Caring for a disabled or elderly loved one through the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program can be immensely rewarding yet also demanding. With limited finances, many wonder if having additional employment is allowed or feasible while working as an IHSS provider.
In short, the answer to the question is yes – IHSS care providers can have another job while enrolled in the program. However, the number of IHSS hours claimed cannot exceed 66 hours per week when combined with a second job. Careful planning is required to ensure you meet all IHSS requirements when juggling multiple commitments.
In this article, I’ll explore IHSS work hour limitations, other critical program regulations, challenges of balancing multiple jobs, strategies used by current providers working two jobs, and helpful resources to evaluate if taking on supplementary employment is right for your situation. Thoroughly read on to gain greater insight from experienced caregivers already undertaking this demanding yet worthwhile responsibility.
Is It Possible to Have Another Job While Working for IHSS?
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides in-home care services to eligible low-income elderly, blind, or disabled individuals in California so they can safely remain in their own homes rather than assisted living facilities.
IHSS is considered an alternative to out-of-home care and is funded through a partnership between the California Department of Social Services and county social services departments.
It has served over 500,000 qualified recipients since its commencement in 1973.
If you are wondering if it is possible to have another job while working for IHSS, the answer is yes, you can. However, doing all the paperwork and getting everything set up correctly can be a little tricky task. It’d be best to join the couple IHSS Facebook groups to get the best info on how to navigate all that.
Types of IHSS Services
Some examples of IHSS services that care providers perform include:
- Personal care services – bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding
- Domestic services – laundry, shopping, cleaning
- Paramedical services – giving medication, changing bandages
- Protective supervision – observing behaviors to protect safety
- Accompaniment to medical appointments
Who Qualifies as an IHSS Care Provider?
To work as an IHSS provider, caregivers must:
- Pass a criminal background check
- Complete provider enrollment forms
- Complete provider orientation/training
- Obtain a health screening attestation
- Not currently be a conservator for the IHSS recipient
Family members, friends, neighbors, or professional caregivers that meet eligibility criteria can all apply to be IHSS providers.
IHSS Provider Work Regulations
IHSS has strict provider work regulations and hour limitations in place to prevent fraud, ensure care recipients get needed services, and regulate program costs.
Key hour restrictions include:
- Providers cannot work more than 66 hours per week when combining IHSS and another job.
- Total monthly authorizations cannot exceed 283 hours.
- No provider can work for 2 recipients simultaneously.
Travel time between appointments also counts toward the 66 hours per week total.
Additional critical work rules require that:
- All services claimed must be authorized on a recipient’s approved case plan
- Providers must carefully track and submit accurate timesheets documenting services provided and travel time between appointments
- Services must be solely for an IHSS qualified care recipient
Rigorously abiding by these regulations prevents penalties, payment reductions, or even program removal for non-compliance.
Challenges of Balancing IHSS and Another Job
For financial or personal reasons, many IHSS providers choose to add supplementary employment alongside their caregiving role. However, taking on multiple jobs requires immense dedication and planning.
Some key challenges faced include:
Time Constraints
- With only 164 hours in a week, balancing two jobs leaves little time for other responsibilities or self-care
- There is a risk of provider burnout and fatigue working extensive hours
- Rigid scheduling coordination is essential across both jobs
IHSS Priority
- The care recipient’s needs must remain the top priority according to program regulations
- This makes committing to consistent hours at a 2nd job difficult
- Jobs with inflexible schedules often incompatible
Admin Responsibilities
- Managing extensive paperwork for timesheets, authorizations, enrollment forms critical but time-consuming
- Additional employment can limit time available for care planning and coordination
Finding employers accommodating of unique IHSS demands improves dual job success significantly.
Strategies Used By IHSS Providers With Other Jobs
IHSS providers working a second job utilize various strategies to fulfill all responsibilities without violating program terms.
- Flexible Schedule Jobs: Many opt for a flexible 2nd job with adjustable hours like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash or freelancing. These allow setting availability around caregiving tasks.
- Stringent Organization: Utilizing detailed schedules, planners, notes apps, and calendar alerts prevents double-booking appointments. Some arrange backup help if unable to make a shift.
- Assertive Communication: Being extremely upfront with all employers regarding the realities ofbalancing IHSS as the top priority is key. Providers often coordinate with family members as well to evenly distribute care duties.
- Reviewing Authorized Hours: Frequently reassessing approved hours for the care recipient against actual time worked safeguards against overcommitting availability.
Many providers seek extra employment for supplemental income but find the demands of IHSS and other job duties exceedingly taxing even utilizing these mitigation tactics.
Is Additional Job is Feasible While Working for IHSS?
The most successful IHSS providers balances supplementary jobs carefully consider if taking on additional duties is truly feasible given a caregiver ‘s unique circumstances.
Key aspects to weigh with self-evaluation questions include:
Care Recipient’s Current Level of Need
- What is the average weekly hours authorized on my recipient’s care plan?
- What is the likelihood of my recipient’s needs or authorized hours increasing soon?
Own Energy Levels/Temperament
- Am I at risk for burnout trying to take on too much?
- Do I tend to over-commit my schedule on a regular basis?
Income Requirements
- Are there alternatives like financial assistance programs I haven’t explored fully before taking on more work?
- Is this extra income I am seeking necessary or just desired for extras?
Analyzing these personal factors honestly before adding a second job prevents many struggles down the road if IHSS alone proves to be a sizable enough commitment realistically.
Summary
IHSS care providers in California can have additional jobs while enrolled in the support services program. However, the maximum combined work hours across all employment is 66 hours weekly and monthly IHSS hours cannot surpass 283. Keeping the care recipient’s needs as the top priority and maintaining meticulous schedules is imperative.For providers presently balancing IHSS and supplemental work, maintaining open dialogue with all employers, leveraging organizational tools, and re-assessing feasibility routinely aids sustainability. We hope this article helped illuminate the intricacies of handling multiple jobs as an IHSS provider. Please leave any other questions in the comment section below for additional support exploring this demanding yet rewarding responsibility further.
Thanks for reading and best wishes with your caregiving journey ahead!
FAQs
Q: If I Have A Full-Time Job, How Many Hours Can I Work For Ihss?
A: With a 40 hour per week full-time job, you could work up to 26 IHSS hours per week without exceeding the 66 hour combined weekly limit.
Q: Do I Have To Report My Other Jobs’ Income On Ihss Timesheets?
A: No, IHSS timesheets and income are separate from any other jobs. You only report hours and services provided to the IHSS recipient on submissions.
Q: Can I Be Employed By A Home Health Agency And Work For Ihss?
A: Yes, you can work for a home health agency and concurrently have IHSS recipients. The 66 weekly hour rule still applies to your total worked hours.
Q: If I Inconsistently Show Up To My Other Job Due To Caregiving Demands, Can I Get Fired?
A: Yes, you can still get disciplined or terminated by other employers if calling out frequently or showing up late due to IHSS commitments. Clear communication on limitations is key.
Q: Where Can I Get Help If Feeling Overwhelmed Working Multiple Jobs As An Ihss Provider?
A: Reach out to social workers, public health authorities, non-profit organizations, support groups, or other care providers for best practices and advice if feeling overloaded trying to balance working multiple jobs.
