Navigating the requirements for operating or working in an adult care home in Multnomah County can be complex. The Multnomah County Adult Care Home Program (ACHP) ensures high standards of care through mandatory training and qualification processes for all operators, resident managers, and caregivers. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the essential training programs and tests required to excel in Multnomah County’s adult care sector.
Basic Training and Qualifying Tests: Your Foundation in Adult Care
Whether you are a seasoned operator, a new applicant, a resident manager, or a caregiver, understanding the basic training and qualifying tests is crucial. These requirements are designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care within Multnomah County adult care homes.
Operators and resident managers have additional training requirements beyond these basics, focusing on leadership and administrative expertise. For those seeking further information on advanced training, additional resources are available.
For personalized guidance on navigating the training landscape, the ACHP offers dedicated support. Ana Weakland, the ACHP training coordinator, is available to answer your specific questions regarding training resources and enrollment. You can reach out to her by calling 503-988-3000 and requesting to be connected with the training coordinator.
Qualifying Test Registration: Demonstrating Your Competency
The Adult Care Home Program administers two distinct qualifying tests, offered free of charge, to ensure competency in key areas of adult care.
Developmental Disabilities (DD) Qualifying Test: This test is mandatory for all caregivers, resident managers, and operators who provide direct care to residents with developmental disabilities. It is based on the DD Basic Training Manual, which should be thoroughly reviewed before taking the test. Passing this test is a prerequisite for anyone seeking approval to work with DD residents, even on a temporary basis. In addition to the test, caregiver applicants must also submit a Caregiver Application and Background Check in person at the ACHP office.
Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) Qualifying Test: This test is designed for APD and Mental Health and Addiction (MHA) resident managers and operators. It is also required for caregivers aspiring to become resident manager-qualified. The test content is drawn from the APD Basic Training (Ensuring Quality Care) course and the ACHP Orientation. Completion of these courses is highly recommended before attempting the APD Qualifying Test.
It’s important to note the test retake policy: Operator and resident manager applicants are limited to two attempts within a six-month period. Failure to pass after two attempts may result in application denial. Caregiver applicants who fail twice must wait 14 days before retaking the test.
Upcoming Test Dates (Please call 503-988-3000 to register):
- 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.
Caregiver Training Requirements: Tailoring Your Skills
Caregiver training requirements are structured to align with the specific roles and populations served within adult care homes. It is crucial for caregivers to understand these varying requirements to ensure compliance and provide appropriate care.
A key consideration is population changes within a care home. If a resident from a different population group moves into a home, caregivers are required to complete a new Caregiver Application and Background Check for the new population. Furthermore, all staff, including caregivers, must fulfill the training mandates for both populations to ensure comprehensive care. For instance, in a scenario where an MHA resident joins an I/DD home, caregivers must meet the training standards for both I/DD and MHA populations. Meticulous review of these requirements is essential for maintaining full compliance.
Essential Training for All Caregivers:
- Application Submission: Applications must be submitted in person at the ACHP office, accompanied by a current photo ID and the application fee.
- Mandatory Abuse Training: Crucial for recognizing and reporting abuse, ensuring resident safety.
- Providing Inclusive Care (New LGBTQIA2S+ Training Course): Essential for creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all residents, including LGBTQIA2S+ individuals.
- First Aid/CPR: Required for caregivers working alone to handle emergency situations effectively.
- Recordkeeping B: Necessary before administering medications or if working alone, ensuring accurate and safe medication management and documentation. Further details on Recordkeeping B can be found in additional resources.
- Caregiver Checklist: Utilize the Caregiver Checklist to ensure all requirements are met.
Additional Requirements for Caregivers 21+ Working Alone for More Than 20 Hours:
- Pre-Service Infection Prevention & Control for Community Based Care: Vital for maintaining a safe and healthy environment and preventing the spread of infections.
- Fire Safety: Ensuring preparedness and knowledge to respond effectively in case of fire emergencies.
- English Listening and Reading Tests: Administered by Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) to ensure effective communication.
- Food Handler Card: Required for safe food handling practices within the care home.
Population-Specific Training Modules:
Aging and People with Disabilities (APD):
- APD Caregiver Preparatory Training Study Guide: Utilize the APD Caregiver Preparatory Training Study Guide as a resource for preparation.
- APD Caregiver Preparatory Training Workbook: Complete the APD Caregiver Preparatory Training Workbook to reinforce learning.
Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD):
- DD basic training: Foundational training for understanding and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
- DD qualifying test: Demonstrates competency in DD care principles and practices.
- Oregon Intervention System (OIS) certification: Required for I/DD-2B caregivers, focusing on positive behavior support and intervention techniques. Sign up for Oregon intervention system (OIS) certification.
- 12 hours I/DD continuing education units: Annual requirement for license renewal, ensuring ongoing professional development in I/DD care. Resources for continuing education units are available.
Mental Health and Addiction (MHA):
- APD caregiver workbook: Currently utilized as a training resource, as there is no MHA-specific training module for caregivers at this time.
- 12 hours MHA continuing education units: Annual requirement for license renewal, focusing on specialized knowledge in mental health and addiction care. Resources for continuing education units are available.
