Social Services

Trained SHIBA volunteer counselors help older adults and persons with disabilities understand their health insurance benefits.

Volunteers provide free, objective support by phone, in person, online and through a variety of public events. These sessions provide individuals with increased knowledge of benefit options, billing issues, and appeals.

SHIBA helps:

• residents over the age of 65 and people with disabilities (ages 18–64) understand their health insurance benefits and options
• increase health care access and understanding
• identify potential areas of Medicare fraud, error or abuse

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• 2024, Issue 1
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• 2024, Issue 3

Volunteer

Would you like to help Clackamas County residents understand their Medicare options?  Train to become a Certified SHIBA Counselor and provide free, objective Medicare counseling to our community.

This website is supported by CFDA (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) or Assistance Listing number 93.569 from the Community Services Block Grant Program within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Community Services Block Grant Program.

Senior Companion Program (SCP) offers support to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities in Clackamas County. Our program helps individuals live independently and safely for as long as possible, feel connected and avoid having to move from what is familiar to them. Our trained Senior Companion volunteers meet one-on-one with older adults, or those with disabilities, usually 1-2 times a week. Individuals receiving these visits often need transportation support, feel disconnected from the outside community and isolated which can be devastating on a person’s physical and mental health.

Our dedicated volunteers offer friendship, support, and a sympathetic ear. Activities can include visiting, going to an activity at a senior center, go grocery shopping together, go to a movie, out for a coffee, help with small tasks at home, play a game, visit the library, go to a park, and so on. The program’s goal is to assist seniors so they can remain living safely in their home, feel connected and avoid having to move from what is familiar to them.

There is no charge for service, but donations are always welcomed!

To become an SCP participant, please see the basic requirements below

• Living independently in your home
• Ambulatory (cane or walker under 10 lbs.), no wheelchair or scooter bound
• Need transportation at least once a week
• Looking for weekly companionship and support

Become a Senior Companion Volunteer

Senior Companion Volunteers meet one-on-one with older adults to offer friendship, support, assist with essential needs outside the home such as shopping, and lend a sympathetic ear. This position best attracts seniors who are good with people, compassionate, who live alone and want more social interaction themselves.  This is a unique volunteer opportunity that is designed to support low-income seniors and provides a stipend for their time.  The applicant must meet all below eligibility requirements.

Our Volunteers

• Drive their own vehicle to help others.  Their own insurance is the primary, and the County is the secondary coverage.
• Receive mileage reimbursement of 0.625 cents/mile
• Volunteers receive a $4.00 hourly stipend
• Are paired with Senior looking for companionship, and transportation support
• Provide long term companionship for seniors in need
• Receive free drivers’ safety training that may offer discounts on auto insurance and continuous support training throughout the year

Eligibility and Requirements for the SCP Program

• Serve a minimum of 5 hours per week (or as much as 40)
• Be age 55 or older
• Have a limited income (200% of the federal poverty level. https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/federal-poverty-guidelines/)
• Pass a Road Test Evaluation
• Pass County background, drivers history check, fingerprinting and NSOR check.
• Complete online County provided drivers education hours
• Complete 20+ hours of County provided onboarding training requirements, and yearly attend bi-monthly in-service days.

Housing Rights and Resources Program

The Housing Rights and Resources Program (HRRP) works with tenants and landlords to protect the housing rights of our community and educate our community on housing issues. The HRRP provides general housing information and referral regarding landlord-tenant, fair housing, and other housing-related issues. The program can assist community members in finding lower cost housing in Clackamas County.

HRRP is a partnership between Clackamas County Social Services, Clackamas County Community Development, Legal Aid Services of Oregon and the Fair Housing Council of Oregon.

To contact the HRRP, call 503-650-5750.

Rent Well

Rent Well is a tenant readiness program that helps people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find and keep housing. Participants attend a 15-hour training program over six weeks designed to provide tools to address rental screening barriers — such as evictions, poor credit or criminal history — to obtain permanent, affordable housing. Upon completion, participants receive a Rent Well Graduation Certificate that is recognized by many landlords.

Call 503-650-5647 or visit RentWell  for more information and class schedules.

This website is supported by CFDA (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) or Assistance Listing number 93.569 from the Community Services Block Grant Program within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Community Services Block Grant Program.

