Finding a Nanny Safely
The internet is a great resource for families seeking nannies and nannies seeking jobs. You’ll find that most online job seeking nannies and families are honest - but there are the occasional problems with using the internet to find your nanny. Protect your baby by taking the necessary precautions before hiring a nanny. Discover the top 10 things to consider when sourcing a nanny online.
No 1 OBTAIN A FORMAL JOB APPLICATION A formal job application should include the candidate’s name, address, and all phone numbers, job and educational history. Confirm name and address agree with the photo ID. Look for unexplained gaps. If significant gaps exist, ask why. Ask probing questions - often gaps indicate a prior poor employment experience, but they can signal a myriad of other problems.
No 2 ARRANGE A PROPER INTERVIEW Consider holding your first interview in a public place - a coffee shop is ideal. This protects you and the nanny. You don’t have to admit strangers into your home and the nanny may have some safety concerns.
No 3 GET REFERENCES Character and employment references should not be friends and family of the applicant. Be wary if the candidate cannot or will not provide employer references.
No 4 CHECK THE REFERENCES Personally speak to all referees. Verify how they know the applicant. Don’t be afraid to push them for detailed answers as to the quality of person they are giving a reference for.
No 5 VERIFY IDENTITY Ask the candidate to show you valid, government issued photo identification. Consider making a copy for your records. A candidate without a valid photo ID is not likely to possess valid work authorization and most likely cannot be reasonably background checked.
No 6 GET A SIGNED BACKGROUND CHECK RELEASE AUTHORIZATION Be concerned if the candidate refuses to sign the consent or provide her Social Security Number, license number, and/or date of birth..
No 7 SCHEDULE A SECOND, WORKING INTERVIEW This should be at a time when you and the children are both present. Allow the applicant to observe your typical family rhythms, patterns, and interactions. Allow some time for the applicant to interact with the children independently whilst you watch. Pay the applicant for her time.
No 8 OBTAIN A SSN TRACE & ADDRESS HISTORY REPORT This provides all names and addresses associated with this Social Security Number over the last 7 years as known to the credit bureaus.
No 9 FINALIZE BACKGROUND CHECKING Best practices are to search criminal records under all names and in all jurisdictions as reported by the SSN trace. Consider including Driver’s License History, sex offender registry and National Criminal Records Locator checks. Remember you are entrusting your children with this person, it’s worth putting in the time to be safe.
No 10 USE A REPUTABLE AGENCY If all this is too hard use a reputable nanny agency who will manage all the background checks for you. You will still need to interview of course and should ask to see references.
Posted: August 11th, 2008 under Searching.
Tags: baby protection, baby safety, find a nanny, finding a nanny, hire a nanny, hiring a nanny, nanny
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