How to Become a Paid Caregiver in California
Pathways, requirements and training for non-medical caregivers in Sacramento and Placer County
California offers two main pathways into paid non-medical caregiving: enrolling as an In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provider, or registering as a Home Care Aide and working for a licensed home care organization. This page outlines the requirements for each pathway and how to apply for a caregiver position with Get Care at Home.
Caregiver pathways at a glance
| IHSS provider | Home Care Aide with an agency | |
|---|---|---|
| Who you care for | One person approved for IHSS, often a family member | Clients assigned by the agency |
| Who pays | The county, for hours authorized by a social worker | The agency, as your employer |
| Requirements | County provider enrollment, background check and orientation | State Home Care Aide registration, background check, TB test and training |
| Best suited for | Caring for a loved one who qualifies for IHSS | Steady employment with training and agency support |
CNA or Home Health Aide certification is not required for either pathway. Those credentials apply to medical care. Non-medical caregiving includes personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship and reminders.
IHSS provider
IHSS is a county-administered program that pays providers to assist Medi-Cal eligible individuals who need help to remain safely at home. Family members, including spouses and parents, may serve as paid providers if they meet standard provider requirements.
How IHSS hours work
- The person receiving care applies through the county. A social worker assesses their needs and authorizes specific tasks and hours.
- Providers are paid only for authorized tasks and hours.
- Hours are not payable while the recipient is in a hospital or nursing facility.
Provider enrollment in Sacramento County
Enrollment is managed by the Sacramento County IHSS Public Authority.
- Register through the Public Authority's online enrollment portal using an email address not linked to an IHSS recipient.
- Complete the required IHSS videos and the online provider application.
- Attend an in-person appointment with an unexpired government-issued photo ID and your Social Security card. Names must match, and copies are not accepted.
- Complete a fingerprint background check using the Public Authority's DOJ Live Scan form.
- Attend provider orientation.
Registered Home Care Aide
Caregivers employed by a licensed home care organization must be registered Home Care Aides (HCAs) with the California Department of Social Services. An agency may not place an aide with clients until the aide's registration is cleared.
Registration and training requirements
- Registry application. Apply through the state's Guardian applicant portal. The application fee is $35, payable online by card or by mail with a paper application.
- Background check. Complete Live Scan fingerprinting using the form generated by the portal. Live Scan vendors charge a separate fee.
- TB test. Required within 90 days before or 7 days after starting work, and must be on file before working with clients. Aides with a negative result retest every two years.
- Entry-level training. At least five hours before working with a client: two hours of orientation and three hours of safety training.
- Annual training. At least five hours each year. Entry-level and annual training may be completed online.
- Renewal. Registration is renewed through the Guardian portal for $35.
Agency employment and independent work
Some caregivers are hired directly by families rather than through an agency. The main differences are outlined below.
| Independent caregiver | Agency caregiver | |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | Set by the caregiver and family; may be higher | Set by the agency |
| Finding clients | Caregiver's responsibility | Assigned by the agency |
| Payroll taxes | Caregiver's responsibility | Withheld by the employer |
| Training | Arranged by the caregiver | Provided by the agency |
| Liability coverage | Purchased by the caregiver | Carried by the agency |
| Support | None | Care coordinators and a care team |
Skills and qualifications
- Patience and calm communication, including with clients living with dementia
- Ability to follow an individualized care plan and report changes to the care team
- Reliable transportation to clients' homes
- Physical ability to assist with lifting, transfers and mobility
- Dependability and punctuality
Caregiver positions at Get Care at Home
Get Care at Home hires Home Care Aides throughout Sacramento and Placer counties. Starting pay is $19 per hour. Applicants new to the field are welcome, and family caregiving experience is valued. Training is provided in person and by video.
Community Supports Caregiver
Help adults remain safely at home with personal care, meals, light housekeeping, errands and companionship.
View position →Disability Services Caregiver
Support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including respite for family caregivers.
View position →How to apply
- Begin your Home Care Aide registration through the Guardian portal.
- Submit the online application with your experience, preferred service areas and availability.
- Our care team reviews applications and contacts candidates whose availability fits open schedules. Registration is confirmed before interviews are scheduled.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be paid to care for a family member?
Yes, in many cases. IHSS is the most common pathway: if the family member qualifies, you may enroll as their provider and be paid by the county for authorized hours. Veterans and individuals served by a regional center may have additional options.
Is CNA certification required?
No. Agency work requires Home Care Aide registration, and county work requires IHSS enrollment. CNA and Home Health Aide certifications apply to medical roles.
Does a criminal record disqualify an applicant?
Not automatically. The state reviews each background check, and some past convictions may be cleared through an exemption process. Certain serious offenses are not eligible.
How long does registration take?
Processing time depends primarily on background check clearance. Applicants should start the registry application and Live Scan as early as possible.
Is a car required?
Yes, for agency positions. Caregivers travel to clients' homes and need reliable transportation.
Apply to Get Care at Home
Questions? Call 279-782-1465 or email care@getcareathome.org.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Program rules, fees and requirements change; confirm current details with the California Department of Social Services and your county IHSS office.
