Providers
Provider Training Opportunities
The San Francisco IHSS Public Authority is committed to supporting IHSS Providers with access to high-quality training opportunities that strengthen caregiving skills, promote professional growth, and enhance outcomes for Consumers.
We partner with trusted community organizations to offer a variety of trainings throughout the year, including skill-building workshops, specialized topic trainings, and caregiver advancement programs. Whether you are looking to expand your knowledge, improve communication skills, or gain tools to support Consumers with complex needs, there are opportunities available to you.
Below you will find current training offerings through our partners.
Our Training Partners
Provider Training Opportunities
As an IHSS provider, the care you give truly makes a difference. That’s why Homebridge and the San Francisco IHSS Public Authority have curated free classes to help you grow your skills and advance your career. Plus, you’ll get access to a supportive online community made just for San Francisco providers, all designed to help you succeed.
Self-Pace Classes
Intro to Homecare
- Key Concepts of Homecare, Self-Determination, and Self-Direction
- Introduction to Basic Human Needs
- Introduction to Providing In-Home Care
- Respecting Differences
- Communicating and Collaborating with Consumers
- Collaborating Across the Care Team
- Caregiver's Checklist: Effective Observation, Reporting, Recording, Client Rights, and HIPAA
Essential Caregiving
- Infection Control
- All About Food and Nutrition
- Medication Management
- Dementia and Alzheimer's
- Physical Changes of Aging and Fall Prevention
- Safety and Preventing Risk for the Consumer and Provider
- Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
Personal Care
- Body Mechanics and Transfers
- Supporting Consumers to Use the Bathroom and Manage Incontinence
- Supporting Consumers with Grooming
- Supporting Consumers with Bathing, Dressing, and Skin Care
- Caring for a Consumer Confined to a Bed: Baths, Bed Making, and Lifts
Live Online Classes
Introduction to Providing Home Care
This course will provide a clear understanding of the responsibilities as a new IHSS provider, the scope of work, and how to provide the best care possible. Participants will also gain valuable knowledge about the IHSS program’s policies and how to effectively assist consumers in daily tasks.
- Date & Times:
- April 29, 2026
- 9:00am - 10:30am / 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Understanding Basic Human Needs
Throughout this course, participants will learn to recognize the different categories of basic human needs and understand their role in supporting each one. By the end of the course, they will have practical strategies for applying this knowledge to their caregiving practice, enhancing both the well-being and quality of life of consumers.
- Date & Times:
- April 29, 2026
- 9:00am - 10:30am / 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Safety for Client & Provider
This course emphasizes the importance of prioritizing safety and well-being to prevent injuries. You will learn how to respond to home emergencies and provide basic first aid, including recognizing and responding to choking.
- Date & Times:
- April 29, 2026
- 9:00am - 10:30am / 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Key Concepts of Home Care, Self-Determination, and Self-Direction
This course will focus on the concept of “person-centered care” and the rights that consumers and caregivers have in direct-care relationships. Participants will learn about self-direction and self-determination, and how they play a part in the IHSS program.
- Date & Times:
- April 29, 2026
- 9:00am - 10:30am / 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Full Calendar
- Introduction to Providing In-Home Care
- Understanding Basic Human Needs
- Safety for Client and Provider
- Self-Determination and Self-Direction
- Infection Control and COVID Safety
- Body Systems and Common Diseases
- Respecting Differences
- Physical Changes of Aging and Fall Prevention
- Body Mechanics and Supporting Consumers with Transfers
- Mobility, Ambulation, and Movements
- Preventing Risk in the Home
- COPD
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Diabetes
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Collaborating Across the Care Team
- Supporting Consumers with Medication Management
- All About Food: Nutrition, Spending, and Budgeting
- Pain Management
- Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation
- Assisting consumers with bathing, dressing, and skin care
- Supporting Consumers with Grooming
- Supporting Bathroom Usage & Manage Incontinence
The mission of the Mental Health Association of San Francisco (MHASF) is to cultivate peer leadership, build community, and advance social justice in mental health. They are we are a lifeline of support, advocacy, and education for those navigating the complexities of mental health.
Hoarding Disorder 101:
Compassionate Strategies for Behavioral Change
Learn practical intervention strategies to help clients with hoarding behavior reduce clutter and achieve safe housing. This training covers compassionate decluttering approaches, motivational techniques, and evidence-based methods for inspiring change. Times subject to change based on participant needs.
Date(s)
- Friday, April 17, 2026
- Friday, May 15, 2026
Time
- 10:00am – 12:00pm
Language
- English
Trainings presented by the Center for Caregiver Advancement, whom also offer virtual educational events hosted by local caregiver resource centers — and they’re open to everyone!
Course 1: Emergency & Disaster Readiness (EDR)
Learn caregiving skills for supporting consumers with access and functional needs in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters. This self-paced course helps IHSS caregivers strengthen their confidence and readiness to protect both themselves and their consumers.
Target Audience / Requirements
- Must be a current IHSS caregiver living in San Francisco, San Mateo, or Santa Clara County.
- The care recipient must also reside in one of these counties.
- Caregiver must live in an environmentally impacted neighborhood (verified using CalEnviroScreen).
Format
- Self-paced, approximately 15 hours total
Location
- Online – self-paced eLearning platform
Stipend Information
- $770 upon successful completion
Course 2: Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias (ADRD)
Learn to recognize and manage Alzheimer’s disease and related symptoms, including memory loss, sundowning, hallucinations, and wandering. This self-paced course helps caregivers improve care quality and reduce stress when supporting individuals with cognitive decline.
Target Audience / Requirements
- Must be a current IHSS caregiver living in San Francisco, San Mateo, or Santa Clara County.
- Must care for a consumer aged 50+ showing signs of memory loss or cognitive decline.
Format
- Self-paced, approximately 15 hours total
Location
- Online – self-paced eLearning platform
Stipend Information
- $770 upon successful completion
Links to Information
- ADRD: https://advancecaregivers.org/ihss-alzheimers-disease-and-related-dementia/
- EDR: https://advancecaregivers.org/emergency-disaster-preparedness/
* To learn more about in-home caregiver training, email CCA at: studentaffairs@advancecaregivers.org.
You can also contact CCA via the SEIU Local 2015 call center at: (844) 725-8232.
** Enrollment closes June 22, 2026.
The Family Care Alliance provides expert support, resources, and guidance to family caregivers of adults with physical and cognitive impairments, such as Parkinson’s, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and other types of dementia. Find a list of upcoming classes, webinars, support groups, and workshops here.
Click to EnrollCAREgiving
Grounded in mindfulness, our online courses offer accessible tools and approaches designed to support caregivers. These sessions directly address the emotional complexities and unique rewards of the caregiving role, helping participants build emotional resilience, and sustain high-quality care with wisdom and compassion.
This course is designed as three two-hour-long sessions focused on mindful caregiving. Weekly sessions are conducted live via Zoom and include a combination of instructional teaching, guided meditations, small group activities, and open conversation. A computer or tablet with a functional camera and microphone are necessary.
Location
- Online live classes