STEPS Overview

What is STEPS?

STEPS is a statewide training program that teaches employer skills to people who receive in-home services through eligible programs. Centers for Independent Living provide STEPS training for free through workshops, one-on-one or guide-on-the-side trainings.

STEPS Eligibility criteria

Consumers are eligible for STEPS training if they receive in-home services through the Client-Employed Provider program, Oregon Project Independence, State Plan Personal Care (for seniors or people with physical disabilities) and the Spousal Pay program.

STEPS incentive

Consumer-employers who attend their first STEPS training are eligible to receive a gift card. Representatives of consumer-employers are not eligible. 

STEPS partners

Oregon Home Care Commission (OHCC)

• Ensures the quality of in-home services that are funded by the Department of Human Services for seniors and people with disabilities.
• Establishes minimum qualifications of homecare workers.
• Creates and maintains an internet-based Registry and Referral Service of homecare workers.
• Provides training for homecare workers and their consumer/employers.
• Serves as the “employer of record” for purposes of collective bargaining for homecare workers whose pay comes from public funds.
• Processes workers’ compensation claims for homecare workers.

Centers for Independent Living  (CILs)

• Centers for Independent Living are organizations run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities.
• The mission of each CIL is to help people with disabilities to live as independently as possible in communities that understand and value their contributions.
• CILs provide four core services:
  • Information & referral
  • Advocacy
  • Independent Living skills development
  • Peer counseling
• Other services are provided by CILs based on individual needs of the community and their consumers. 
• CIL services move people away from dependence and toward independence.

Oregon State Independent Living Council (SILC)

• Promotes choice, equal access, and full inclusion of people with disabilities of all ages.
• Advises on Independent Living issues in Oregon.
• Identifies Independent Living services needs in the State of Oregon.
• Surveys consumer satisfaction with existing services.
• And much more!

Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

• Represents homecare workers in Oregon.
• Bargains for training funds, which are used for training homecare workers and consumer/employers.
• Administers health insurance coverage through Homecare Union Benefits Board (HUBB).
• Lobbies the legislature for funding, protection of the in-home services program, and gives input on ballot measures that would affect funding for the program. Consumer/employers have a standing invitation to participate in SEIU lobby efforts and are supported in their participation.