ADVERTISING FOR AN ATTENDANT
Be creative and imaginative as you can in selecting where and how to advertise. Ask others who have done this what has worked for them. This is a very individual thing and will depend on your specific needs and the resources in your community.
Places to Advertise ˜ Local newspaper, weekly advertiser, etc. ˜ Financial Aid Office (i.e., community colleges, etc.) ˜ Bulletin Boards (i.e., apartments, grocery stores, libraries, etc.) ˜ Word of mouth ˜ Social Service Agencies/Church Newsletter
Sample Ads Full-time personal care attendant needed for female with a disability. Assist with personal care, grocery shopping, housekeeping, etc. Minimum wage, hours vary. Ideal for student. Call_________ .
Part-time personal care attendant needed for male. Eight to twelve noon weekdays, $4.25 per hour. Call_________ .
TELEPHONE SCREENING
1) It is important when talking on the phone to be friendly and pleasant.*
2) Give a brief description of what the job is, the pay and the hours.
3) Ask if this is the type of position the person is looking for or interested in.
4) If the person is not interested, thank them for their inquiry and hang up.
5) If the person is interested, set up a time to meet and conduct a formal, personal interview. Be sure and get the person's name and phone number in case you need to reschedule. For safety reasons, it is highly suggested you have someone you trust present at the formal interview, perhaps a parent, friend, casemanager, etc.
* Suggestion: Limit information about yourself over the phone - maybe have it written down so that you can share it during the personal interview.
INTERVIEWING A PROSPECTIVE ATTENDANT*
1. Try to make your prospective attendant feel comfortable. (Invite them to sit down, offer them a drink, etc.)
2. Ask the prospective attendant about past jobs they have had. (Look at application)
3. Ask them if he/she has worked for a person with a disability before.
4. Explain your disability if you feel comfortable.
5. Give job description or IHSS contract for him/her to read.
6. If this is a job the person is interested in, you might want them to fill out an application.
7. After the person is finished, you may want to ask these questions. Do you feel uncomfortable about performing any of these duties and responsibilities? Do you have any questions? Let them know you will train if necessary.
8. Ask any other questions that may be specific to this position.
9. Ask when she/he is available to start.
˜ Let the person know you will be checking his/hers references and will call them after you have made a decision.
˜ Thank the person for coming by and escort to the door.
˜ At this point, while it is still fresh in your mind, it is wise to list what you liked and disliked about the prospective attendant.
* Be sure and have someone you trust at this interview.
Attendant Application
Part A -
Name:___________________________
Phone No#.: Home_________ /Work________
Address: _________________________
_________________________ _________________________
Contact incase of an emergency:________________________________
Emergency Phone No.#__________________
Part B -
1. Are you looking for a Come-in _____ or Live-in _____ position?
2. Dates available for hire:__________________
3. Are you looking for a Permanent_____ or Temporary_____position?
4. What hours and days are you available to work?__________________________
5. Do you have another job?________________/Are you a student?_____________
6. What is your schedule?_____________________ How flexible can you be? 7. Are you willing to do emergency attendant work?______________
Part C -
1. What is your means of transportation?________________________
2. Do you have a valid California driver's license?_________________
3. Are you willing to run errands?________________
4. Are you willing to drive me to the doctors?______________
Part D -
1. How did you hear about this job?___________________
2. Who referred you?______________________________
3. Are there any jobs that you would not want to do? (ex: driving, asst. doctors appts. or any other jobs included on the job description, etc.)
Work Record Part E -
List most recent employer first:
1. Employer: ______________________________ Address: ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________
What type of work:_______________________ Dates of Employment: From:______/ To:______ Reason for leaving:_______________________
2. Employer: ______________________________ Address: ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________
What type of work:_______________________ Dates of Employment: From:______/ To:______ Reason for leaving:_______________________
May I contact current employer?
Part F -
List two other references (other than family):
1. Name Address Phone Relationship _______________ _____________________ _____________ ____________
_______________ _____________________ _____________ ____________
TELEPHONE REFERENCE CHECK* (Sample)
__________________has recently applied to be my attendant. _________________ has put you down as a reference. Would you mind telling me about_________________? All this information will be kept completely confidential. The job is not a high paying one but there is a lot of responsibility that comes with the position. _________________ will be assisting me with personal and domestic tasks.
