Becoming a Paid Caregiver

We’ve launched a new Caregiver Careers Washington website with more details and resources—visit us at Caregiver Careers Washington.

Series of three images (L to R). 1. A caregiver doing nail care on a client. 2. A caregiver holding a newspaper while showing it to a client. 3. A caregiver walking with a senior woman while using a walker

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.

For help with navigating the options and finding job or training opportunities in your area, reach out to a Long-Term Care Workforce Navigator. 

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

Where Caregivers Work

Caregivers can work in various settings depending on the needs of the individuals they support. Here are the most common environments:

In-Home Caregiver

Caregivers provide essential support in home settings, helping individuals maintain independence while receiving necessary care. There are two ways to work as an in-home caregiver:

  1. Home Care Agencies:
    These organizations hire, pay, and supervise caregivers while matching them with clients. Apply directly to an agency in your community.
  2. Consumer Direct Care Network of Washington:
    Employs caregivers as Individual Providers to support Medicaid-qualified individuals in their homes. This includes paid family caregivers. Apply directly at Careers - 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 do not have a client, Carina Care is an online tool for matching clients and caregivers

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.

Adult Family Homes:

  • Small, private home care for 2-8 residents
  • Employ Home Care Aides and Nursing Assistants-Certified
  • May offer full or part-time schedules including day, evening, and night shifts

Assisted Living Facilities:

  • 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

Nursing Homes:

  • Facilities providing twenty-four-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 our Long-Term Workforce Navigators. 

Paid Family Caregiver

Family members who provide care to a relative can become a paid caregiver if the care recipient qualifies for Apple Health Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports.

Training Requirements: 

Home Care Aide

Home Care Aides assist clients in private homes, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities. Training is offered through approved programs or by employers who hire aides without prior training and may provide or pay for training.

Training and Certification requirements: 

  • Complete 75 Hours of Home Care Aide training.
  • Complete training either before getting a job or within 120 days of hire.
  • Complete Home Care Aide certification within 365 days of hire. You must apply to the Department of Health and pass both a knowledge test and a skills test.

Additional Information:

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: 

To learn more about training programs and certification requirements:

Get Help Choosing a Caregiver Career

Long-Term Care Workforce Navigators are here to help! They provide free personalized assistance to anyone interested in becoming a paid caregiver. Reach out to your local Workforce Navigator for one-on-one support:

Stay informed with the latest updates, tips, and resources by signing up for our digital Caregiving in Action and Workforce Spotlight Newsletter. Use this link to subscribe and stay connected!

Download our flyer to learn more about Workforce Navigators. The flyer is available in multiple languages.

Caregiver careers logoVisit Caregiver Careers Washington new website to discover the essential roles caregivers play and how you can make a lasting impact.

 

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