Money Management Program (MMP) assists seniors and people with disabilities in managing their finances. Services promote independent living, self-sufficiency and help prevent homelessness/eviction, unnecessary institutionalization or guardianship. Services are free of charge for eligible individuals.

MMP trains volunteer Representative Payees and Bill Pay Coaches to support the financial needs of individuals enrolled in other programs, including Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. Participants are often referred to us by caseworkers. Volunteers work to ensure that the client's public benefits, such as Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), are used for high priority needs such as shelter, health and food.

Do you enjoy volunteering with seniors and adults with disabilities? Do you have experience in personal banking, budgeting, balancing checkbooks, or bill paying? Are you able to volunteer 2-4 hours per month? If so, call us today!

For information, or to get involved, call 503-650-5623.

Clackamas County offers many services for adults with Developmental Disabilities.Please call for more information about the services listed below.

Service Coordination (Case Management)

A service coordinator assists eligible adults with coordinating an individual support plan (ISP) or annual plan, facilitating referrals to services, and monitoring comprehensive services. Service Coordinators also provide consultation to providers and families and assure the appropriateness and quality of services.

Adults in Brokerage Services receive their case management services from their brokerage Personal Agent (see below).

Information and Referral

Service Coordinators help to identify and connect individuals to resources and/or services available in the community.

Residential Services

Residential programs provide services in neighborhood settings for individuals who require 24-hour care, supervision, support and training. Programs provide room and board as well as services such as monitoring of medical and health needs, behavior management, assistance with money management, and participation in community and leisure time activities.

Supported Living Services

Supported Living Services provide individualized support to adults living in their own homes, family homes, or their own apartments to increase their opportunity to be a part of — and participate in — the communities in which they live.

Employment and Alternatives to Employment

Employment and Alternatives to Employment Programs provide community based employment, training and support to adults living in 24-hour care who are 18 or older and no longer in school programs.

Transportation

Mobility training or transportation services may be provided to individuals when standard transportation sources are not available or cannot be accessed.

Crisis Services

Crisis services may be available for adults who are at risk of institutionalization. Services may include residential crisis placement, funding for additional supports in the existing service, training, technical assistance or other interventions.

Comprehensive In-Home Support Services

In-home comprehensive supports assist eligible adults to continue to live in their own homes or with family. Supports include assistance in determining individual needs including personal support services, assisting individuals to make informed decisions and monitoring to improve the quality of personal supports.

Services for Adults Not in Funded Services

Service Coordination is provided to eligible adults who are not in Brokerage, residential or other funded services. Service coordinators assist adults by developing an annual plan and providing information and referral services. Service coordinators may be able to assist individuals with accessing resources such as housing, medical and mental health supports, vocational supports, etc.

Support Services Brokerage

Brokerages contract with the State of Oregon to provide services to eligible individuals adults in their own or family home. A personal agent (PA) facilitates identification and coordination of needed supports through the development of a self-directed support plan. Examples of support might include budgeting, meal planning, job coaching, respite for caregivers, and community activities. Individuals enrolled in brokerage services do not have a services coordinator at Clackamas County.

Brokerages providing services in Clackamas County

Clackamas County offers many services that support active, independent living for persons with disabilities.

• Behavioral Health services
• Clackamas County Aging and Disability Resource Connection
• Developmental Disability services
• Energy Assistance (help with heating bills)
• Family Caregiver Support Program
• Housing Assistance
• Senior Companions
• Transportation Assistance

If you have questions about options for senior or disability needs, call the Clackamas County Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 503-650-5622. There is no charge for this service. You may also contact the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon page.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

If you need help with basic needs like food, housing, paying your heating bill or transportation, we may have a program for you.

• Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon
  Basic needs — including food — for older adults and persons with disabilities
• Clackamas Health Centers
  Help with your health care needs.
• Clackamas Behavioral Health 
  Help with your mental health and addictions needs.

Clackamas County has many programs and services that help older adults and adults with disabilities live independent, healthy and well-connected lives. If you need help getting around, assistance with managing your medical needs and insurance, learning about volunteer opportunities, assistance with in-home care or family caregiver services, Clackamas County Social Services can connect you to the resources you need.

