Care, the program may allow you to be hired as their paid caregiver.
- WA Cares Fund
WA Cares will allow spouses to be paid caregivers if the person receiving care has earned WA Cares benefits and meets the required level of need. Visit WA CARE Fund website.
We’ve launched a website Caregiver Careers Washington.
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Contact Us
Long‑Term Care Workforce Navigators are here to help. Get free, personal support if you’re interested in becoming a paid caregiver.
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