Matching Service Registries

BACKGROUND

Matching service registries are online platforms that help home care consumers and workers find one another. They vary in structure, but in all cases, matching service registries are designed to enable consumers to identify and contact nearby workers with the right mix of skills, experience, and availability—and enable workers to find clients and build sustainable work schedules. These registries serve a critical need: Medicaid programs that allow consumers to directly employ their own home care workers are growing in number and popularity, but self-directing consumers struggle to recruit and retain workers because of the nationwide home care workforce shortage.

This national inventory of public and nonprofit matching service registries is meant to inspire and inform state and local efforts to improve existing registries and create new registries where there are none.

KEY FINDINGS

• There are 20 matching service registries in 12 states.
• 11 matching service registries are statewide and 9 are regional.
• 12 registries use shared online platform infrastructure, including 7 registries that use QuickMatch, 3 that use Rewarding Work, and 2 that use Carina.
• 18 matching service registries are maintained by nonprofit organizations and 1 is maintained by a state agency. These organizations oversee the registries’ day-to-day operations, and may also recruit users, provide technical support, and/or develop new registry features, among other activities.

Please contact Sarah Angell at sangell@PHInational.org with any information about a new or existing matching service registry in your state or locality. 

California

QuickMatch (Marin County)

Maintained by: Marin Center for Independent Living (MCIL)

Number of Users:  584 consumers and 147 workers

Availability: This grant-funded registry is free to use for all consumers, including consumers who pay for services out-of-pocket and through Medicaid.

Functionality:  Consumers can search for workers based on a range of criteria, and workers can also add audio introductions to their profiles. After a consumer contacts a worker using the site’s secure messaging system, MCIL staff follow-up with the consumer to learn whether they were able to establish an employment relationship, and then update the consumer and worker profiles accordingly.

QuickMatch (San Mateo County)

Maintained by: Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities (CID)

Number of Users:  40 consumers and 10 workers

Availability: This grant-funded registry is free to use for all consumers, including consumers who pay for services out-of-pocket and through Medicaid. While workers are not required to undergo a background check to use the registry, CID provides background checks for a small fee upon request from consumers.

Functionality:  Consumers can search for workers based on a range of criteria, and workers can also add audio introductions to their profiles. After a consumer contacts a worker using the site’s secure messaging system, CID staff follow-up with the consumer to learn whether they were able to establish an employment relationship, and then update the consumer and worker profiles accordingly.

QuickMatch (Santa Clara County)

Maintained by: Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC)

Number of Users:  80 consumers and 18 workers

Availability: This grant-funded registry is free to use for all consumers, including consumers who pay for services out-of-pocket and through Medicaid. Consumers must attend a brief workshop on their employment responsibilities before using the registry. Workers are required to complete an online application before joining the registry and they may also attend optional workshops on their rights and responsibilities.

Functionality:  Consumers can search for workers based on a range of criteria, and workers can also add audio introductions to their profiles. After a consumer contacts a worker using the site’s secure messaging system, SVILC staff follow-up with the consumer to learn whether they were able to establish an employment relationship, and then update the consumer and worker profiles accordingly.

QuickMatch (Southern Alameda County)

Maintained by: Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL)

Number of Users:  340 consumers and 50 workers

Availability: This grant-funded registry is free to use for all consumers, including consumers who pay for services out-of-pocket and through Medicaid.

Functionality:  Consumers can search for workers based on a range of criteria, and workers can also add audio introductions to their profiles. After a consumer contacts a worker using the site’s secure messaging system, CRIL staff follow-up with the consumer to learn whether they were able to establish an employment relationship, and then update the consumer and worker profiles accordingly.

QuickMatch (Regional)

Maintained by: Resources for Independent Living (RIL)

Number of Users:  340 consumers and 50 workers

Availability: This grant-funded registry is free to use for all consumers, including consumers who pay for services out-of-pocket and through Medicaid.

QuickMatch (Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties)

Maintained by: Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC)

Number of Users:  Numbers of consumers and workers to be updated soon.

Availability: This grant-funded registry is free to use for all consumers, including consumers who pay for services out-of-pocket and through Medicaid.

QuickMatch (Regional)

Maintained by: Disability Action Center (DAC)

Number of Users:  Number of workers and consumers not available.

