Caregiving Can Be Heartbreaking, and We Thank You for It
The hiring process can be a difficult and stressful road. The job description is an important piece of the employment puzzle. While you may think you can simply write “elderly seeks help” in an ad, it is necessary to write a more in depth description.
Without a job description that is thorough, applicants will not know if they are qualified or able to provide your care. They will also be unaware of what is expected of them if they are hired into the position. A full job description should include a list of all job duties and how often they are necessary. It should also include what days and times the applicant will need to provide care.
Initial Advertisement
When writing a description for an ad in the paper or online, including a short but inclusive message can attract appropriate applicants. Rather than the example above, your ad should include some information pertaining to the job. For example: “Elderly woman seeks daily morning assistance. Some lifting required. Call Jane at 555-555-5555.”
This informs applicants that they will be working with a woman, they need to be available in the morning every day, and they will need to be able to do some heavy lifting.
The contact information you place in the ad should simply include your first name and a phone number or email address at which applicants can reach you. You should never include your home address in this type of ad, as it may attract negative attention and put your safety in danger. Applicants should be screened via phone or email communication before you meet with them in person.
While a short and to the point job description can be used in ads and catching the eye of possible applicants, a longer job description should be given at a later point in the hiring process, such as during the first interview. This longer description should include every support or service you require and when they are to be completed.
Full Description
An easy way to create your job description is to keep a list of the times and types of care you receive over several days of regular care. This method can be easier than attempting to write a list off the top of your head, as you are less likely to forget things. Possible outlines of duties can be made in the form of a spreadsheet or a to-do list. The outline should include specific tasks and the specific times or number of times they are to be completed throughout the day or week.
The job description should not only include what tasks the caregiver will be performing, but also what is expected of them in general. Be sure to include any rules you may have for the caregiver, for example: “Caregivers will arrive on time to perform tasks along with refraining from using their phone except for emergencies.”
Descriptions should also include any specific training or abilities you would like your caregiver to possess. This may include things such as being trained in CPR or able to lift a certain amount of weight.
Providing a full outline of all necessary duties, abilities, and expectations can help avoid the issue of misunderstandings in the hiring process.
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