PSW Training

CPI wants to remind everyone about the new training requirements for Personal Support Workers (PSW). In 2018, Senate Bill 1534 was passed by the Oregon Legislature requiring all personal support workers to participate in training and testing (also known as assessments). These requirements set standards to make sure workers have the skills, knowledge and abilities to provide quality in-home services and supports funded by Medicaid. Being a personal support worker is a valued profession and training is important to career development and advancement.

PSWs who were certified prior to 9/1/21 need to take the “refresher training”. Any PSW who was certified after 9/1/21 needs to take the “new worker” training. Current PSWs who have not taken the “new worker” training yet are required to take the Refresher training of 12.5 total hours.

This refresher training must be completed by March 31, 2022. If the training is not completed by March 31st, ODDS has stated PSWs will lose their provider number (with appeal rights). Community Pathways urges individuals and employers to check with their PSW’s to make sure they have taken their required training.

Ongoing, all PSWs are required to take 12 additional hours of continuing education every two years before they are re-certified.

All training is currently being offered online for free. Training is a mixture of self-paced online modules and scheduled webinars. Once in-person training can start again, the webinars may become classroom training.

See here for the Oregon Home Care Commission (OHCC’s) FAQ about Training Requirements for PSWs and here for Training topics. See here for the OHCC’s Connections Podcast!

PSW TRAINING FAQS

Why is training important?

Training is important part of any job. Training makes sure workers have the knowledge, tools and confidence to provide safe and quality care. It also helps workers learn new skills, strengthens the skills they already have, and even help with career advancement opportunities! The goal is to create a baseline of training for everyone, regardless of how long someone has been working. This makes sure that there are standards of care for every person in Oregon.

Is anyone exempt from training?

If PSWs have one of the following certifications, they will be exempt from the refresher training series:

Professional Development Certification (PDC)
Enhanced Homecare or Personal Support Worker
Exceptional Personal Support Worker

Please note that to remain exempt, PSW’s will need to keep the certification active. If PSWs are unsure whether they have one of these certifications active, they may contact the Oregon Home Care Commission by calling 877-867-0077 or sending an email to Certifications.OHCC@dhsoha.state.or.us.

What if I don’t have access to a computer, smart phone or tablet to take the online training?

PSWs who do not have access to a computer, smart phone or tablet may request a paper packet to be mailed to them.

To request a packet, call 1-844-503-7348 (M-F, 8AM-6PM) or e-mail Carewell. Paper packets are currently taking approximately 4 weeks to arrive, so it’s best to order them early.

What if my first language isn’t English, or I would prefer to complete the training in a different language than English?

The Carewell SEIU 503 Training team is working toward offering training in a variety of languages including Arabic, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Mandarin (voice-over), and simplified Chinese (written). You can adjust your language preferences in the upper right corner of the Carewell website and the Carewell Learning Portal.

For more information on registration in a different language, see here.

If a training is not currently offered in a PSW’s preferred language, PSWs may contact Carewell directly to request an interpreter by phone at 1-844-503-7348 (hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM-6PM), or email Carewell.

Do I get any compensation for completing my training?

Once current PSWs complete their refresher training, they will receive a $200 stipend and be entered to win prizes up to $1000! PSWs should make sure to update their personal information in the Carewell portal so the stipend will get to them in the mail.

For more information on these changes, as well as more detail on PSW orientation and training, see the FAQs on the Carewell website here.

We’re Hiring!

Are you interested in advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community? Have a passion for discovering and sharing resources? Excited about providing person-centered case management? Then we may have the perfect role for you!

CPI is hiring 2 full-time personal agents to join our awesome team! See our website here for more information and instructions on how to apply. Deadline for applications is next Wednesday, January 12th at 9:00AM.

COVID-19 Home Tests for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Members

OHP is now covering at-home tests for COVID-19. If an OHP or Citizen/Alien Waived Emergency Medical (CAWEM) member shows symptoms of COVID-19 or has had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, they are eligible to get up to 4 at-home tests per month without a doctor’s order (to get more than 4 per month, a doctor’s order is required). All types of at-home tests that are approved by the FDA are covered. At-home tests do not replace testing done in clinics and labs.

At-home COVID-19 tests can be found at most pharmacies and retail stores. Before checking out, members should let the pharmacy know that they are an OHP/CAWEM member, and they will not be charged. Tests bought online are NOT covered. Members may want to call ahead to make sure tests are in stock. Oregon is expecting a large shipment of home tests soon.

For more information about using an at-home COVID-19 test, see here. For more information on at-home tests for OHP Members, see here. For coverage questions, members should contact their CCO.

Members should talk to their doctor if they have COVID-19 symptoms.