Availability: This grant-funded registry is free to use for all consumers, including consumers who pay for services out-of-pocket and through Medicaid.

CIL BETA Care Provider Registry (Alameda County)

Maintained by: The Center for Independent Living (CIL)

Number of Users:  50 consumers and 15 workers

Connecticut

Rewarding Work (Statewide)

Maintained by: Toward Independent Living and Learning, Inc.

Number of Users:  180 consumers and 300 workers

Availability: This registry is open to consumers, workers, and home care agencies. It is supported by public funds through the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS). The registry is free to use for consumers enrolled in DDS programs as well as all individual workers. Private-pay consumers and home care agencies must pay monthly or annual fees.

Functionality:  Consumers can search for workers based on diverse criteria and message them directly, or they can post openings on a job board, which allows workers to search for jobs (based on location and other criteria) and apply online. The registry sends monthly, automated messages to consumers and workers to remind them to update their profiles, and profiles are deactivated after three months of inactivity.

Kansas

Rewarding Work (Statewide)

Maintained by: Toward Independent Living and Learning, Inc.

Number of Users:  100 consumers and 150 workers

Availability: This registry is open to consumers, workers, and home care agencies. It is funded through the Arc of Douglas County. The registry is free to use for consumers enrolled in KanCare, the state’s Medicaid managed care program, as well as all individual workers. Private-pay consumers and home care agencies must pay monthly or annual fees. Workers do not need to meet any requirements to join the registry, but KanCare does require workers to pass a background check before providing services. The registry directs KanCare consumers to manage the onboarding process through their fiscal management service providers.

Functionality:  Consumers can search for workers based on diverse criteria and message them directly, or they can post openings on a job board, which allows workers to search for jobs (based on location and other criteria) and apply online. The registry sends monthly, automated messages to consumers and workers to remind them to update their profiles, and profiles are deactivated after three months of inactivity.

Maine

PA Registry (Statewide)

Maintained by: Alpha One

Number of Users:  Number of registry users not available

Availability: This grant-funded registry is open to all consumers and workers. To join the registry, consumers must contact Alpha One, a Center for Independent Living. Workers do not need to meet any requirements to post on the registry.

Functionality:  Consumers can search for workers by county and contact them by phone. Worker profiles include contact information, availability, and a field that users can populate with any other relevant information.

Massachusetts

Mass PCA Directory (Statewide)

Maintained by: Massachusetts Personal Care Attendant Workforce Council

Number of Users:  2,700 consumers and 5,200 workers

Availability: This state-funded registry is free to use for all workers and consumers enrolled in MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program. While workers do not need to meet any requirements before creating their profiles, they must undergo training and a background check before providing MassHealth-funded services.

Functionality:  Consumers can search for workers based on diverse criteria and message them directly, but they are encouraged to post job descriptions, which allow workers to search for jobs (based on location and other criteria) and message potential employers. In addition to offering robust search features, the registry periodically sends automated emails to workers with job openings and to consumers with available workers. To ensure registry information remains current, the service sends reminders to consumers and workers to update their profiles.

Rewarding Work (Statewide)

Maintained by: Toward Independent Living and Learning, Inc.

Number of Users:  400 consumers and 900 workers

Availability: This registry is open to consumers, workers, and home care agencies. It is supported by public funds through the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Workers do not need to meet any requirements to use the registry, but the registry does provide resources on how to complete an optional criminal background check. The registry is free to use for consumers enrolled in DDS programs as well as all individual workers. Private-pay consumers and home care agencies must pay monthly or annual fees.

Functionality:  Consumers can search for workers based on diverse criteria and message them directly, or they can post openings on a job board, which allows workers to search for jobs (based on location and other criteria) and apply online. The registry sends monthly, automated messages to consumers and workers to remind them to update their profiles, and profiles are deactivated after three months of inactivity.

New Hampshire

Care Attendant Registry (Statewide)

Maintained by: Granite State Independent Living (GSIL)

Number of Users:  600 consumers; number of workers not available

Availability: This registry is only open to all workers and consumers enrolled in Medicaid-funded programs. Before they are listed on the registry, workers must provide GSIL with their skills, availability, and preferences, which staff use to create and maintain worker profiles.

