Many families turn to full service home care agencies to find caregivers. These agencies screen, hire and train their employees. Families who hire a caregiver directly often believe they can save money.
However, hiring a family member or friend carries the same pros and cons as hiring through an agency or a registry. Some communities also offer low-cost home care through specialized funding.
1. Create a clear job description
A clear job description is one of the most important tools to help you find caregivers. This includes a description of what the job entails, requirements and expectations. It should also include the type of care you provide, whether it be in-home or home health aide services.
Creating a clear and concise job description can also help you avoid common caregiver turnover complaints. These include lack of communication, scheduling issues and unsatisfactory pay.
In addition to your own website, advertise your open positions on social media. Be sure to use relevant hashtags and tagging to increase your reach.
2. Create a compelling job description video
A video job description can be a powerful recruiting tool. It can give potential candidates a better sense of what it would be like to work for your agency and help them envision themselves in the role. It can also show off your company’s culture and mission in a way that wouldn’t be possible with a written job description. Just be sure to keep the video short and engaging; video content becomes boring very quickly. A good rule of thumb is to make the video about one minute long.
3. Post your job description on social media
A well-crafted social media job description can help you attract more qualified candidates. It’s also a great way to showcase your agency’s brand and culture.
The job description should include a call to action and a preferred method for applicants to submit their application. For example, a link to an online application form or a specific email address.
A we are hiring social media post can be a great way to recruit caregivers for your home care agency. This type of recruiting typically has a low cost and can produce a high volume of applicants.
4. Make it easy for candidates to apply
caregiver agency hiring are a growing industry fueled by an aging baby boomer population. They provide in-home care to seniors with a variety of needs, including bathing, dressing, and eating. They also help with chores, shopping, and errands.
Caregivers need to be screened for criminal background checks and have their credentials verified. This process can take weeks to complete. In addition, it’s important to ensure that caregivers are covered by workers’ compensation insurance in case they get injured on the job.
Some private agencies will charge a onetime fee for a caregiver match, but they often offer more flexible scheduling and higher wages than independent home health aides. Additionally, they’ll conduct a face-to-face meeting between the family and caregiver before hiring them.
5. Make it easy for candidates to schedule an interview
Agencies often receive hundreds of applications for caregiver positions. A strong ATS can vet candidates and reduce the number of interviews needed, facilitating a quick and easy hiring process.
During screening interviews, ask caregivers to compare their verbal answers to their resume so you can verify experience and skills. This will also help you identify any discrepancies in their professional judgment.
Ask caregivers about their career goals and whether they see your agency as a place where they can grow. This will help you identify potential future staff members who are likely to stick with your agency.
6. Make it easy for candidates to accept your offer
A caregiver is a paid employee who helps seniors, elderly, and individuals with disabilities live independently in their homes. They may have earned specialized training, certifications, or other credentials like CNA or HHA. They also work on their own or for a home health agency.
Often, a care recipient’s concerns about their belongings being stolen can be alleviated by having them lock up valuable items or taking them with them on visits. It is also helpful to remind them that while theft does happen, it is much less common than many assume.
7. Make it easy for candidates to start working
Caregivers often need to pass background checks, have reliable transportation, and be able to provide references. Many also have certifications like CNA or HHA. In addition, they should have good communication skills and be able to understand the needs of their patients.
Families sometimes try to save money by hiring caregivers directly rather than working with a home care agency. However, it is important to remember that when you hire a caregiver directly, you become the employer and are responsible for their payroll taxes and withholdings.
Caregivers who work for an agency are also insured and bonded. This can be reassuring to families who worry about theft or other issues.
