(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
74.15.030. WSR 22-17-004, § 110-145-1445, filed 8/3/22, effective 10/1/22. WSR 18-14-078, recodified as § 110-145-1445, filed 6/29/18, effective 7/1/18. 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.]
