The Council on Aging Silicon Valley (COA) provides management services oversight and staffing as COA Public Authority Services through a contract with Santa Clara County.

The Public Authority acts as the employer of record for negotiating wages, benefits, terms and conditions of employment for IHSS Independent Providers. COA Public Authority Services provides a registry of providers to assist IHSS consumers in locating suitable homecare workers; screen workers listed on the registry; and provide access to training for IHSS consumers and providers.

To reach COA Public Authority Services for any reason call 408.350.3206.

COA Public Authority Registry

Consumers of IHSS are able to access the Registry to obtain a list of screened providers. The list is screened to meet the needs of the consumer. The list contains the names, phone numbers and list of trainings completed of at least three providers from the registry.

Staff at COA Public Authority Services interview consumers to determine their specific needs/requests in order to locate appropriate providers to refer to consumers. For IHSS consumers or providers interested in the registry they should call 408.350.3251.

The Registry screens individuals prior to acceptance on the registry as providers. Individuals must attend a three hour orientation session, complete a two page application, provide three references (which are checked), participate in an interview with staff and submit fingerprints for a Department of Justice background check.

COA Public Authority Services also provides an Urgent Care Registry (UCR) as a safety net for IHSS consumers whose provider is unable to come to work unexpectedly. Consumers with at least 50 hours of authorized IHSS hours are eligible to request UCR services. Services are limited to two times per month and the consumer must need some personal care during the time the regular provider is unable to work. This is available through a special phone number 408.590.0834. This is available seven days/week from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

COA Public Authority Services Benefits Administration

The COA Public Authority Services administers benefits for IHSS providers. To be eligible for benefits a provider must be paid for working at least 35 hours per month for the most recent two month period and complete the enrollment form. Benefits include Valley Health Plan which has an $25 portion of the premium the provider is responsible for; Liberty Dental, Vision Services Plan, and VTA bus pass (Eco Pass). IHSS providers who would like information on any of the benefits should contact the Public Authority at 408.350.3290.

COA Public Authority Services Training

The COA Public Authority Services provides training for IHSS consumers and providers in multiple venues. Consumer training includes the following topics:

• IHSS System Introduction: What is it and how does it work?
• The IHSS Assessment, Reassessment and Appeal Process
• Obtaining Your Independent Provider
• Managing Your Independent Provider

Consumer training is generally provided at the COA Public Authority Services office but if requested can be held at other locations. If an individual would like this via a phone training materials can be mailed and conference call training provided.

Provider training is held in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Mandarin languages. The following topics are held regularly:

For information or to register for a training session consumers and providers should call (408) 350-3206.