A caregiver is not a one size fits. Each caregiver has a different set of skills and a different availability, and they all pull out something different with each client.
Often, the client will gravitate towards caregivers they feel most comfortable with, but it is your job as the agency to pre-match them, so the synchronization happens.
Here are five tips to help you choose the perfect in-home caregiver on staff for your clients.
1: Write an in-depth job description.
After you have met with your new client, you're more than likely to have developed a plan of care, and it's taking a look at their request, and now you need to find the perfect caregiver to meet their needs.
When you write a job description seeking a new caregiver, you want to be sure to add all of the specifics, qualifications, and schedule so you get responses from people who can meet the client's needs.
For example, if your client needs to get to the doctor weekly but does not have a personal car, and the caregiver will have to drive them, you should specify that the caregiver needs reliable transportation to take the client around to the doctor appointments once a week.
The more information you give the caregiver on their job search, the more you can find the perfect match.
2: schedule a phone interview
After creating an in-depth job description and applications roll in, make sure you start with scheduling phone interviews.
Asking a few questions during the phone interview can better understand the caregiver's skills, history, or any questions you may have about their resume.
During the phone interview, do you want to ask questions that will help you see if the caregiver's skills and schedule match the client's needs, and you also want to pay attention to how they communicate?
3: schedule a face-to-face interview
After you've completed the phone interview, if you got a good feel for the caregiver you had a phone interview with, send an email and schedule them for a face-to-face interview.
Leaving everything done by phone is not enough; you want to look at the applicants face-to-face, see how they interact with you, ask more questions, and give them more information about your company and any more details they may need.
The interview price is a time for you and the potential applicant to ask questions.
4: Check References
When you're thinking about hiring a new caregiver, you want to make sure that you check their references from previous jobs. Learning more about the potential candidate is imporant.
During thr reference check you want to ask about dates of employment and wage, some sates will not release any other information except that.
You should ask for three references, and you should call/email/fax to check them and place them in the employees file next to their application.
5: Do A Background Check
You must remember that you are sending a caregiver into the client's home. You want to ensure that your caregivers clear the background check and have the proper licensing (CNA license, TB test, etc.) to proceed with a job offer.
A background check protects the client and the company. Sending anyone into your clients home that doesnt have a background check on file can result in a lawsuit if someone is harmed and your company is found liable.
Protect yourself and your clients.
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