Advanced Training
Better support those with complex needs with an Advanced Home Care Aide Specialist certification.
Advanced Training is available to eligible caregivers who care for those with complex needs. The program currently supports limited in-language learning. Have questions, visit the FAQ.
*Certification and pay increase require completion of the program. Eligible caregivers can gain Continuing Education credits.
Any questions about getting paid for training time or pay differentials should be directed to your employer. View the current Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).
How Advanced Training Works
Advanced Training includes 70 hours of in-person & online training over 8 weeks.
Language support varies by learning format (see below).
Materials available in: English, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.
In-Person Skills Labs
Get hands-on experience using what you learned online. Learn and practice caregiving skills with an instructor in a classroom setting.
Skills labs are taught in English. You request in-language materials and bring a community interpreter by reserving a seat in advance.
Online Learning
Complete 22 hours of online lessons and assignments outside of class. Build your knowledge and prepare for the skills you’ll practice during in-person classes.
Online lessons and assessments are available in the supported languages listed above.
Assessments
Complete assessments throughout the program. Some include video-recording yourself demonstrating caregiving skills.
Video assessments are in English. If you need language support, bring a community interpreter for your recording.
Advanced Training Programs
Eligible caregivers can choose the Advanced Training program that best supports the needs of the person you care for.
Behavioral Health
Build skills to better understand and support clients with complex behavioral health needs in their daily lives.
Program Details
This course will take you approximately 70 hours to complete. It is grouped into 8 modules with the following class formats:
- In-person (48 hours): Learn and practice skills in a classroom with an instructor.
- Online (22 hours): Complete self-paced lessons and assignments online.
- Module 1 includes an online assignment that must be completed after your first class and before Module 2. For
- Modules 2–8, complete the online assignments before each in-person class.
Module 1:
Learn the differences between a Medical Model and a Person-Centered approach, as well as create a client profile that addresses what’s important to, and for, your client.
Module 2:
Learn best practices in trauma-informed care, model effective communication strategies in caregiving, use appropriate listening techniques when communicating with a client, and collaborate with the client to complete person-centered tools.
Module 3:
Learn how to use motivational interviewing techniques to support positive behavioral change, explain the essential elements of successful problem-solving, and apply an appropriate problem-solving method.
Module 4:
By the end of this module, you will be able to model how to create SMART goals with a client, collaborate with a client to create a medication list, store medication safely, and establish a medication reminder system.
Module 5:
Learn about the importance of practicing self-care and on how to create a self-care plan to implement practical self-care strategies for personal and professional well-being.
Module 6:
Learn how to explain behavior as a form of communication, use positive support practices for daily living, describe strategies for transitioning between activities, and identify self-soothing techniques.
Module 7:
Learn how to model best practices and use the empathetic listening model to de-escalate a situation in the in-person class.
Module 8:
Learn how to support resistant clients, collaborate to reduce exit-seeking behavior, respond to signs of self-harm or suicide and describe special concerns when caring for children.
Holistic Health
Build skills to support clients with multiple chronic conditions and better understand health needs that may lead to emergency care or hospitalization.
Program Details
…
Eligibility & Enrolling
You and your client need to meet eligibility requirements.
Contact your employer to confirm eligibility and enroll. Individual Providers (IPs) can enroll through the Member Resource Center at 1-866-371-3200 or mrc@myseiubenefits.org.
Course Options | Location | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
Holistic Health | Olympia | September 25 |
Holistic Health | Seattle | October 2 |
Behavioral Health | Lakewood | October 19 |
Holistic Health | Aberdeen | October 26 |
Behavioral Health | Everett | October 26 |
Behavioral Health | Wenatchee | November 6 |
Holistic Health | Vancouver | November 13 |
Behavioral Health | Port Angeles | November 20 |
Holistic Health | Chehalis | November 20 |
Advanced Training Support
PBA Assessment Support
Get one-on-one support from a Peer Mentor to practice your skills, review feedback and prepare for your Performance-Based Assessments (PBAs). If you don’t pass a PBA the first time, a Peer Mentor can also help you prepare to try again with confidence.
Language Support
In-language Learning & Materials:
- At least 1 week before your first in-person class, request in-language materials by calling the MRC at 1-866-371-3200.
- Learn how to change your language preference in the Caregiver Learning Center for in-language online courses.
Community Interpreters:
You can bring a community interpreter to in-person classes and PBA recordings. You will need to reserve a seat for them by calling the MRC at 1-866-371-3200. Read the Community Interpreter Guide for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions, including eligibility, classes, assessments and more. Select a topic below to expand it and see the questions and answers.
Benefits of Advanced Training
You and the person you care for can benefit from the additional skills and knowledge you gain. You’ll learn ways to communicate and work together more effectively, along with practical skills like medication management and working with treatment and care plans.
How will it benefit me and my client?
Advanced Training builds on the skills you learned in Basic Training and prepares you to support clients with more complex care needs.
You’ll strengthen skills such as communication, problem-solving, de-escalation, medication management, treatment and care plans, health literacy and organizing care.
I’m a parent provider. How can it help me?
You know your family member best. Advanced Training builds on that knowledge with additional caregiving skills, including problem-solving, de-escalation, medication management, treatment and care plans, health literacy and organizing care.
You may also be eligible for a pay increase after successfully completing the training.
