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County of San Diego IHSS Public Authority (SDIHSSPA)

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CONSUMER CORNER

THE REGISTRY PROCESS FOR CONSUMERS

The Registry can be accessed by the consumer in three basic ways. First, the consumer can be referred to the Registry by their IHSS social worker, social service agency, or medical professional. Second, a family member or interested party can refer the consumer to the Registry. Third, the consumer can refer himself/herself to the Registry. To make referrals, call (866) 351-7722 and request a consumer intake.

Once the consumer is referred to the Registry, a Consumer Empowerment Coordinator will assess the consumer service needs. This involves both assessing the IHSS approved service hours on record and interviewing the consumer for their critical needs. Utilizing the computerized listing, a Consumer Empowerment Coordinator will help the consumer to identify available providers that will best fit their service needs. A written list of eligible providers will be sent to the consumer. As the employer, it is the sole responsibility of the consumer to select their providers and set up interviews with applicants. The Registry neither recommends nor assigns provider applicants to IHSS consumers; consumers must choose their own providers.

The Consumer Empowerment Coordinator is available for follow-up service to the consumer. These services can include:

• Helping the consumer understand the role of being an employer and its responsibilities
• Helping the consumer understand how to interview and hire providers
• Helping the consumer to develop provider schedules
• Helping the consumer to understand time sheets and the payroll process
• Developing a system for keeping track of provider's hours
• Helping to maintain a good relationships between consumers and providers
• Conducting provider oversite
  

USEFUL FOR INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS:

Hiring the right provider from your customized registry list.

Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal background checks for Registry Providers

DOJ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Your rights and responsibilities as a consumer and employer.

Helpful hints once you have a provider.

A List of Transportation Resources for Consumers in the San Diego area.

STEPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT PROVIDER

STEP ONE – Making Phone Calls

• When you receive your list of possible providers (i.e., caregivers, or homemakers), call each one as soon as possible. If you wait too long before calling, the providers may have already found jobs. The provider’s names have been given to other consumers in need of providers.
• The purpose of the phone call is to determine which providers you want to interview.
• Some providers may be hard to reach by telephone. Please call more than once, and try to reach everyone on the list.
• Make sure you know how many hours you expect the provider to work per week before you call. Know what days and times you want a provider to work.
• Remember, it may help to have a flexible schedule.
  Your IHSS social worker has determined the number of hours you can receive. Your hours authorized for payment are listed on your IHSS Notice of Action form. If you have questions regarding your hours call your IHSS social worker.
• In order to help the provider safely and properly meet your needs, you are encouraged to tell the provider as much as possible about your condition or disability.
  

Suggested topics for your first telephone conversation:

• Location of Work Site
• Days / Hours Needed
• Need for a Car on the Job
• Provider Skills Needed
• Any Special Needs / Medical Condition
• Rate of Pay – Currently $8.50 per hour

STEP TWO- The Interview

• The purpose of the interview is to decide whom you want to hire. Carefully interview potential providers before you hire someone.
• Remember, as the employer you are responsible for screening, hiring, supervising, and if necessary, terminating the employment of the provider.
• You may want to invite a family member or friend to assist you with the interview.

Suggested topics for the interview or the first day of work:

• Illness/ Absences/ Holidays and Make-Up Time
• How You Handle Cancellations or Rescheduling
• Notification of Termination-How Much Notice Will You and Your Provider Give?
• Your Dietary Needs / Restrictions
• Your Language and / or Reading Needs
• Your Supervision Style / Procedures
• Safety Procedures Inside and Outside of the Home (Locking Doors, Lighting, etc)
• House Rules
• How Money for Shopping / Errands Will Be Handled
• Medications
• Emergency Procedures
• Record Keeping (Time Cards)
• Schedule for Provider’s Time
• What is to be Done, What Way, and How Often? (Include specific information regarding your condition or disability)
• Familiarize Provider with your Daily Routines, Hobbies, and Interest
• Information Regarding Others Living in Household
• Pets
• Allergies (yours and your provider’s)

When you have decided to hire someone, contact your IHSS social worker and let him or her know so that your provider can be paid. Also notify the Public Authority Registry that you have hired a provider so that we can update your status.

If you need further help with being an employer, please call the Registry at 1-866-351-7722.

Note any complaints or compliments you may have about providers from the list we provide you so that we may know about provider’s performance.

