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1. Are all of your
Nannies live-in Nannies?
Yes. All of our Nannies are live-in
Nannies.
2. What is a full-service
Nanny Agency?
Most of our clients are dual-income families, who have very hectic
and busy lifestyles. As a full-service agency, we want to make the
process of hiring a Caregiver as easy and hassle-free as possible.
We achieve this by providing you with all the pertinent information
so that you can make an informed decision. We assist you with filling
out all the necessary government forms, we handle all of the Caregiver's
Immigration paperwork, and give you and the Caregiver all the necessary
tools to make the placement a success.
3. How long does it
take to get a Caregiver?
It can range anywhere from 2-6 months, depending on the Caregiver's
country of origin.
For example, Filipino nannies working in Hong Kong take 4-6 months,
whereas Caregivers from Western Europe take 3-6 months to process.
Keep in mind that you will need to advertise for the position at various job banks before applying for a foreign Caregiver, which normally takes about two weeks.
4. But what if I need
a Caregiver right away?
In certain instances we can accommodate families almost immediately.
We keep in contact with all of our Caregivers currently working in
Canada, and if one of them becomes available and has received a positive
reference from her Employer, we can place her into another Family's
home almost immediately.
5. Who are your Caregivers?
The majority of our Caregivers are Filipino nannies, currently working
in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Faced with lack of meaningful employment opportunities in the Philippines,
many of these educated young women use Hong Kong and Taiwan as a stepping stone
to come to Canada, for a better future for themselves and for their
families.
6. What requirements
do the Caregivers have to have?
Each Caregiver must meet the following criteria
before registering with us:
- Six months training OR twelve months of experience
in paid employment as a child Caregiver and/or elderly Caregiver
within the past three years
- Fluency in English
- Successful completion of the equivalent of
a Canadian high school education
- 18 years of age or older
- No Criminal Record
- Excellent health (must pass a full medical
exam)
- Each candidate provides a detailed application
form, including personal information, proof of education and work
experience
7. How are your Caregivers prescreened?
- All of our Caregivers are prescreened for qualifications to ensure that they meet the required criteria.
- You are able to interview the Caregivers in
person via a 3-way conference call with the assistance of one
of our experienced staff members, or on your own. You are also encouraged to speak
with the Applicant's previous Employers.
- Finally, once the Caregiver applies to
Canadian Immigration, an immigration officer interviews the Caregiver
in person, ensuring her English is sufficient, and verifies the
Applicant's work references and education. Each Applicant must
also pass a complete medical examination and obtain a Police Clearance, before she is issued
her work Authorization for entry to Canada.
8. Do I as an Employer
need to meet any requirements?
Read Service Canada Requirements for further details.
9. How old are your
Caregivers?
Most of our Caregivers range anywhere from 20-40 years old. But we
certainly have placed excellent Caregivers who are older.
10. Some of the Applicants
are married and have children of their own. Won't they get homesick?
Surprisingly, no! For most of us, it would be unthinkable to be separated
from our families for so long and not miss them terribly; however,
for the Filipinas it is a necessary way of life, and most of them
accept it with a positive attitude.
Also, keep in mind, that all of our Caregivers have been working in
Hong Kong or Taiwan without their families for at least one year, and some for
many years, so they are already used to the idea, that they cannot
be with their children. Many of our client families tell us, that
their Nanny transfers the love for her own children onto her Employer's
children, and treats them like her own. She also works so much harder,
because she is earning money for her children, instead of for herself,
which becomes a very strong motivational force for her.
11. How many Caregivers
do we get to interview?
As many as it takes. However, we have a philosophy at SNI:
For the money you pay us to find your "perfect Caregiver",
we feel it's our job to get the best candidates possible and not waste
your time parading people by you, just to put on a show.
We suggest that you select 3-5 Applicants who you think are the best
candidates. If it takes more, we'll be happy to accommodate you.
12. How much will
the Caregiver cost?
Most newly arrived Caregivers start with receiving minimum prevailing wage and there is a minimum number of hours they are required to work. In Ontario, for example, the minimum prevailing wage as of March 31st, 2010 is $10.25/hr and most families offer 40 to 44 hours per week. In Ontario, you can also deduct room and board of $85.25 weekly, therefore your final cost of childcare after deductions and Employer contributions can be as low as $364 per week. For other provinces, the wage can range anywhere from $8.00 to $10.16/hr, and the cost of room and board varies greatly.
On the other hand, a Caregiver who has worked in Canada for two or more years will not be keen on getting minimum wage, nor to be a live-in.
13. What can I expect the
Caregiver to do for me?
In addition to childcare, most Caregivers are eager and able to help with household chores, cooking, doing errands and even tutoring.
14. How long can the Caregiver
work for me?
For as long as both parties are comfortable with each other. Most
newly arrived Caregivers prefer to stay with the same family for a
minimum of two years, whereas Caregivers who have been in Canada for
2 years or more look for shorter placements, since they are able to
work any jobs, and are not required to live in.
15. After I've selected
a Caregiver, how do I make sure that everyone knows what's expected
of them?
We provide you with a 'Work Agreement', which is customized to your
family's specific needs and work hours, pay rate, benefits, and job
duties. Once you agree to it, both you and the Caregiver sign it,
and each gets a copy. That way there's a clear understanding of everyone's
expectations.
16. I've never really
been an Employer before; what guidance can you give to help me be
a great boss?
At SNI, we know the success of the placement depends largely on the
Employer-Caregiver relationship.
After you have selected your Caregiver, SNI provides you with an extensive
Family Kit, containing useful guide sheets for working with your Caregiver.
Of course, our expert staff is always available to answer your questions
and to make suggestions. And you can rest assured that when you call
SNI, all conversations are confidential.
17. What if I hire a Caregiver
and it doesn't work out?
If you feel that the Caregiver does not suit your needs, or if she
decides to leave, you can give each other 2 weeks written notice,
or, in the case of the Employer, pay in lieu of the notice.
Also, SNI has an unconditional Guarantee:
In the first three months, if the placement doesn't work out, we will
replace one Caregiver free of charge. Of course, if you no longer need your Caregiver,
you can let the Caregiver go anytime you want, with sufficient notice
recommended in the Employment Standards. If she receives a good reference
from you, we'll be happy to place her with another family.
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