Published: December 6, 2019

In 2014, our union helped form a state-funded training consortium so anyone living or working in the state can attend online or in-person classes without barriers to entry. Yes! That means you, your friends, family, loved ones and consumers are welcome to attend training! 

While our union continues to make sure that the Oregon Home Care Commission (OHCC) offers opportunities for personal support workers and homecare workers to get paid to attend OHCC’s in-person and online classes, Oregon Care Partners’ classes offer an alternative to receive quality instruction across the state in topics of your choosing. Please know that HCWs and PSWs will not get paid to attend Oregon Care Partners’ classes and HCW/PSWs will not get credit towards a Professional Development Certification or Enhanced/Exceptional Certification because Oregon Care Partners’ classes are not offered through the Homecare Commission.  

Oregon Care Partners provides free access to high-quality trainings in all corners of the state, helping caregivers to improve the lives and quality of care to vulnerable Oregonians in various care settings. Training opportunities are made possible thanks to funding by the state of Oregon and through collaborations with partner organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association, SEIU Local 503, Teepa Snow, and others. Trainings are FREE to anyone living or working in Oregon and are offered both in-person and online on topics including: 

  • Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
  • Understanding Medicines for Older Adults 
  • Communication and Strategies to Manage Common Behaviors
  • Understanding Sexuality and an Individual’s Capacity to Consent

SEIU Local 503 helps deliver Oregon Care Partners’ non-dementia training offerings facilitated by expert instructors including Sherry Stock, a certified Brain Injury Specialist, Marya Kain, a Behavior Coach and certified Geriatric Care Manager, Tim Malone, a Geropsychiatric Specialist and Behavioral Health Consultant, Shelly Edwards, a certified Positive Approach® to Care trainer, and Jessica Leitner, an MSW with more than 25 years experience in the DD community. 

Click here to learn more about Oregon Care Partners classes and how to register. (Pre Registration is recommended.) On-site registration is available and walk-ins are welcome. For more information about SEIU’s engagement in this training initiative or leadership opportunities within the program, contact SEIU’s Training Organizer, Tiffany Kraft, at (503) 575-0091, or kraftt@seiu503.org