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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (DOJ) CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PROVIDERS ON THE REGISTRY

In efforts to improve the quality of our services, we are announcing the recent change to the requirements of Individual Providers (IPs) on the Public Authority Provider Registry. Please be advised that as of October 1, 2004, IHSS Public Authority will be requiring all Individual Provider applicants to the Registry, as well as all those currently on the Registry, to submit to and pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal background check. The IHSS Public Authority is required, by a local ordinance to allow only those Individual Providers with no record of felony convictions or serious misdemeanors, to participate on the Provider Registry. If an applicant does not submit to or pass the DOJ criminal background check, he/she will not be listed on the Provider Registry. If a current IP does not submit to or pass the DOJ criminal background check, he/she will be removed from the Provider Registry. By law, however, we are not authorized to disclose the exact nature of anyone’s criminal background information.

We anticipate that by December 31, 2004, all IPs listed on the Provider Registry will have met the requirement of the DOJ criminal background check. If you have a list from the Provider Registry dated prior to December 31, 2004, please know you are using a list with names of IPs who may or may not have submitted to and/or passed the DOJ check. In other words, you will be using the list at your own risk. It is advisable, in the future should you need an IP, to call the Registry to request a current list of IPs.

Please understand that you continue to be the employer of your Individual Provider and you retain the choice about who you employ. You may employ someone with a criminal background, should you choose to do so. However, the Public Authority Provider Registry will not be including the names of such persons on lists in the future. Please contact our offices by calling toll free: 1 (866) 351-7722, if you have any questions concerning this new requirement for IPs and how it may affect you.

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DOJ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (for a printable version of FAQ's please click here)

1. What is DOJ? What does this mean?

2. What is Live Scan?

3. Do I have to pay for my criminal background check?

4. What if I already did a background check?

5. What if I was convicted of a crime in the past but served the time, or paid restitution?

6. If I am working for someone and I do not pass, and they want to keep me as a provider, can they?

7. I am working and I cannot go get my fingerprints scanned during the day--what do I do?

8. If I don’t have my fingerprinting done, can I still remain employed for the Consumer I am working for?

9. How do I get to Live Scan San Diego?

10. How often will I be required to submit my fingerprints to remain on the Provider Registry?

1. What is DOJ? What does this mean? Department of Justice.

This is a government agency that has a database of criminal records.

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2. What is Live Scan?

Live Scan is the name of the technology that is used to scan fingerprints, which are then sent to the Department of Justice.

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3. Do I have to pay for my criminal background check?

No, it is free.

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4. What if I already did a background check?

You will still have to complete the Live Scan upon our request.

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5. What if I was convicted of a crime in the past but served the time, or paid restitution?

If the conviction shows up in DOJ records then you cannot be on the Registry. If you want more information about your record, contact Record Review at DOJ, at: 1 916-227-3832

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6. If I am working for someone and I do not pass, and they want to keep me as a provider, can they?

They can keep you as an IP; you just won’t be able to remain on the Provider Registry.

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7. I am working and I cannot go get my fingerprints scanned during the day--what do I do?

Live Scan is open evenings and weekends. You can call Live Scan for their hours: 619-631-7535

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8. If I don’t have my fingerprinting done, can I still remain employed for the Consumer I am working for?

If the Consumer wants you to still work for them you can, however you will not be able to remain on the Provider Registry.

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9. How do I get to Live Scan San Diego?

Take 8 EAST; Take the JOHNSON AVE exit; Turn LEFT onto N JOHNSON AVE; Turn RIGHT onto FLETCHER PKWY; End at 450 Fletcher Pkwy in El Cajon.

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10. How often will I be required to submit my fingerprints to remain on the Provider Registry?

As long as you remain active on the Provider Registry, you will not have to submit your fingerprints again.

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CONSUMER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Please take the time to discuss these rights and responsibilities with your provider so there is an understanding between you and the provider.

• You are the employer of the in-home care provider for the purposes of hiring the provider, directing the work in the home, and if necessary, firing the provider.
• You have the right to require additional screening, including a fingerprint criminal-background check.
• You are encouraged to notify the Registry when your provider is no longer employed by you.
• You direct the work in the home and are responsible for explaining to the provider how the tasks are to be done.
• If the provider is injured on the job, both you and the provider are responsible for notifying the IHSS social worker immediately.
• You should contact the Registry if you have problems that cannot be resolved with the provider.
• You are responsible for keeping your own record of the hours worked by the provider.
• By signing the provider’s time sheet at the end of each pay period, you are confirming that the provider is providing services.
• You have the right to ask your IHSS social worker for a reassessment of hours if your condition changes.
• You have the right to appeal any decisions by the IHSS Program that you do not agree with. Call your IHSS social provider if you need help.
• It is unlawful for you to refuse to hire a provider because of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
• You should not ask your provider to do work that is not authorized by your IHSS social worker or to work extra time unpaid.

