Caregiver Pathway
Caregiver Pathway
The Caregiver Pathway helps individuals begin or advance a career as a certified caregiver in an Adult Family Home. Through funded training opportunities, specialty education, and guidance throughout the certification process, the program supports caregivers as they build the skills needed to provide high-quality care.
Participants in the program receive assistance navigating training programs, completing certification requirements, and preparing for the state exam. The pathway is designed to remove common barriers to entering the caregiving workforce while ensuring caregivers are prepared to succeed.
By supporting caregivers through training and certification, the Adult Family Home Workforce Academy helps strengthen the Adult Family Home workforce and improve care for residents across Washington State.
Before applying, caregivers should:
- Confirm they are being sponsored by an Adult Family Home provider participating in the program
- Ensure they have worked at least 8 hours in the sponsoring Adult Family Home
- Be prepared to complete required training and certification steps
The Caregiver Pathway is designed to support individuals in becoming trained and certified caregivers within an Adult Family Home. To participate, applicants must meet the following requirements and be prepared to complete training and certification.
- Be sponsored by a participating Adult Family Home (AFH) provider
- Have worked at least 8 hours in the AFH sponsoring their training
- Be willing to complete the required caregiver training program
- Be prepared to complete the Department of Health (DOH) application and certification exam
- The provider must attest that they have received and verified valid identification and documentation confirming the caregiver is authorized to work in the United States (I-9 compliant)
- The provider must attest that the caregiver has completed required background checks and fingerprinting and is eligible to work in an AFH in Washington State
- Commit to the intent to work in an Adult Family Home for a minimum of 12 months following completion of training
Participants must remain actively engaged in their training and certification process to remain eligible for program support.
The application process for the Caregiver Pathway is completed by the sponsoring Adult Family Home provider.
Step 1 — Provider Submits Application
The Adult Family Home provider completes the Caregiver Pathway application on behalf of the caregiver and submits the required information.
Step 2 — Caregiver Signs Training Agreement
Once the application has been approved, the caregiver will receive a training agreement outlining the program requirements. The caregiver must review and sign this agreement and complete the required orientation class before the scholarship can be accepted and training can begin.
Step 3 — Training Enrollment
After the agreement is signed, the caregiver will be enrolled in an approved training program.
Step 4 — Complete Training
The caregiver attends all required training classes and successfully completes the program.
Step 5 — Apply for Certification
For HCA and CNA candidates only: After completing training, the caregiver will submit their application to the Department of Health (DOH) and schedule their certification exam.
Caregiver Responsibilities
Caregivers participating in the program are responsible for:
- Reviewing and signing the training agreement
- Attending all required training classes
- Completing training requirements
- Submitting their Department of Health (DOH) application
- Scheduling and completing the certification exam
- Communicate any challenges that may affect training attendance or progress
Provider Responsibilities
Adult Family Home providers sponsoring a caregiver are responsible for:
- Submitting the Caregiver Pathway application on behalf of the caregiver
- Supporting the caregiver throughout the training process
- Ensuring the caregiver attends and completes training requirements
- Communicate important milestones such as:
- Training completion
- DOH application submission
- Exam scheduling
- Certification results
Early communication helps ensure caregivers receive the support needed to successfully complete the program.
Who submits the application for the Caregiver Pathway?
The Adult Family Home provider submits the application on behalf of the caregiver.
What happens after the application is submitted?
Once the application is approved, the caregiver will receive a training agreement that must be reviewed and signed before training begins.
When does training start?
Training begins after the caregiver signs the training agreement and is enrolled in an approved training program.
What happens after training is completed?
After completing training, caregivers pursuing CNA or HCA certification will submit their application to the Department of Health (DOH) and schedule their certification exam. For specialty classes, caregivers must ensure their completion certificate is uploaded to the portal.
Who supports participants during the program?
The Adult Family Home Workforce Academy provides guidance and support throughout the training and certification process.
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