Agency with Choice

A New Option for Receiving and Providing In-Home Support

Agency with Choice is a new option for some people who receive in-home services in Oregon. It allows the person receiving services to remain involved in choosing, training, scheduling, and directing their worker while sharing certain employer responsibilities with an agency.

The agency handles responsibilities such as hiring paperwork, payroll, taxes, background checks, benefits, and assistance with backup coverage.

Agency with Choice does not replace Oregon’s existing in-home service options. Whether it is available—and how the program operates—depends on the services and program through which the person receives support.

Agency with Choice Has Different Names and Models

Oregon uses Agency with Choice as a general name for new in-home support options offered through different state programs.

APD and OHA Services

For eligible people receiving services through Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) or the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Agency with Choice allows the individual to share employment responsibilities with an agency.

The individual chooses and directs the worker. The agency serves as the worker’s employer and handles responsibilities such as hiring, payroll, taxes, background checks, benefits, and employment records.

ODDS Services

For people receiving intellectual and developmental disability services through the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS), Agency with Choice is called the Employer Model Agency.

Under this model, the individual and agency share responsibilities. The individual helps choose, train, schedule, and direct the worker, while the agency manages employer-related duties.

What Does This Mean for the Worker?

A worker employed through Agency with Choice may be called a Direct Support Worker (DSW). The Agency with Choice provider—not the individual receiving services or the State of Oregon—serves as the worker’s employer.

The agency is responsible for:

• Hiring and employment paperwork

• Background checks

• Payroll and tax withholding

• Required training and employment records

• Benefits offered through the agency

• Assistance when scheduled workers are unavailable

The person receiving services remains closely involved. They generally help select and train the worker, establish the schedule and responsibilities, and direct the worker’s day-to-day services.

Agency with Choice is a separate employment model. A current HCW, PSW, or PCA should not assume that their existing provider enrollment, pay rate, benefits, credentials, or employment records will automatically transfer to an Agency with Choice position. Confirm the requirements and employment terms with the agency before accepting work.

How Do I Begin?

Agency with Choice is selected through the program serving the person who receives care. A worker does not enroll independently without an eligible person and the appropriate service authorization.

For APD or OHA Services

The person receiving services should talk with their case manager or local Aging and People with Disabilities or Area Agency on Aging office. The case manager can explain whether Agency with Choice is available, compare it with other in-home service options, and begin the referral process.

For ODDS Services

The person receiving intellectual or developmental disability services should speak with their personal agent or service coordinator about the Employer Model Agency option. They can explain available agencies, eligibility, service planning, and the enrollment process.

Before changing service or employment models, ask how the change may affect:

• The worker’s employer and payroll system

• Pay rates and benefits

• Background-check and training requirements

• Existing provider credentials

• Authorized hours and service documentation

• The date the new arrangement will begin

Do not stop using the current service or payroll arrangement until the responsible case manager, personal agent, service coordinator, or agency confirms that the new arrangement is approved and ready.

Official Information and Help

Agency with Choice is still a developing program. Available agencies, enrollment procedures, employment terms, and program guidance may change. Always confirm current information with the person’s case manager, personal agent, service coordinator, local office, or the agency offering employment.

For questions about the APD or OHA Agency with Choice program:

Email: awc.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov

For questions about the ODDS Employer Model Agency program:

Email: odds.questions@odhs.oregon.gov

My Homecare Companion does not enroll workers or individuals in Agency with Choice and is not an Agency with Choice employer.

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