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HELPFUL HINTS ONCE YOU FIND A PROVIDER

• Explain the task and hours authorized by your IHSS social worker.
• Explain to the provider her / his responsibilities.
• Plan a schedule of tasks for your provider and post it.
• Train your provider to meet your particular needs. Be sure the provider understands how you prefer to have the job done.
• Remember, clear communication is important and patience is needed.
• Set reasonable expectations about how long duties should take.
• Give the provider several days to learn the job.
• Keep your provider informed of any changes in dietary needs and restrictions.
• Remember, you are responsible for managing your hours. Keep track of your hours and sign provider time sheets. Remember, provider does not get paid for overtime.
• Establish emergency procedures with your provider so they know whom to contact if necessary.
• Evaluate your provider’s performance. Review your evaluation with your provider. Give your provider feedback, both good, and not so good. Be honest! Treat the provider with dignity and respect.
• You can terminate the provider for any reason. Whenever possible give the provider two weeks notice.

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• ADA (877) 232-7433 48 hour lead time. Must be disabled and unable to use public transit. Lift equipped. 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mon - Sun
  $3.50 one-way for mid-county
  $4.50 one-way for central county
• DART (877) 841-3278 2 day lead time. Lift equipped.
  Mid-City 5:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  Paradise Hills 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  Rancho Bernardo 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  Scripps Ranch 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.; 1:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  No charge
• Metropolitan Transit Services. The fixed route bus system in each metropolitan area offers senior and disabled rider discounts as well as monthly passes. Call 1-800-COMMUTE or TTY 1-888-722-4889 for help in planning a ride. Many buses feature lifts.
• CTSA
  The Coordinated Transportation Service Agency has “travel trainers” who are happy to help riders learn how to use public transit. Trainers will take riders on an outing using buses and/or trains. For more information, call (619) 699-7330 in greater San Diego area and (760) 726-5261 in North County & Inland.
• No Vacancy (760) 471-5346 48 hour lead time. 20 mile limit. Lift equipped. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Mon – Sun
  No charge to Medi-Cal recipients
  $63.50 round trip or $2.50/mile for non Medi-Cal recipients
  Additional weekend charge $25.00 Sat, $35.00 Sun.
• Public Transit (800) 266-6883 Lift equipped. Fixed schedule and established route.
  $1.00 for seniors
• San Diego Medical (619) 427-7555 Lead time as much as possible. Not lift equipped. Medical appointments: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Non-medical appointments 5:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  No charge to Medi-Cal recipients
  $17.72 one-way for non-Medi-Cal recipients and $1.30 for each additional mile.
• Sharp Hospitals (619) 644-4288 2 week lead time. Lift equipped. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  No charge to Sharp patients
• SoCal medical (858) 748-0573 Non-emergency patients only. Lift equipped. 5:00 a.m. – 6:45: p.m. Mon – Sat.
  No charge to Medi-Cal or Medicare recipients.
• Tri-City Medical Center (760) 940-7433 1 day lead time. Lift equipped. 6:340 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Mon – Fri.
  No charge to patients within 7 mile radius of medical center.
• USA Cab (619) 231-9656 24 hour lead time or as much time as possible. Contact: Susanne Stockwell. Lift equipped. 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Mon – Sun.
  $2.00 per mile
• Yellow Cab (619) 234-6161 15 to 20 min. lead time. Not lift equipped. 24 hour Mon – Fri.
  Script discount for seniors
  $1.70 for boarding and $2.00 per mile

• Caring Neighbors of Chula vista (Lutheran Social Services) (619) 476-7055 5day lead time on a first come first serve basis. Serves seniors 62+ and the disabled. Not lift equipped. 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mon – Fri.
  No charge for low income and $3.00 one-way for persons with income limited to 2 rides per month.
• Chula Vista Handy Trans (800) 685-4900 (877) 232-7433 (888) 517-9627 1 to 2 days lead time. Serves the mentally disabled only. Lift equipped. 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Mon. – Fri.
  $3.50 or $4.50 each way depending on income and location.
• National City Transit (619) 685-4900 24 hours Mon – Fri.
• Paradise Valley Hospital (619) 585-4257 2 to 3 week lead time if lift is required. 1 week lead time for regular medical appointment. 2 to 3 days for hospital services. Lift equipped. 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Mon. – Sun.
  No charge to Paradise Valley Hospital patients only.