Service Liability and Fee Notices from ONE

People who are eligible for Medicaid and get income above the SSI standard amount, may have received a letter from the Oregon Eligibility (ONE) system about a liability fee. ODDS recently issued clarification for individuals getting this letter who also receive Developmental Disability services.

These letters were sent automatically by a computer generated system (known as the ONE system) and are NOT bills or invoices.
People receiving in-home services, are NOT required to pay these fees, regardless of what the letter from the ONE system says.
Everyone receiving services through CPI is receiving in-home services, and therefore is exempt from a liability fee.
People who are in an EPD (Employed People with Disabilities) program, are also not required to pay a liability fee, only a participant fee.

For more information, and FAQ, see the ODDS Transmittal here.

Individuals should contact their PA if they have questions about this topic, or if individuals are unsure how to handle mail they receive from DHS.

New Staff Highlight – Christine Obille

In October of 2021, CPI welcomed a new Personal Agent, Christine O! Christine has worked in the I/DD field since 2014. We caught up with Christine and chatted about her background, her hobbies and her desert island must-haves! We are so excited to introduce her to the CPI community

Welcome Christine! Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hello! I was raised in Las Vegas, NV and moved to Portland, OR almost 8 years ago. You may notice me as the quiet girl in the corner, wearing glasses, snacking on chips. I studied sustainability education and spend a lot of my weekends volunteering and dreaming about how to build a sense of community and wellness.

Can you tell us about your journey with the I/DD field?

I started working as a Direct Care Professional in 2014 with adults that experience disabilities. I have held a few different positions as a Job Coach and Supported Living Coordinator. What I love most about this field is being able to connect with people and work in team environments. There is a sense of excitement in providing support; seeing how creative and compassionate people can be is incredibly energizing.

What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?

My favorite things to do outside of work mostly involve staying home! Puzzles and reading are my go to answers. I love anything that allows me to silence my phone, avoid traffic, and just move slow.

What are you excited for in 2022?

Oh goodness, the idea of a whole new year feels a bit overwhelming. I’m still processing the last few! I think what gets me most excited is more opportunities to spend time with friends. Also Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One) is supposed to be released!

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want with you (besides food and water) and why?

Hmm instinct is telling me rope, tarp, and a knife. However, I would probably be just as happy and survive just as long with a good book, a bucket to build sandcastles, and the movie Cast Away for inspiration.

Thanks so much to Christine for sharing with us! We’re so excited to have Christine at CPI and are looking forward to getting to know her!

Surveys

Customer Satisfaction Survey 2022

Feedback is very important to us at CPI – we want to make sure we are providing the best services possible. We want to hear questions, concerns and feedback. These sources of information are invaluable, because they allow us to make positive changes.

CPI’s Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey (answering questions about services given in 2021) is coming up in the next couple of months so keep an eye out!

Housing Inequity Survey – Creating Opportunities

Creating Opportunities is hoping to create more affordable housing options for people who experience I/DD. To help with this process, a survey was created to learn more about the challenges individuals and family members within the I/DD community face.

The survey questions ask about what can help individuals live independently within their homes. It also asks about which things in their current homes are most important, as well as which things are most important to have when looking for new housing.

The survey ends January 15th, 2022 and can be taken here (in about 7 minutes) or en Español aquí. 250 people who respond will win a $50 Amazon gift card! Winners will be notified on or before January 20, 2022.

Toy & Joy 2021

On Saturday, December 18th, some folks from the CPI staff participated in the annual Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee (IDDAC) Holiday Toy and Sunshine delivery event! CPI Customers could sign up for toy or food boxes which were delivered by CPI volunteers. A great time was had by all!

We chatted with a few CPI volunteers to get their experience of the day (and the event as a whole).

Linda (Personal Agent) has been participating in Toy & Joy since she joined CPI. This year was her 5th event!

Linda believes Toy & Joy is important because: “It’s important to remember that we are all human and sometimes some of us need more help than others, but that does not make them lesser individuals. It’s important to show that there are some folks out there that do not judge them or look down on them.”

The best part of Toy & Joy for Linda is: “I really enjoy dressing up in some sort of elf fashion or another to get into the spirit and bring that enthusiasm to the folks I deliver to.”

Linda’s Favorite Moment: “[I] got to make my client’s baby boy smile (6 months old and adorable) J”

Jacob (ONA Assessor) has been volunteering with Toy and Joy for 4 years! Each time December rolls around, he looks forward to volunteering again!

Jacob believes Toy & Joy is important because: “This event is important because it shows just how critical supplies can be to the members of the I/DD community. A holiday meal or a box of toys or books can go a long way.”

The best part of Toy & Joy for Jacob is: “My favorite part of the event is riding as a co-pilot with a fellow employee, Zoe. We get coffee before we drop off our deliveries. We chat and laugh and get to greet customers as we make our drop offs.”

