Every great business has an outstanding team behind it. Whether you’re new to business ownership or you’re a seasoned professional, hiring can be one of your most rewarding tasks. And for those with new or small operations, you may be the only one responsible for building a capable team while trying to keep revenue flowing.
In the home care industry, you’re hiring companions, caregivers and nurses. You’ll be looking for a specific combination of personalities, skill sets and heart which means you can’t sit back and wait for candidates to come to you.
Each position should clearly identify the ideal skill set and qualifications, which will differ based on the service and level of care. A caregiver can help with personal care, medication services, and Alzheimer’s and dementia support. Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses/Registered Practical Nurses can perform medical duties and more complex care.
Oftentimes, a medical background isn’t necessary for companionship. Companions can provide light housekeeping services, like transportation and meal preparation, to help clients with the daily activities they can no longer do or have difficulty undertaking.
Janice Tay, Sales and Operations Coordinator at Nurse Next Door, says “Sometimes clients just want and need companionship. We like to hire people who are good communicators, like to accompany clients on outings, or who just enjoy talking and visiting. Most importantly, we hire companions, skilled caregivers and nurses who have the heart to be in this line of work.”
It’s important for team members to reflect the organization’s core values. Hire companions, caregivers and nurses who bring happiness to clients, admire people, and who are passionate about making a difference. The more caring the team, the happier and healthier your clients will be.
Job boards
Your first thought might be to post roles on online job boards like Monster, Workopolis or Glassdoor. Janice says many of her applicants come from Indeed, Craigslist, local work sites, and employment centers. But it pays to think creatively: she also connects with candidates from caregiver colleges and Facebook.
Social media
It makes sense to share job opportunities on LinkedIn, but don’t rule out Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms. Take your target audience into account (like women 30-45, or women and men 35-50), posting jobs in groups or on pages where it makes sense. Share on your company’s accounts and have other team members share on their personal accounts if possible.
Word of mouth
“Caregivers usually refer other caregivers,” says Janice. “Someone who currently works with us often has a friend or family member who would love to apply as well,” she says. Give your team reasons to love their job, and it’ll be easier for you to attract great talent in the future.
Nurse Next Door makes it possible for seniors to live in their OWN home. It’s less expensive than a retirement facility, it’s safe, and it will make them happy. Learn more about our franchise opportunities by downloading our free franchise report.
