Current through Register Vol. 24-18, September 15, 2024
(1) Direct care
staff must:
(a) Be at least 21 years of age,
except as provided for in subsection (2) of this section;
(b) Have a high school diploma or equivalent
credential, for example, a GED or HSEC;
(c) Have the skills and ability to assist
with the needs of children and youth in care;
(d) Meet at least one of the following
criteria:
(i) Have at least six months of
similar, full-time experience working directly with vulnerable populations;
or
(ii) Be attending classes at an
accredited college or university related to caring for vulnerable populations;
and
(e) If applicable,
meet additional duties and qualifications detailed in:
(i) Any professional accreditation
requirements that apply to the agency; and
(ii) Any written and signed agreement between
the agency and any state governmental entity. If the requirements of this
section conflict with the terms in a written and signed agreement, then the
higher standard will apply.
(2) Direct care staff may be between 18 and
21 years of age if the direct care staff meet the requirements detailed in
subsection (1)(b) through (e) of this section, and work:
(a) At a facility licensed only to provide
care for children younger than 13 years of age; or
(b) At a facility licensed to provide care
for children 13 years of age and older if the direct care staff person works at
all times with at least one other staff person who:
(i) Is at least 21 years old;
(ii) Is on-site and readily available to help
when needed; and
(iii) Has at least
one year of similar, full-time experience working directly with vulnerable
populations.
(3) An agency must maintain sufficient direct
care staff who meet the education and training requirements defined in this
chapter to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children and youth in
care.
(4)
(a) A facility licensed under this chapter
that employs direct care staff persons, must have and follow a written policy
that describes the duties, responsibilities, professional qualifications, and
safety requirements for direct care staff persons.
(b) A policy under this section must be
reviewed and approved by the department:
(i)
After the effective date of subsection (3) of this section but before any newly
hired direct care staff person provides services directly to children or youth
on behalf of the facility; or
(ii)
Prior to the agency renewing its license.
Statutory Authority:
RCW
74.15.010,
74.15.030,
74.15.040,
74.15.090,
74.13.031, and
P.L.
113-183. WSR 16-17-101, §
388-145-1445, filed 8/19/16,
effective 9/19/16. Statutory Authority: Chapters 13.34 and 74.13 RCW,
RCW
74.15.030(2),
74.15.311(2),
74.13.032,
13.04.011,
74.13.020,
13.34.030,
74.13.031,
13.34.145,
74.15.311,
74.15.030, and 2013 c 105. WSR
15-01-069, §
388-145-1445, filed 12/11/14,
effective 1/11/15.