Essential Trainings for All Multnomah County Adult Care Homes
Beyond role and population-specific training, several essential trainings are mandatory for all individuals working within Multnomah County Adult Care Homes.
English Proficiency Test
The English test, administered by Mt. Hood Community College, is a requirement for all resident managers and operators. It may also be necessary for certain caregiver roles. The ACHP partners with MHCC to provide the CASAS Life & Work tests, which assess both reading and listening comprehension. The test fee is $23.50, with retests available at $11.50 each. CASAS offers sample test questions to help individuals prepare and familiarize themselves with the test format.
Mandatory Abuse Reporter Training: Safeguarding Residents
Mandatory abuse reporter training is critical for ensuring the safety and well-being of adult care home residents. Classes are accessible through Workday. New users will need to create a profile and log in to Workday to access this training: Mandatory Abuse Reporting for I/DD, APD and MHA care homes.
For guidance on accessing Workday, refer to the Instructions: How to Request a Workday Learning Account. You can Request Workday Learning Account directly.
The state of Oregon also provides a valuable resource: Abuse Reporting and Investigative Guide for Providers.
Providing Inclusive Care (LGBTQIA2S+ Training): Fostering Respect and Understanding
The Providing Inclusive Care: Training for Oregon Long-Term Care Facility Staff course is mandatory for all adult care home operators, staff, and contractors. This training, also available in Spanish, is offered online through Oregon Care Partners and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete, providing 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). To receive a certificate of completion (valid for 24 months and transferable between facilities), each staff member must create an individual account and complete the training online. It is crucial to select the correct approved course, as Oregon Care Partners offers other LGBT rights classes that do not fulfill this specific training requirement.
Pre-Service Dementia Training: Specialized Care for Dementia Residents
All new APD providers are required to complete an approved dementia care training course before working with residents or receiving APD role approval. Currently approved APD providers must also demonstrate completion of this mandatory training. Approved trainings, including online options, are available. Refer to the Dementia Training Sign up Instructions for guidance.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Training: Rights and Person-Centered Care
The Home and Community-Based Services and Settings and Individually-Based Limitations training, offered free online by Oregon Care Partners, is mandatory for all APD providers, staff, and volunteers in APD homes or homes serving APD residents. Also available in Spanish, this 1.25-hour course covers HCBS rights and protections, and prepares staff to understand and request individually-based limitations when necessary, promoting person-centered care.
APD Ensuring Quality Care (EQC) Course: Licensing and Best Practices
The APD Ensuring Quality Care Course is a requirement for operator and resident manager applicants. Applicants planning to take the basic training for APD-licensed providers before the ACHP orientation are advised to bring a copy of the Multnomah County Administrative Rules (MCAR). Currently licensed operators applying for an additional license who have already completed EQC are not required to retake the course.
Portland Area EQC Instructors:
Alyssa Elting-McGuire and Matt Gannon, reachable through afh-training.thinkific.com/courses/Online-EQC-Course or by phone at 503-647-6219 and email at [email protected].
Pre-Service Infection Prevention & Control for Community Based Care: Maintaining a Healthy Environment
This 120-minute online video course, offered by Oregon Care Partners, is mandatory for operator and resident manager applicants as part of the application process. It provides essential knowledge on preventing the spread of infections, including COVID-19, and qualifies for two Continuing Education Units. Create an account at Oregon Care Partners, complete the course, and submit a copy of your certificate to ACHP via email or fax (503-988-5722).
Food Handler Training: Ensuring Safe Food Practices
Operators, resident managers, and caregivers who are resident-manager-qualified or responsible for the home in the absence of the operator or resident manager must complete a one-time food handler training. Multnomah County provides a study guide and information on obtaining a food handler card. Ensure that the chosen food handler card is Oregon-approved, obtained either from Multnomah County or one of the approved providers, to avoid invalid certifications.
Fire Safety Training: Preparedness for Emergencies
Fire safety training is mandatory for operators, resident managers, and caregivers seeking resident-manager qualification. The online fire safety training and test are available through Workday. For assistance accessing Workday, refer to the Instructions: How to Request a Workday Learning Account and Request Workday Learning Account.
CPR and First Aid Certification: Responding to Medical Emergencies
In-person CPR and First Aid certification courses are mandatory for both initial certification and renewals. Online-only courses are not accepted. If a course includes an online component, it must incorporate an in-person skills test conducted by a qualified instructor. Approved providers include:
- American Heart Association (Heartsaver)
- American Red Cross
- American Safety and Health Institute
- Medic First Aid
For courses from providers not listed, it is advisable to contact the ACHP at 503-988-3000 to confirm acceptance.
Oregon Intervention System (OIS) Certification: Supporting Positive Behavior
OIS certification is required for I/DD-2B caregivers, resident managers, and operators. OIS training focuses on Positive Behavior Support and Intervention principles for individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities who may exhibit challenging behaviors. Sign up for the course or learn more about OIS at Oregon Intervention System (OIS) Certification. Stay informed about changes to OIS Certifications that may impact new applicants and recertification processes.
By diligently completing these training requirements, professionals in Multnomah County Adult Care Homes contribute to a higher standard of care and a more supportive environment for residents. For any queries or registration assistance, please contact the ACHP directly at 503-988-3000.
