Becoming a Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Most PSWs already have a connection to the individual they want to work with. The first step is to reach out to the client's Services Coordinator (case worker), to discuss potentially becoming a PSW and if this is a viable option. Once you are ready to begin review the information on Applying to Become a New PSW below.
For clients using an agency to coordinate personal support worker services the potential PSW will need to contact the agency to apply directly for employment through the agency. If you are seeking a potential client in need of a PSW there is a registry available through Carina for in-home services through Medicaid or Oregon Project Independence (OPI):
Carina In-Home Services Website
Applying to Become a New PSW
Application packets for new PSWs are available in-person at our main office, or by request, in both English and Spanish. To begin your credentialing journey and request a packet be sent to you please call our main office 503-846-3150 or reach out to our Admin staff at:
- Complete the Application Packet, which consists of 4 documents:
- Provider Enrollment Application and Agreement Form (PEAA)
- Background Check Form
- eXPRS User Enrollment Form
- Please include a photocopy (or printed photo) of your government issued driver's license, government issued photo ID, or passport.
- Submit all Documentation via mail, drop box, or in-person at:
5240 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 150, MS-66, Hillsboro, OR, 97123 - Complete a Criminal Background Check
- After submitting the form, a request to disclose will come from ORCHARDS via email from: [email protected]
- You have 7 days to complete their Disclosure Survey from the date they email it to you. If you do not complete it in 7 days, then it will expire, and you will have to start over.
- If fingerprints are needed, there will be a second email after the initial ORCHARDS email with instructions.
- Please note once the background check is started, this process may take 4-8 weeks.
- Public Partnerships (PPL) Payroll Documents
- PPL is the fiscal intermediary for the PSW and State of Oregon (ODDS) for payment.
- Within 3-5 days, PPL will call and/or send you a secure email with your payroll paperwork. Complete this paperwork with your Employer and return it back to PPL.
- Complete Mandatory Training from Carewell SEIU 503
- You must sign up and complete the 8-hour PSW/HCW Orientation with SEIU 503 before you get a Provider ID#.
- You can access training thru the Carewell SEIU 503 Training Website
- Carewell SEIU 503 Contact Information
- Phone: 844-503-7348
- Email: [email protected]
When You Can Start Work
To start working you must have:
- An approved Background Check.
- Completed your Carewell Orientation training.
- Received your eXPRS provider number.
- Completed the PPL payroll paperwork.
- Completed the Provider Enrollment Application and Agreement Form (PEAA).
- Have signed the Service Provider Agreement from the Services Coordinator.
- Note: this is separate from the PEAA and is specific to the client.
Work cannot start until the Service Provider Agreement is signed and the client’s Service Coordinator has told you the date that you may start working.
Renewing PSW Credentials
For assistance with the renewal process, and to request required forms, please reach out to our administrative staff by email. Please provide your full name and provider ID number so we may better assist you.
At 120 days from your expiration date, you will begin to receive notifications from eXPRS to the email they have on file. You can also find your expiration date on the log-in page of eXPRS if you utilize EVV for your time submission.
- Submit all Documentation via mail, drop box, or in-person at:
5240 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 150, MS-66, Hillsboro, OR, 97123