Vermont Caretaker Requirements

Everything an agency needs to hire compliant caretakers in Vermont — and everything an individual needs to know before starting work.

Training

32h

Min Age

18

Pay

$1522

TB Test

Yes

CPR

Varies

1

Verify Eligibility

Minimum age: 18 years oldRequired
Valid government-issued IDRequired
Legal authorization to work in the U.S.Required
High school diploma or GEDRecommended

Not required by most states for non-medical home care, but preferred by many agencies

2

Complete Background Checks & Screening

The hiring agency initiates and pays for these checks. All must clear before the caretaker has any client contact.

Criminal background checkRequired

State criminal records check + Vermont Sex Offender Registry + Child Abuse Registry

Drug screeningVaries

Not required by the state, but many agencies require a pre-employment drug test

TB test / health screeningRequired

Must be completed within 12 months of hire. Some agencies require annual rescreening.

CPR / First Aid certificationRecommended

Not required by the state, but many agencies require it and it strengthens your application

3

Complete Required Training

Agencies are responsible for providing or arranging this training. It must be completed before the caretaker works independently with clients.

Personal Care Attendant (PCA)

Non-medical caretaker providing personal care and homemaker services.

32

Hours

Pre-service training

20 hours

Personal care, safety, communication, client rights, infection control

Annual continuing education

12 hours

Ongoing training

Scope of Practice — What This Role Covers

Personal careHomemaker servicesCompanionshipMeal preparationTransportation
4

Meet Additional State Requirements

Multiple registry checks required before hireRequired
5

Maintain Ongoing Compliance

Agencies must track these deadlines and ensure all staff remain compliant. Lapsed credentials can result in fines and loss of licensure.

Renewal & Continuing Education

Annual 12 hours of continuing education

TB test rescreeningVaries

Annually or per agency policy

Regulatory Body

Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living

Employment type: W-2 Employee

Visit official website

Average Hourly Pay

$15 – $22

per hour for non-medical care

Higher rates for weekends, overnights, and specialized care (dementia, hospice support). Urban areas typically pay 15–25% more than rural.

Demand Outlook

Moderate — small state with aging population

Home care is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the U.S. Demand is driven by the aging population and preference for aging in place.

Vermont-Specific Notes

  • 1
    Vermont has one of the oldest populations in the US
  • 2
    Choices for Care Medicaid waiver funds home care extensively
  • 3
    Small labor pool creates persistent staffing challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

How many training hours are required for caretakers in Vermont?

Vermont requires 32 hours of pre-service training for Personal Care Attendants. This typically covers pre-service training, annual continuing education. The hiring agency is responsible for providing or verifying this training.

What background checks are required for home care caretakers in Vermont?

Vermont requires: State criminal records check + Vermont Sex Offender Registry + Child Abuse Registry. The hiring agency must complete all screening before the caretaker has any client contact. Drug testing policy: agency discretion.

How much do home care caretakers earn in Vermont?

Non-medical home care caretakers in Vermont earn $15–$22 per hour on average. Pay varies by region, experience, care complexity, and whether the shift is weekday vs weekend/overnight.

What is the minimum age to work as a caretaker in Vermont?

You must be at least 18 years old to work as a non-medical home care caretaker in Vermont. Most agencies also require a valid ID and legal work authorization.

What ongoing requirements do caretakers have in Vermont?

Annual 12 hours of continuing education Agencies are responsible for tracking compliance and ensuring all staff maintain current credentials.

Managing caretaker compliance across your team?

HomeCareAtlas automatically tracks certifications, training deadlines, background check expirations, and renewal dates for every caretaker on your roster.

See how it works

This guide is for informational purposes only. Requirements change — always verify with Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living before starting training or employment. HomeCareAtlas is not a certifying body and does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.