Navigating the requirements for personnel training within the Adult Care Home Program can be complex. For those dedicated to providing exceptional care in adult care homes, understanding these requirements is paramount. Whether you are a current operator, an aspiring applicant, a resident manager, or a caregiver, this guide outlines the essential training and qualifications necessary to excel in your role and ensure the highest standards of care.
Essential Training and Qualification for Adult Care Home Personnel
The Adult Care Home Program (ACHP) mandates specific basic trainings and qualifying tests for all personnel based on their roles and the populations they serve. These requirements are in place to guarantee that every individual involved in adult care homes is well-prepared to provide competent and compassionate care.
Who Needs Training and Testing?
- Current Operators: Maintaining up-to-date knowledge and skills is crucial for operators.
- Operator Applicants: Prospective operators must demonstrate their readiness to manage and oversee an adult care home effectively.
- Resident Managers: Individuals in charge of the daily operations and resident well-being need comprehensive training.
- Caregivers: Direct care providers are required to undergo specific training to meet the diverse needs of residents.
Operators and resident managers should note that there are also additional trainings beyond the basic requirements, focused on continuous professional development.
Support for Your Training Journey
The ACHP understands that navigating the training landscape can be challenging. To assist you, a dedicated training coordinator is available to answer your questions and guide you through the process of finding and enrolling in relevant training programs. For personalized support, reach out to Ana Weakland, the ACHP training coordinator, at 503-988-3000.
Qualifying Tests: Demonstrating Your Competency
The ACHP administers two distinct qualifying tests designed to assess the competency of adult care home personnel. These tests are provided free of charge.
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Developmental Disabilities (DD) Qualifying Test: This test is mandatory for all caregivers, resident managers, and operators who will be providing direct care to residents with developmental disabilities. It is crucial to thoroughly study the DD Basic Training Manual 3/2015 before attempting this test.
Image alt text: A diverse group of individuals participates in a CPR training class, learning life-saving techniques from a certified instructor.
For individuals applying to be DD caregivers, passing the DD Qualifying Test is a prerequisite for any approval to work, even on a temporary basis. Remember to also submit your Caregiver Application and Background Check in person at the ACHP office.
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Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) Qualifying Test: This test is required for APD and Mental Health and Addiction (MHA) resident managers and operators, as well as caregivers seeking resident manager qualifications. Preparation for this test involves completing the APD Basic Training (Ensuring Quality Care) and the ACHP Orientation.
Important Notes on Qualifying Tests:
Operator and resident manager applicants are limited to two attempts at a qualifying test within a six-month period. Failing to pass after two attempts may result in application denial. Caregiver applicants who fail a qualifying test twice must wait 14 days before retaking it.
Upcoming Test Dates:
To register for a test, please contact the ACHP at 503-988-3000.
- No test January 28
- Tuesday, February 4, 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 11, 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 18, 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 25, 2 p.m.
Specific Caregiver Training Requirements
Caregiver training requirements are tailored to their specific roles and the populations they serve within the adult care home. It’s essential to understand these distinctions to ensure compliance and deliver appropriate care.
Should a resident from a different population group move into a care home, caregivers must submit a new Caregiver Application and Background Check for the new population. All staff, including caregivers, are also required to complete the necessary training for both populations. For instance, if an MHA resident joins an I/DD home, caregivers must meet the training criteria for both I/DD and MHA populations. Carefully review the requirements to guarantee you are fully compliant.
Training for All Caregivers:
- Application Submission: Submit your application at the ACHP office, including current photo ID and the application fee.
- Mandatory Abuse Training: Essential for recognizing and reporting abuse.
- Providing Inclusive Care (New LGBTQIA2S+ Training Course): Focuses on inclusive and respectful care for all residents.
- First Aid/CPR: Required for caregivers working alone to handle emergency situations effectively.
- Recordkeeping B: Necessary before administering medications or when working alone, ensuring accurate and safe medication management.
Additional Requirements for Caregivers 21+ Working Alone for >20 Hours:
- Pre-Service Infection Prevention & Control for Community Based Care: Crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
- Fire Safety: Ensuring safety and preparedness in case of fire emergencies.
- English Listening and Reading Tests (Provided by MHCC): To ensure effective communication and understanding (more details below).
- Food Handler Card: Required for safe food preparation and handling.
Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) Specific Training:
- APD Caregiver Preparatory Training Study Guide
- APD Caregiver Preparatory Training Workbook
Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Specific Training:
- DD basic training
- DD qualifying test
- Oregon Intervention System (OIS) certification (I/DD-2B only)
- 12 hours of I/DD continuing education units annually for renewal.