Jacob’s Favorite Moment: “Every year, I get to see a particular customer, who gives the best hugs.”

This year (2021) was Rachel’s (Personal Agent) first year participating in the Toy and Joy delivery through CPI, but definitely not her last! She hopes to continue to participate each year, because it was so much fun helping out with the team.

Rachel believes Toy & Joy is important because: “We get to be a part of something that is impactful to others and spread holiday cheer!”

The best part of Toy & Joy for Rachel is: “Being able to see customers that I have never met or have not seen in a while in-person. Even if it was just for a few minutes, it was still nice to able to meet people and spread some holiday cheer. I also think the best part of this whole thing is the joy it brings to both givers and receivers during the Holiday season. Holidays can be quite hard, especially for people who are ill, grieving a loss, or going through financial hardships; being able to give meals and toys to families who need it most is amazing. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this drive.”

Rachel’s Favorite Moment: “One of the customers I delivered to was at a different address than the one I dropped it off to (unfortunately, Rachel learned of this after dropping the delivery off). Arlen, one of my wonderful co-workers, was able to pick up the box from where I dropped it off and drop it off to the correct location. The customer was very thankful and it was a total team effort. All in all, it worked out, but it wouldn’t have been without the great communication and team work.”

A big thank you to all of our volunteers! We’ll see you all during the holiday season of 2022.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

On Monday, January 17th, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day by reflecting on his life and legacy. Dr. King was the primary spokesperson for non-violent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law.

Visit Clark Library’s resources here for more books and educational materials about Black history in Oregon.

One of the best ways to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy is to volunteer. See below for a few of the volunteer opportunities in our community during the month of January:

SOLVE is hosting several clean-up projects on Monday, January 17th. Pre-registration required.
Blanchet House recommends making care kits for the houseless.
Hands on Portland has tons of volunteer opportunities this month, like Books for Kids, Restoring Terwilliger Blvd Forest, and Make Meals from the Heart!

MLK Day Events

University of Portland, MLK Day On: (Re) Claiming Black Joy - Opening Vigil

Featuring songs, student readings, candle lightings and more to honor Dr. King’s legacy, living dream and courageous Call-to-Action.

Date/Time: Friday, January 14th, 7:00-8:00PM

Location: University of Portland, Chapel of Christ the Teacher, 5000 N Willamette Blvd Portland
OR 97203

Register here

World Arts Foundation Inc. presents KEEP ALIVE THE DREAM

This historical film documents African-American communities in Oregon honoring Dr. King’s legacy. KEEP ALIVE THE DREAM highlights pioneering activists, community leaders, artists, musicians and youth whose valiant efforts have left lasting impacts in our African American community.

There will also be live music and a Q&A!

Date/Time: Monday, January 17th / 3:00PM

Location: The Hollywood Theater, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212

Tickets here

CPI Office Closure

Community Pathways will be closed on Monday, January 17th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Our offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 18th at 9:00AM.

Upcoming Events

Mt. Hood Kiwanis Summer Camp 2022 Registration

Registration for this year’s summer camp runs between February 7th (8AM) through the 20th. Camps will now run Monday through Saturday, and Thursday BBQ is moving to Saturday.

Spots will no longer be on a first-come first served basis – all potential campers will be enrolled in a lottery. To be eligible, campers must:

Meet all MHKC standards
Complete the Summer Camp Application
Complete all required forms by Feb 20, 2022 (except the Physician Exam Form, Due May 15)

See FAQ sheet here and schedule change one-pager here.

Portland Parks & Rec AIR Winter Session B Activities

Source: Portland Parks & Rec

Sign up now for winter classes and activities! View all offerings online here.

For questions or to sign up (mention “partner invitation”) call 503-823-2883 or 503-823-2325 or any PP&R community or art center in person. You may also email Jane Doyle with questions at jane.doyle@portlandoregon.gov.

If you mention the partner invitation you may also get one FREE visit to a PP&R community center! Activities vary by location. Valid through March 31, 2022!

Drop-in activities include:

Group exercise classes
Fitness Rooms
Swimming pools

Housing Independence January 2022 Events

Housing Independence has a ton of great events happening this month! To sign up for an event, tell your PA or email Amy Reza at amyr@housingindependence.org. Anyone is welcome to try up to three activities for free before deciding to join their DSA program. There are some in-person events happening this month as well (limited to 5 clients, masked).

Some examples of events (see full list in the newsletter here):

Cooking Club
Book Club
Big Al’s Half Price Arcade Night
OMSI and Mandela: The Official Exhibition trip
CeramiCafe trip
Top Golf trip

Newsletter: Friday, January 7th