• FISH (619) 390-0399 3 to 4 day lead time. Not lift equipped. 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Mon. – Sun.
  No charge to east county residents.
• Mercy Hospital (619)407-4680 1 day lead time. Same day for discharge. Lift equipped. 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mon – Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Sat.
  No charge to Mercy Hospital patients living within a 7 mile radius of the hospital.
• Paradise Valley Hospital (619) 585-4257 2 to 3 week lead time if lift is required. 1 week lead time for regular medical appointment. 2 to 3 days for hospital services. Lift equipped. 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Mon. – Sun.
  No charge to Paradise Valley Hospital patients only.
• Yellow Cab (760) 745-7421 1 hour lead time. Not lift equipped. 24 hour Mon. – Fri.
  $1.70 for boarding and $2.00 per mile.

• College Avenue Senior Center (619) 583-3300 1 week lead time. Not lift equipped. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mon. – Sun.
  For senior center members only, $25.00 a year and $4.00 each way.
• Mercy Hospital (619) 407-4680 1 day lead time. Same day for discharge. Lift equipped. 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mon. – Fri. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sat.
  No charge to Mercy Hospital patients living within a 7 mile radius of the hospital.
• Peninsula Shepherd Senior Center (619) 223-1640 Point Loma area only. 1 week lead time. The person must be ambulatory. Not lift equipped.
  $3.00 donation.

• Borrego Senior Community Center (760) 767-3116 Seniors. 24 hour lead time. Only Borrego area. Lift equipped. 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Mon. – Fri.
  Donations.
• Fallbrook Taxi (760) 728-9626 15 to 20 min. lead time. Not lift equipped.
  $2.30 for boarding and $2.10 per mile.
• F.A.S.T. (800) 660-4789 Lift equipped. Set public transportation schedule. San Marcos 6:00 a.m. – 6:15 p.m. Ramona 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Fallbrook 5:10 – 7:50 p.m.
  Public transit fare.
• Menalo Transportation Service (858) 922-0091 As much lead time as possible. Not lift equipped. 24 hours Mon – Sat.
  Per mile, depends on distance.
• LIFT North County Lifeline (760) 726-1111 1 day lead time. Lift equipped. North County transit schedule.
  $3.50 one-way.
• The Breeze
  North County Transit fixed route bus. One-way fare for seniors and disabled riders is $.75 with all-day passes available for $1.50. Monthly passes are also available. Call 1-800-COMMUTE or TTY 1-888-722-4889 for help in planning a ride. Many buses are equipped with lifts.
• The Coaster
  This train system serves the Oceanside to San Diego corridor making 8 stops along the way. Full fare is $5.25 one-way, $2.50 for seniors or disabled riders. There are discounts for bus to train transfers and various passes available. Call 1-800-COASTER for information or TTY (619) 234-5005.
• The Sprinter This light-rail system is coming soon to serve the Oceanside to Escondido corridor with 15 stops. Trains will run every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Stations and access to the train have been planned with senior and disable riders in mind. For more information, call (760) 599-8332.
• Poway Transit (858) 748-8152 Set public transportation schedule. Lift equipped. 5:30 a.m. to 8:20 p.m.
  $1.75 one-way.
• Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center (858) 756-3041 Rancho Santa Fe residents only. 1 day lead time. Not lift equipped. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mon. – Fri.
  No charge.
• North County Lifeline (760) 726-5261 2 week lead time. ADA eligible. Emily Just: Transportation Trainer. Lift equipped. North County transit schedule.
  $3.50 each way.
• Redwood Elderlink Out and About Program (760) 480-1030 Escondido residents only. 24 hour lead time. Seniors and disabled. Lift equipped. 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Mon – Thurs.
  No charge
• Rides & Smiles Transportation (858) 674-1124 Seniors 60+ Poway and Rancho Bernardo only. 1 week lead time. Lift equipped.
  $2.50 each way.
• Senior On The Go (760) 758-1323 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon. – Fri. $2.50 pick up charge and $1 per mile. Minimum of $5.
• Senior Rides (858) 748-6094 ext. 307 72 hour lead time. Not lift equipped. Volunteer based.
  $2.00 donation.
• Veteran’s Administration Hospital (858) 552-8585 ext. 7575. (858) 552-7470 Serves disabled veterans only. Not lift equipped.
  8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Mon. – Fri.
  No charge.
• Vista Out and About Program (760) 639-6161 Vista residents only. Lift equipped. Mondays only.
  Mileage reimbursement program for volunteers.

Contact Information:

County of San Diego IHSS Public Authority
780 Bay Boulevard, Suite 200
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 1-619-476-6215
Toll Free: 1-866-351-7722
TTY/TDD: 1-619-476-6306
Email: consumer@sdihsspa.com

Directions to the Public Authority office

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Last updated: October 7, 2004