Visit Caregiver Careers Washington for more details about caregiving roles, training and ways to work as a caregiver.
To use WA Cares Fund benefits to pay a caregiver, visit WA Cares website.
What Caregivers Do
Assist people with disabilities and older adults with tasks like:
- Bathing, eating, dressing.
- Using the toilet and personal hygiene.
- Walking and getting up and down from sitting.
- Preparing meals and light housekeeping.
- Grocery shopping and attending medical appointments.
General Employment Requirements
- Pass a background check.
- Provide a valid photo ID.
- Be authorized to work in the U.S.
- Complete caregiver training.
- Other employer specific requirements.
Where Caregivers Work
- Private homes
- Adult family homes
- Assisted living facilities
- Nursing homes
Types of Caregivers
Paid Family Caregiver
Assist a family member living at home.
Steps to be paid
- The person you care for must qualify for Apple Health Medicaid LTSS.
- Apply to become an Individual Provider on the Consumer Direct Care Network of Washington website.
Training
- Consumer Direct Care Network Washington is responsible for communicating training requirements and deadlines.
- Most paid family caregivers complete 35 hours of training.
- Training is provided by SEIU 775 Benefits Group after you apply and are approved.
- Complete your training within 120 days of hire.
- Requirements may vary. See WAC 388 71 0523 for details.
Who Cannot Be Paid
- Parents cannot be paid to care for a child under 18.
- Spouses cannot be paid to care for each other. Some spouses may still qualify through Veteran Directed Care or WA Cares.
Home Care Aide
Work in private homes, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities.
If you need help finding job opportunities in your area, contact a Workforce Navigator.
Where to apply
To work in private homes either:
- Apply directly to a home care agency.
- Apply on CDWA Careers to become an Individual Provider.
To work in residential settings:
- Apply directly to an adult family home or assisted living facility.
Training and certification
- Complete 75 hours of HCA training.
- Training can be completed before hire or within 120 days of your hire date.
- Certification must be completed within 365 days of hire.
- HCA certification is managed by the Washington State Department of Health.
- Maintain certification with 12 hours of continuing education each year.
More information
- Find DSHS approved training programs.
- Some employers provide training.
- Hiring minors as Paid Caregivers
- SEIU-covered agencies and CDWA offer training through the SEIU Training Partnership.
Nursing Assistant-Certified
Work in private homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family homes, hospitals, and other care settings.
Training is offered through
- Vocational schools
- Community and technical colleges
- High schools
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
Next steps
- Complete Nursing Assistant Certified training.
- Complete the certification requirements.
More information
- Washington State Board of Nursing
- Information for prospective Nursing Assistant students
- Search for Nursing Assistant training programs
- Apply for or renew a Nursing Assistant credential
- Explore nursing career pathways (PDF)
Get Help Finding a Caregiver Career
Workforce Navigators offer free support
Central and Eastern Washington
Julie Gardner | julie.gardner@dshs.wa.gov | 360.280.1480
King County and Northwest Washington
Naomi Spector | naomi.spector@dshs.wa.gov | 360.764.6320
Pierce County and Southwest Washington
Yan Heng | yan.heng@dshs.wa.gov | 360.584.7532
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