Answers to frequently asked questions
will be posted here.
Q: Is the Public Authority part
of Orange County’s
IHSS department? A: No. The Public Authority is separate from and independent
of the Social Services Agency, Adult Services Programs,
which operates the IHSS program. The Public Authority
is a public entity governed by the Board of Supervisors.
Q: Does the Public Authority employ IHSS Providers? A: No. IHSS Providers are hired, trained and supervised by the
IHSS Consumer. The Public Authority, as employer of record,
will negotiates with the United Domestic Workers of America
for wages and benefits, beginning with the next cycle.
Q: I’ve never been a Provider
before. Do I have to have experience? A: No. Some
of our most effective Providers have never
done this type of work before but they do
have a desire to assist seniors and people
with disabilities. Click here to learn more
about the Registry and the application process.
Link to Registry page.
Q: I’m an IHSS Consumer and I’ve
A: Call your IHSS Social Worker and
give him/her hiring information about your new Provider (name, address,
start date, etc.) and verify the number of IHSS hours you have remaining
for the month. Hours will be pro-rated if a Provider starts working
after the first day of the month. Also call your Registry Training Specialist
at the Public Authority so she/he can update your records and forward
paperwork to your Social Worker.
Q: I’m a Provider and I’ve
A: Call the Public Authority so we
can update your records and forward paperwork to the Social Worker.
Also ask your Consumer to verify the number of remaining hours available
for the month with their Social Worker. Hours will be pro-rated if you
start working after the first day of the month.
Q: I’m a Provider and I haven’t
received my timesheet in the mail yet. What should I do? A: If you
belong to the Public Authority Registry make
sure you call the Public Authority when you
get hired. If you don’t belong to the
Registry, make sure your Consumer calls his/her
Social Worker. This step can eliminate a
time sheet delay. Please keep in mind it
takes two to three weeks from the date of
hire to receive your first timesheet. If
your time sheet hasn’t arrived within
three weeks, call your IHSS Senior Accounting
Assistant (SAA). If you don’t know
the name of your SAA, call the Public Authority
and we’ll be happy to give you the
name and phone number.
Q: How should
I deal with my Consumer/Provider’s unrealistic
job expectations? A: Using
a work agreement to set realistic job expectations
may help. A good work agreement will list
days and hours to be worked, tasks to be
performed and other important information.
This can lessen or eliminate problems between
the Consumer and Provider. Click on the work
agreement link to see sample. It’s
also important to communicate effectively.
Call the Public Authority for more resources
to help with these challenges.
Q: How do I become
a Provider through the Public Authority? A: You would apply
to the Provider Registry. Click here to learn more
about the Registry and the application process.
Link to Registry page.
Q: Why are fees
taken out of my check? A: All IHSS Providers
are represented by United Domestic Workers of America
(UDW) and are required to pay dues or fees based
on the number of hours worked each month. For more
information contact UDW at (877) 483-9937.
Q: As a Provider
am I eligible for health benefits? A: Home care Providers
working an average of 80 hours a month may be eligible
for health benefits. For more information contact
UDW at (877) 483-9937.
