What qualifications do I need to become a home care worker?
At Selfhelp, home care workers need to pass certain tests to be eligible for work: you must be able to read and write, but do not need a high school diploma. If you already have a certificate you must pass a Competency Exam; if you’re seeking training you must pass a Reading Comprehension Exam. You also must pass health and drug screenings as well as criminal background checks.

How do I apply?
Call 212-971-7771. Have a pen and paper handy and you will receive full instructions on what you need before calling for an appointment.

If I qualify, how fast can I become a home care worker?
The training takes 10 days for personal care aides and 18 days for home health aides.  Home Health Aides must also undergo Supervised Practical Training in the field; that is, a nurse will make the first initial visits with them in order for them to practice the skills that they have learned.

How much does training cost?
The training provided at Selfhelp’s Guthery Training Institute is free. There is a minimal deposit charge for the course books. The deposit fee will be refunded to you after the training course provided the books are returned in good condition.

Why is Selfhelp training considered so good?
Our training is of the highest quality and includes much more than other programs. This year, Selfhelp added innovative classes on workforce readiness and mentoring.  We have found that investing in our aides by providing them with a mentor for a year is an important way to demonstrate caring first hand. The program has been very successful.

Are there different types of home care workers?
Yes there are two types of home care workers, although there are many different names for the services they provide.  Personal Care Aides (PCAs) handle shopping, bathing, shaving, and chores, while Home Health Aides handle wound care, medication assistance, and personal care for individuals who have a medical need.  

What if I never worked before?
You will benefit greatly from the portion of our training that focuses on workforce readiness. During that portion, you will be taught about basic behaviors that are considered appropriate at work.

Does Selfhelp have a career ladder for home care workers?
Yes.  Selfhelp’s training program has been revised to address nursing and other career path choices for home care workers. After a year of service at Selfhelp, you may be eligible to become either a mentor or a training associate.  Further, Selfhelp is initiating relationships with nursing schools in an effort to encourage its aides to pursue a career in nursing.

Are there job benefits at Selfhelp?
Yes.  Home health workers are eligible   to become members of a union (DC 1707) which provide them with health and leave benefits depending upon their length of service and status (full or part time).   As an employee of Selfhelp, you are also eligible for other benefits including life insurance, unemployment insurance, free direct deposit, etc.

How soon can I start working?
As soon as you have finished training and passed your certification. That could be within a week of your last class.   If you are already certified our Orientation is three days long. Typically, you will be working before the week is over.

Where will I be working?
Although we try to place our workers in convenient locations, you might be asked to work anywhere that Selfhelp has clients. We serve all boroughs, except Staten Island and we also serve clients in Nassau and Suffolk counties.   We do try to keep you in your own borough but the more flexible you are the more work we can provide for you.

Can I work part time?
Yes.  There is no minimum number of hours that you have to work per week.  You will also be required to work four weekend days per month.

Do you have jobs for live-ins?
Yes and we also have split shifts (two 12 hour shifts).