Eligibility & Pay
Both you and your client must meet eligibility requirements. Your employer determines your eligibility for Advanced Training. Contact your employer to confirm your eligibility and ask questions about pay during or after training.
They can also answer questions about pay during the training and pay differentials after the training is successfully completed.
SEIU 775 Benefits Group does not determine eligibility or pay.
Will I receive a pay increase after completing training?
Individual Providers (IPs) may be eligible for a pay differential after successfully completing Advanced Training, as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Agency Providers (APs) should check their CBA to see if they are eligible for a pay differential.
Contact your employer with questions about pay differentials.
What if I’m no longer working with the client who made me eligible?
If you are currently in training, you may be able to continue. If you are no longer working and do not have an active employer, you will not be paid to complete your training. Only active employers participating in Advanced Training can pay for the training.
What if I change employers?
Contact your new employer. They will determine your eligibility and can answer questions about training pay and pay differentials.
In-Person Classes & Attendance
Attendance at the first in-person class is required.
If you need to make a change, you can reschedule any session except your first in-person class.
You’ll receive your course materials, technology training and a loaned device during this class. If you miss the first class, you will be unenrolled and will need to enroll in a new class series.
We strongly encourage you to take classes in order because each class builds on what you learned before and prepares you for what comes next.
What if I need to miss another class?
You can reschedule any class except your first in-person class. Take your classes in order whenever possible. Each class builds on what you learned in the class before.
How do I reschedule a class?
Individual Providers (IPs): Change your session in the Caregiver Learning Center (see instructions) or call the Member Resource Center (MRC) at 1-866-371-3200.
Agency Providers (APs): Contact your employer.
Where can I find my class schedule?
Log in to the Caregiver Learning Center to see your class dates, times and locations. (see instructions)
Schedules can change, so check the Caregiver Learning Center for the most current information.
How will I know if my schedule changes?
You’ll be notified by phone or email. If you are an Agency Provider, notify your employer of schedule changes.
Where are in-person classes held?
After you enroll, log in to the Caregiver Learning Center to see your class location.
Online Learning & Assessments
Do I need a Caregiver Learning Center login?
You will need you Caregiver Learning Center login and password to complete online courses and find your in-person class schedule information.
Contact the MRC at 1-866-371-3200 if you need help with your log in information.
Can I complete online lessons after the last in-person class?
If you have online work or PBAs remaining after your last day of in-person class, log in to the Caregiver Learning Center on your own device and complete them as soon as possible.
To complete Advanced Training, you must finish all online courses, attend all required in-person classes and pass all Performance-Based Assessments (PBAs).
What assessments will I complete?
Advanced Training includes Knowledge-Based Assessments and Performance-Based Assessments (PBAs).
Some assessments are completed during class and others are completed on your own time.
What is a Performance-Based Assessment (PBA)?
A PBA gives you an opportunity to demonstrate skills you learned during training.
You’ll receive instructions and practice in class so you know what to expect and how to complete your PBA. Using a device, you’ll record yourself demonstrating specific skills. A proctor will review your recording and provide feedback.
You must complete the required video assessments to complete Advanced Training.
Am I graded on my assessments?
There is no passing score for Knowledge-Based Preassessments.
You must pass all Postassessments and Performance-Based Assessments with a score of 80% or above to successfully complete the training.
You may retake assessments as needed.
Devices & Materials
You’ll receive your training materials during your first in-person class. You can also check out a device to use during the program and return it at your last in-person class.
What should I bring to my first class?
Bring:
- A pen or pencil.
- Your state-issued ID or driver’s license.
- A bag for your course materials and device.
- Your Caregiver Learning Center username and password.
Arrive a few minutes early. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, you will not be able to enter the classroom.
If you need help with your login, contact the MRC at 1-866-371-3200 before class.
Will I receive a device for online training?
Yes. You can check out a device during your first in-person class and return it on your last in-person class day.
Can I use my own device?
Yes, but it must have reliable internet access and allow you to:
- Complete online lessons.
- Download resources.
- Check email.
- Record assessments using a microphone and camera.
Please bring your own earbuds or headphones.
You can learn more about device requirements for using the Caregiver Learning Center.
Technical support is only available for devices issued by SEIU 775 Benefits Group.
Can I use my phone?
You can access some online lessons from a smartphone, but phones are not recommended for this training.
Who do I contact for device support?
For help with a Benefits Group-issued device, email devicehelp@myseiubenefits.org.
For questions not answered in the Technology Guide, contact the MRC at 1-866-371-3200, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
What if I lose my course materials?
Contact the MRC at 1-866-371-3200 or MRC@myseiubenefits.org.
After Completion of Advanced Training
After you successfully complete the training, you will become a certified Advanced Home Care Aide Specialist and can use this title professionally.
How do I return my loaned device?
Return your device on your last day of class.
If you’re unable to return the device on the last day of class you can contact the MRC at 1-866-371-3200.
Can I access course materials after training ends?
Yes. Your materials will remain available in the Caregiver Learning Center.
Where can I get my transcript?
IPs: You can access your transcripts through the Caregiver Learning Center. See instructions.
APs: Contact your employer to request an official transcript.
How should I claim my training hours?
Work with your employer to make sure your training hours and client hours do not exceed your work week limit.
New In-Person Continuing Education Classes Available!
10 Online CE Courses Now Available in 7 More Languages