Functionality:  Consumers can search for workers by county and contact them over the phone. GSIL staff periodically contact workers and consumers to determine whether they have been able to establish employment relationships.

New Mexico

En Casa Care Connections (Statewide)

Maintained by: Encuentro

Number of Users:  160 consumers; 118 workers

Availability: All consumers can use this registry at no cost. However, consumers must be able to pay out of pocket without use of insurance. All workers are graduates of Encuentro’s training programs.

Functionality:  Home health aides can create a profile after completing Encuentro training. Consumers can fill out a form, and Encuentro staff match consumers with workers.

North Dakota

Direct Care Careers (Statewide)

Maintained by: ADvancing States, through Direct Care Careers

Number of Users: 1,234 workers. Number of consumers not available.

Availability: The site is available to eligible recipients of North Dakota’s state and Medicaid funded home and community-based services and to the general public. Private pay clients may use this registry to help them find someone in their community who provides this type of care. North Dakota’s direct support professionals and agencies are called Qualified Services Providers (QSPs). QSPs using the registry meet the qualifications to work with the ND Department of Health and Human Services’ Adult and Aging Services Division.

Functionality: Consumers can search for workers or agencies by geography and can select preferred shift times and types of services needed and contact them by phone or email. Worker profiles include contact information, geography, availability, and approved services they can provide.

Oregon

Carina (Statewide)

Maintained by: Carina

Number of Users: 4,600 workers and 2,794 consumers (which includes 894 case managers and other support workers who may post jobs on behalf of more than one consumer)

Availability: This nonprofit registry expanded from its base in Washington state, where it was created through the collective bargaining agreement between Washington State and SEIU 775 (the home care worker union) thanks to partnership between Carewell SEIU 503, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), the Oregon Homecare Commission, and Oregon Project Independence (OPI). This registry is open to all Medicaid consumers and workers who are contracted with the ODHS or OPI.

Functionality:  Consumers, family members, and state-employed referral coordinators may post job listings and search for workers based on diverse criteria. Workers and consumers can use geolocation features to search for workers and jobs nearest to them and contact each other using a secure messaging system.

Pennsylvania

Direct Care Workers’ Center Registry (Washington, Fayette, and Greene Counties)

Maintained by: Transitional Paths to Independent Living (TRPIL)

Number of Users:  360 workers; number of consumers not available

Availability: All consumers can use this grant-funded registry at no cost. Workers must be employed by TRPIL in order to use the registry. Before workers are listed, they must undergo a background check and attend a four-day training.

Functionality:  Consumers can search for workers based on location, gender, and availability. Worker profiles include experience, means of transportation, and other information about their preferences. To connect with workers, consumers must contact TRPIL staff, who facilitate an introduction.

Washington

Carina (Statewide)

Maintained by: Carina

Number of Users:  13,240 consumers and 18,430 workers

Availability: This nonprofit registry, which is funded through the collective bargaining agreement between Washington State and SEIU 775 (the home care union), is open to all consumers and workers who are contracted with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Workers are eligible to use the registry if they have passed a background check and started the certification process by completing five hours of orientation and safety training, although they must complete all required training within state-specified timeframes in order to remain eligible for work.

Functionality:  Consumers, family members, and state-employed referral coordinators may post job listings and search for workers based on diverse criteria. Workers and consumers can use geolocation features to search for workers and jobs nearest to them and contact each other using a secure messaging system.

Wisconsin

WisCaregiver Connections (Statewide)

Maintained by: Wisconsin Department of Health Services in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Green Bay

Number of Users:  77 consumers and 3,879 workers

Availability: This state-funded free job matching registry available to all individuals who become Certified Direct Care Professionals (CDCP) as they look for employment.  Home and community-based services (HCBS) consumers who self-direct their care and HCBS providers and agencies can also join this free registry.

Functionality: WisCaregiver Connections, powered by Handshake is a one-stop career resource connecting direct care workers to consumers who direct their care and to providers and agencies. Consumers and providers can search for workers based on diverse criteria and message them directly, or they can post openings on a job board, which allows workers to search for jobs (based on location and other criteria).  Features include:  job postings; auto-match employers with job seekers; candidate profiles; credentialling details; training opportunities; resource library, and more.

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