Profile: IHSS Public Authority

Visit:  www.ns-pa.org

Mission:
The Public Authority enhances the quality of IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services), gives consumers a voice in IHSS and Public Authority policy, provides seniors and people with disabilities access to personal assistance to meet their needs and provides services that support the choice to live independently.

Founded: 2003

Purpose:
The Public Authority facilitates success for people who receive IHSS, by screening providers, maintaining a provider registry, making referrals to qualified consumers and assisting with interviews and other aspects of being an employer. The Public Authority also provides training for program consumers and providers and serves as the employer of record for collective bargaining.

Funding:
The Public Authority is a public agency funded with federal, state and county dollars.

Clients served:
In Nevada County the Public Authority serves 635 people who receive In-Home Supportive Services and 626 people who provide the services.

How CNL has helped our organization:
The Public Authority is governed by a Board of Supervisors-appointed body, that is composed of a majority of current or prior consumers of paid, personal assistance services. CNL provides tremendous training in Board membership, and supports valuable peer relationships between organizations.

Public Authority success story:
By working closely with Feather River College, the Public Authority is able to offer to IHSS Providers a certificate program in Personal Assistance services. The college will provide a 12 week training program that cover topics including: universal precautions, homemaking, nutrition as well disability-specific information like dementia and diabetes. The training will be made available at no cost to IHSS Providers.

Nevada Union Adult Education classes are also available on a regular basis at the Public Authority office and include CPR/First Aid.