Mental Health and Addiction (MHA) Specific Training:
- APD caregiver workbook (currently, there is no MHA-specific training for caregivers)
- 12 hours of MHA continuing education units annually for renewal.
English Language Proficiency Test
For resident managers and operators, and potentially for some caregivers, an English test is a requirement. The ACHP has partnered with Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) to administer the CASAS Life & Work tests. These tests evaluate reading and listening skills and cost $23.50, with retests at $11.50 each. CASAS provides sample questions to help prepare for the test format.
Mandatory Abuse Reporter Training via Workday
All personnel must complete mandatory abuse reporter training. This training is accessible through Workday.
Mandatory Abuse Reporting for I/DD, APD and MHA care homes
For assistance with accessing Workday, refer to these instructions: Instructions: How to Request a Workday Learning Account . You can Request a Workday Learning Account directly.
The state of Oregon also provides a helpful resource: Abuse Reporting and Investigative Guide for Providers.
Providing Inclusive Care: LGBTQIA2S+ Training
A crucial new training requirement for all adult care home operators, staff, and contractors is the Providing Inclusive Care: Training for Oregon Long-Term Care Facility Staff. This training is also available in Spanish.
This online course, offered by Oregon Care Partners, takes approximately 1.5 hours and provides 1.5 CEUs. Each staff member must create an individual account to complete the training and receive a certificate, valid for 24 months and transferable between facilities. Ensure you register for the specifically approved course to meet this requirement.
Pre-Service Dementia Training for APD Providers
All new APD providers are required to complete an approved dementia care training before working with residents or being approved for any APD role. Existing APD providers must also demonstrate completion of this training. Dementia Training Sign up Instructions are available to guide you through enrollment.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Training
The Home and Community-Based Services and Settings and Individually-Based Limitations training, offered by Oregon Care Partners (also in Spanish), is mandatory for all APD providers, staff, and volunteers in APD homes or those serving APD residents. This free 1.25-hour online course covers HCBS rights, protections, and understanding individually-based limitations.
APD Ensuring Quality Care (EQC) Course
The APD Ensuring Quality Care Course is required for operator and resident manager applicants. When attending the basic training for APD-licensed providers before the ACHP orientation, bring a copy of the Multnomah County Administrative Rules (MCAR) . Currently licensed operators applying for an additional license are exempt from retaking the EQC course if they have previously completed it.
Portland Area EQC Instructors:
Contact Alyssa Elting-McGuire and Matt Gannon through afh-training.thinkific.com/courses/Online-EQC-Course or 503-647-6219, email [email protected].
Pre-Service Infection Prevention & Control Training
Operator and resident manager applicants must complete the 120-minute online video course on Pre-Service Infection Prevention & Control for Community Based Care as part of their application process. This free Oregon Care Partners course provides 2 CEUs and is crucial for understanding and preventing the spread of infections like COVID-19. Create an account at Oregon Care Partners to complete the course and submit your certificate to ACHP via email or fax (503-988-5722).
Food Handler Training and Card
Operators, resident managers, and caregivers seeking resident-manager qualifications or those in charge during absences must complete a one-time food handler training. Obtain your food handler card through Multnomah County or one of the approved providers in Oregon.
Fire Safety Training via Workday
Operators, resident managers, and caregivers aiming for resident-manager qualifications must complete the online fire safety training and test available in Workday. Refer to Instructions: How to Request a Workday Learning Account and Request a Workday Learning Account for access.
CPR and First Aid Certification: In-Person Requirement
CPR and First Aid certification requires in-person courses for both initial certification and renewals. Online-only courses are not accepted (MCAR 023-070-630). If online components are included, an in-person skills test with a qualified instructor is mandatory.
Approved providers include:
- American Heart Association (Heartsaver)
- American Red Cross
- American Safety and Health Institute
- Medic First Aid
For courses from unlisted providers, verify acceptance with the ACHP.
Oregon Intervention System (OIS) Certification for I/DD
OIS certification is required for I/DD-2B caregivers, resident managers, and operators. This system trains personnel in Positive Behavior Support and Intervention for adults and children with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities who may exhibit challenging behaviors. Sign up for the OIS course or learn more about OIS. Stay informed about changes to OIS Certifications.
By diligently completing these training requirements, adult care home personnel in Multnomah County can ensure they are providing the highest quality of care and support to residents, fostering a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment.
