Typical Wage Range
$20-$24/hr
Personal Support Workers receive SEIU 503 union-negotiated wages, benefits, and job protections.
A personal support worker in Oregon provides compassionate, hands-on care to children or adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (i/DD), helping them live independently in their homes and communities. Personal support workers build trusting relationships and work closely with families and case managers to promote comfort, safety, and dignity. This role is ideal for someone who is caring, dependable, and dedicated to making a positive impact in others’ lives.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist individuals with personal care tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming
- Support clients with mobility, transfers, and use of assistive devices
- Prepare meals according to dietary needs
- Provide companionship and encourage social and community engagement
- Perform light housekeeping tasks to maintain a safe and clean environment
- Ensure client safety, dignity, and independence
Opportunities for Advancement
Many Personal Support Workers choose to grow their careers through further certification and training. From here, you can move into roles like:
- Professional Development Certification (PDC)
- Enhanced Certification
- Exceptional Personal Support Worker
Care Pathways helps you map your next step, access free training, and find new opportunities—all with union support along the way.
Typical Wage Range
$20-$24/hr
Personal support workers receive SEIU 503 union-negotiated wages, benefits, and job protections.
Skills and Qualities
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Empathetic
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Dependable
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Positive attitude
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Comfortable working independently
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Physically capable of light lifting and moving
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Respectful of cultural differences and individual preferences
Transferable Skills
Experience in custodial, customer support, childcare, or volunteering can translate well. If you’ve worked in a role that required patience, organization, or compassion—you’re already halfway there.
Training and Certification
No formal degree is required. You must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Pass a background check
- Complete a free training program through Carewell SEIU 503
Training is fully covered for eligible workers and includes hands-on skills and important health and safety practices.