AFH Provider Pathway
AFH Provider Pathway
Sponsored by the AFH Council through the AFH Training Network, the AFH Provider Pathway supports Adult Family Home providers in building and maintaining a strong, qualified caregiving workforce. Through scholarships, reimbursement for approved training expenses, and access to funded training programs, specialty education, and administrative support, this pathway helps providers recruit, train, and retain caregivers prepared to deliver high-quality care.
Participating providers can sponsor caregivers through approved training programs that lead to certification and career advancement. The program also connects providers with resources, guidance, and ongoing support throughout the training process.
Scholarship Reimbursement Program
Participating providers may be eligible for reimbursement through the Scholarship Program.
Total Reimbursement Structure: $2,250
- $1,500 Provider Reimbursement
- $250 Caregiver Sign-On Incentive
- $250 Caregiver Retention Bonus
- $250 Provider Retention Incentive
This pathway helps reduce staffing challenges while improving the consistency and quality of care across Adult Family Homes. Whether you are hiring new staff or investing in the development of your current team, the AFH Provider Pathway provides the structure and resources needed to strengthen your workforce.
Participating in the AFH Provider Pathway is designed to be straightforward for Adult Family Home providers. Providers sponsor a caregiver (either a current employee or a new hire) to participate in training through the Adult Family Home Training Network.
Before beginning the application process, providers should:
- Identify the caregiver they plan to sponsor for training
- Confirm the caregiver meets the eligibility requirements
- Complete the required AFHTN orientation if it has not been completed within the last year
Once enrolled, providers will work with the AFH Workforce Academy and approved training schools to coordinate training, certification preparation, and workforce development support.
The goal is to make it easier for Adult Family Homes to access training opportunities that strengthen their teams and improve care for residents.
To participate in the AFH Provider Pathway, providers must meet the following requirements:
- Be a licensed Adult Family Home (AFH) provider
- Currently care for at least one Medicaid resident in the home
- Identify a caregiver to sponsor (current employee or new hire)
- Ensure the caregiver has worked at least 8 hours in the home prior to enrollment
- Complete the AFHTN Orientation (if not completed within the past year)
- Submit ProviderOne documentation as proof of eligibility
- Provide a signed Job Offer letter for the caregiver
- Confirm the caregiver is authorized to work in the United States (I-9 compliant) and has provided required documentation
- Confirm the caregiver has passed background check and fingerprinting to be eligible to work in an AFH in Washington State
- Be prepared to work with the AFH Workforce Academy to select an approved training school and coordinate enrollment
The AFHTN Orientation is a one-hour online session available through the resources tab. This orientation provides an overview of the training network, program requirements, and the role of the provider in supporting caregiver success.
Providers will also collaborate with the Adult Family Home Workforce Academy to select an approved training school and coordinate registration logistics.
Applying for the AFH Provider Pathway involves a few simple steps.
Step 1 — Complete Orientation
If you have not completed the AFHTN Orientation within the past year, complete the 1-hour online orientation through the Orientation Portal.
Step 2 — Identify Your Training Participant
Select the caregiver you will sponsor for the training program. This can be a current employee or a new hire who has worked at least 8 hours in your Adult Family Home.
Step 3 — Submit the Application
Complete the AFH Provider Pathway application and provide the required provider and caregiver information.
Step 4 — Select a Training School
Work with the AFH Workforce Academy to identify an approved training school and complete the training registration process.
Step 5 — Begin Training
Once enrolled, the caregiver will begin their training program and work toward certification.
Providers must:
- Ensure the Training Network participant attends all required classes and completes training requirements
- Notify the Adult Family Home Workforce Academy when key milestones occur, including:
- Training completion
- DOH application submission
- Exam scheduling
- Certification results
Providers should also notify AFHWA as early as possible if any issues arise, such as:
- A caregiver dropping out of the training program
- Scheduling conflicts with the training school
- Challenges with the DOH application
- Exam or certification issues
- Attendance concerns
Early communication helps the program provide support and keep the training process on track.
Who can participate in the AFH Provider Pathway?
Licensed Adult Family Home providers who are currently caring for at least one Medicaid resident may participate in the program.
Can I sponsor a new employee for training?
Yes. Providers may sponsor either a current employee or a new hire who has worked at least 8 hours in the Adult Family Home.
Do I need to complete orientation before applying?
Yes. Providers must complete the AFHTN Orientation if they have not completed it within the past year.
Who coordinates the training?
The Adult Family Home Workforce Academy (AFHWA) works with providers and approved training schools to coordinate training registration and logistics.
What happens after the caregiver finishes training?
Certificates will be uploaded to the portal. For CNA or HCA program completion, certification documentation and applications for testing and licensing will be submitted to the Department of Health (DOH).
Ready to enroll your caregiver?
Access fully-funded training for your caregiving team.