Some Helpful Care Provider Tips...

Return all telephone calls

Return all calls when registry staff or consumers leave you a message, even if you are not available to take the job. If you have an answering machine, make sure your message is spoken slowly and clearly, so that people calling you can understand your message. Some callers may be looking to hire you as a provider, so messages should be courteous and polite.

Show up on time

Be on time for interview appointments and work assignments. If you must be late or cancel, call the consumer as soon as possible so that substitute care can be arranged, if necessary.

Never bring others

Do not bring your children, family members, friends, or other persons to interview appointments or work assignments. This is extremely unprofessional, and you could lose your job as a result.*

Some registry matches are not the right fit

Sometimes consumer and provider registry matches may not be the right fit.  If you feel you must give up a job, try to give the consumer at least two weeks' notice so that another provider can be found.

Be Patient

You may be working for a person whose memory is not as good as yours. Be patient with them. Remember that you are there to assist the consumer.

If a consumer asks

You are not to move things when cleaning, try to work around them, or lift them up and set them back in the same spot.  It can be confusing for some people if their things have been moved.

IHSS

• Will not pay you if you work more hours than the IHSS social worker has approved, even if the consumer asks you to work additional hours.
• Be certain that all forms are signed and turned in to the IHSS social worker to make sure you will be paid.

The consumer is your employer

• They have the right to hire, train, supervise, and terminate your employment.  If you are terminated, you may call Senior Network Services to see if they are accepting applications for work through the Registry at (831) 462-0880.
• The consumer must be present for you to work in their home because payment cannot be made when the consumer is not there.  If the consumer is in the hospital, you are not allowed to work for them at the hospital. Medi-Cal funding pays for the hospital care instead of in-home care while the consumer is hospitalized.
• If you work for a portion of a pay period, but the consumer is no longer available to sign your time sheet at the end of that pay period, you must contact the IHSS social worker for assistance.

Change of address and/or phone number

Any change of address or phone number shall be reported to the IHSS social worker and the IHSS Payroll Department at (831) 454-7315.

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