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The High Quality of Our Personal Attendants Starts with Our         Employee Training Program

Since our industry is unregulated, the only basic requirements for hiring a Personal Attendant is for them to complete an I-9 (proof of eligibility to work in the USA) and a W-4 (IRS tax withholding form). There is no requirement for a criminal background check, drug/alcohol testing or training and supervision.  Central Coast Senior Services, Inc. believes the following demonstrates we follow the Best Practices in the industry:

PRIOR TO BEING ACCEPTED FOR EMPLOYMENT:

• We only consider Personal Attendant applicants with demonstrated experience as care providers to the elderly whom we are able to verify through credible references.

• We conduct a criminal background check utilizing LiveScan technology which checks State of California Department of Justice and FBI Records. (see below…Limitations of Background Checks)

• We conduct a check with the Department of Homeland Security.

• We conduct a DMV records review of California Drivers and verify auto insurance.

• All applicants must complete an initial written exam and pass a drug and alcohol screening test.

During the last five years, Central Coast Senior Services, Inc. has invested over $160,000 in the education and training of Personal Attendants to assure the quality of each new employee PRIOR TO JOB PLACEMENT. An additional $145,000 was invested in continuing education and training for our Personal Attendants and Home Care Coordinators.

AFTER OUR PROVISIONAL DECISION TO HIRE AN APPLICANT:

• We provide seven paid days of training in our well-equipped 800 sf classroom to Personal Attendants we employ before they are ever placed with our clients. This helps integrate our new employees into our Care Philosophy and Standards of Excellence. All new Managers and Supervisors must also attend this mandatory training.

• During this training, the Personal Attendants must complete a series of written exams and demonstrate the physical skills required for in-home care,  followed by a final exam.

• The Home Care Coordinators who will supervise the Personal Attendants each conduct one day of the training, and other management staff also provide training. This gives our managers and field supervisors ample opportunity to evaluate the Personal Attendants during the seven days of classroom instruction, and employees may be eliminated even at this stage in the process.

 

Limitations of Background Checks

Background Checks are a way to reduce the risk of theft in the home by an employee. However, you should always use due diligence by removing valuable items and performing an inventory. Here are some additional limitations of background checks:

• Criminal background checks flag individuals who have been found guilty, pled guilty, or were guilty in Absentia, and those awaiting disposition.
• Identifying criminal convictions more than 7 years old are limited due to some state and local regulations.