For more information, please call or email the Clackamas County Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 503-650-5622 or clackamasadrc@clackamas.us

You can also visit the Clackamas County Community Resource Guide online.

For a printed version of the guide please call the number above.

Senior Centers

Adult and Community Centers  are located throughout the county providing adults  60 and over with a place to socialize, take classes, have lunch and access services. The centers also provide transportation services.

Programs and Services

Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
The AAA is responsible for planning, coordinating and delivering services to older  adults. The AAA Advisory Council advises the AAA on programming and advocates for seniors. If you are interested in becoming an advocate for older adult issues, contact the AAA.
Phone: 503-655-8640

Clackamas Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
If you need help getting around, assistance with managing your medical needs and insurance, learning about volunteer opportunities, or a connection to in-home care or family caregiver services, the ADRC can connect you to the help you need.
Phone: 503-650-5622
Email: clackamasadrc@clackamas.us

Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services investigates abuse allegations and provides protection from harm, neglect, abuse, and exploitation for persons aged 65 years and older, as well as persons with disabilities.
For more information call the confidential hotline at 971-673-6655 or 1-855-503-SAFE(7233)

Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP)
The Family Caregiver Support Program helps nonpaid family caregivers who are seeking relief from the demands of caregiving by providing emotional support,  grants, educational classes, and information and access to other programs.
Phone: 503-650-5605 or email fcsp@clackamas.us

Legal Aid Services of Oregon
Legal Aid provides legal services to low-income older adults and adults with disabilities in the county.
Phone: 503-655-2518 or 1-800-228-6958

Transportation Programs
Clackamas County offers a range of programs to help older adults and adults with disabilities get to work, activities, medical appointments, or other transportation needs.
Phone: 503-655-8208
(Or contact your local senior center or public transportation provider.)

Medicaid
Medicaid Long-Term Care services are provided through the State of Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS). Medicaid offers long-term care services, including case management, in-home care, medical benefits and food stamps for eligible county residents.
Phone: 1-800-699-9075 or www.one.oregon.gov
Find your local DHS office.

Senior Citizens Council
The Senior Citizens Council provides, representative payee services, guardianship and conservatorship, and diversion and care monitoring programs for older adults and adults with disabilities.  
Phone: 503-657-1366

Senior Community Service Employment Program
The Senior Community Service Employment Program assists low income, unemployed individuals over the age of 55 with skill training and job search assistance. An enrollee is placed in a nonprofit or governmental worksite for up to 20 hours per week of skill training and paid a stipend equal to the state minimum wage.
Phone: 503-655-8840

Senior Companion Program (SCP)
The Senior Companion Program helps older adults and adults with disabilities stay independent by providing companionship and support. Support is provided by older adults who have low incomes   and who are no longer in the workforce and are able to provide assistance to seniors in need.
Phone: 503-655-8875

Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA)
The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program helps older adults and adults with disabilities understand their health insurance benefits. Volunteers and staff work one-on-one to increase new and existing Medicare beneficiaries' knowledge about benefits and billing issues; and provide assistance with the Medicare open enrollment process.
Phone: 503-655-8269

For Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Personal Support Worker

Personal support workers help children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who receive Medicaid in-home services through Oregon’s Office of Developmental Disabilities Services.

Resources for PSWs

• Agency contact information
• Becoming a personal support worker and credentials
• Employment verification
• Help entering and submitting timesheets
  • Process for entering and submitting timesheets
  • Denied or suspended claims
  • Relief care
• Issues with eXPRS
• Payment questions
• Payroll calendar
• Training and benefits
• Which agency does what?

Adult Foster Care

Children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are considered an at-risk population. All persons who provide either paid or volunteer services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities must pass a criminal history background check before you can start work and get paid.

Applicants must complete the Basic Training Course, pass the provider test, meet experience and training requirements, and participate in a scheduled local orientation prior to licensing as a foster care provider.

If you are applying to become a licensed Adult DD Foster Care provider, you must study the online training videos.

Once you have thoroughly studied the training videos, please contact us at ddlicensing@clackamas.us regarding testing.

Child Foster Care

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a certified child foster care provider, please contact Clackamas County Developmental Disability Foster Care Licensing at ddlicensing@clackamas.us or 503-650-5669 to complete the application process.