Evidence snapshot covering wages vs. cost of living, wage bargaining history signals, Public Authority/County performance indicators, training (for completeness), context, and source links.

Wages vs. Cost of Living

• IHSS provider wage (current): $17.49/hr — cross-checked on current county wage lists (sourced from CDSS).
• Living wage (MIT, 1 adult / 0 kids): $24.38/hr (updated Feb 10, 2025) — MIT Calaveras County
• Gap: −$6.89/hr (IHSS ≈ 71.7% of living wage)

County History of Fair Bartering for Wages

• 2010–2024: No new IHSS provider contract posted for nearly 14 years (per union). Indicates prolonged stagnation in bargaining.
• Feb 2024: Tentative agreement announced — wage to $16.99 immediately, path to ~$17.99 by 2025; first-time investments in training, PPE on request, expanded health plan eligibility.
• 2025 posted rates: Wage shown as $17.49/hr on 2025 county lists; final MOU packet/details should be confirmed in Board records as available.

Pattern signal: Extended period without a contract followed by a late catch-up agreement; we’ll weigh this history against other counties when grading.

Public Authority & County Support for Caregivers and Clients (Performance)

• Timeliness benchmark (state oversight): Target is application approval within 30 days (or 45 with medical certification), then services within 15 days after approval.
• Access/contacts: Apply via HHSA IHSS referral at (209) 754-6448. Public Authority Registry line: (209) 754-6544.
• Evidence gap: No county-posted KPIs (e.g., average enrollment time, call answer time) found; rely on Board packets and CDSS oversight until metrics are published.

Available Training (for completeness)

• Local program: PA partners with Homebridge for online caregiver courses; $20 Save Mart gift card per confirmed course (while program active).
• How to join: Create a profile in the Homebridge Caregiver Community; mobile apps available; spaces limited.

Other Relevant Context

• County IHSS hub: IHSS overview & referral • Provider enrollment • PA FAQs

Sources & Links

• Current wage:
  IHSS Advocate — 2025 county wages;
  IHSS Law — 2025 wages;
  official hub: CDSS County IHSS Wage Rates.
• Living wage:
  MIT Living Wage — Calaveras County (updated Feb 10, 2025).
• Public Authority site:
  IHSS overview;
  Provider enrollment;
  PA FAQs;
  Training program.
• Bargaining history signal:
  SEIU 2015 press (Feb 7, 2024).
• CDSS directory:
  County IHSS offices.