How long have you known________________? Are you related to________________________? How long did_____________________ work for you? Why did___________________leave? Would you rehire________________? Why?_________________________________________. Is________________________punctual? Is_______________________ reliable? Is_______________________trustworthy? Does_____________________ tell you when commitments can't be met? Would you recommend_________________for this job?
Thank you for your time, Good-Bye.
* Be prepared that some of this information may not be legally shared.
Applicant Profile
You can use this form to review the qualifications of an attendant or roommate.
Name: Male Female
Experience: References: (Professional)
1.
2.
3.
Characteristics: Comments:
Friendly Open
Asked good questions Confident
Used respectful language
Gave impression that commit- ment was critical Nicely dressed Interested in focus person Comfortable with philosophy Personal References:
Name Relationship Phone # 1.
2.
3. Applicant Profile - Continued
Skills:
CPR First Aid
OT/PT Training Comments:
Personal:
Pet(s)
Children
Smokes
Willing to assist with personal care/IHSS
Comments:
Reason For Desiring Roommate/Neighbor Position:
On File:
Fingerprints DMV Printout Professional References Personal References
Important Things To Know About Me
Name:
(This is information that you will want to share with an attendant or roommate that you're thinking of hiring. Do not share anything you do not wish to share. Consider ways people can be most helpful yet respectful of your rights and privacy.)
A. Routines (Consider daily needs related to getting up in the AM, preparing for work, personal care, mealtimes, etc.)
B. Complex/Medical Needs (Think about specific assistance you will require with such things as medication, equipment, lifting, transferring, etc.)
C. Interests, Hobbies, Preferences (What do you like to do? Where do you like to go? Favorite foods. Pet Peeves. Allergies, etc.)
B. Other (Consider any other important things someone might need to know about you.)
This allows a person to share valuable information about themselves in a way which suits them as opposed to sending them off to read "collateral". It gives the prospective or new roommate/neighbor or support worker an idea of what is/will be expected of them. It is kept in the apartment book.
What Services You Need and When You Need Them
SERVICES WHEN OTHER INFORMATION
Domestic Services:
Related Services: ˜ Prepare meals ˜ Meal clean-up ˜ Laundry ˜ Shopping for food ˜ Other shopping errands
Non-Medical Personal Services: ˜ Respiration Assistance ˜ Bowel, bladder care ˜ Eating ˜ Routine bed baths ˜ Dressing ˜ Menstrual Care ˜ Ambulation ˜ Move in/out of bed ˜ Bathe, oral hygiene/grooming ˜ Rub skin, repositioning, help on/off seats, in/out vehicle ˜ Care/assistance with prosthesis
Transportation Services: ˜ Medical Appointment ˜ To alternate resources
Protective Supervision:
TeachingDemonstration:
Paramedical Services:
Total Monthly Hours:
Basic Schedule: HIRING
Now it is time to make a decision.
1. Call the person you have chosen to tell her/him the good news. Also, be prepared to give a start date.
2. Call the other applicants saying you have hired someone else for the job. Then ask if for some chance the position reopens if you could call them back. - OR -
Ask them if they are willing to work relief when necessary.
TRAINING
It is best to have a former attendant assist with training if possible, or someone who knows what you need and how to do it.
1. Explain your disability and challenges.
2. Explain any technical words that you use.
3. Be sure to emphasize anything relating to safety or emergencies.
4. When giving instructions involving a procedure - include each step and why it's important that it be done a certain way.
5. Don't take for granted they know what you meant; ask for feedback.
6. Be patient - your new attendant will probably not get everything right the first time.
HINTS:
It may be helpful to have technical words, procedures, etc., written out or taped on a cassette.
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR ATTENDANT OR HOW TO BE A "GOOD BOSS"
Note: Throughout this guide you will find a strong emphasis on communication. Learning good communication skills and using those skills are the keys to working effectively with an attendant.
Good Work Environment It is a fact that attendant work is usually not well paid and offers few, if any, fringe benefits. Therefore, those who take this kind of job often do it because it has other rewards, such as personal satisfaction or a chance to work closely with other people. That makes the work environment a most important factor in keeping your attendant.
Good employers create a work environment that will bring out the best an attendant has to offer. You will want your attendant to have good morale, be happy and satisfied with his/her work and therefore, be a productive employee. Good communication between you and your attendant can help do this.
To create that good work environment:
1. Reward attendants for the work they are doing. Besides paying them, it is important to praise them frequently as well. Everyone wants to feel appreciated, needed and important.
For example, your attendant has transferred you very smoothly from your bed to your wheelchair. You might say, "That was a really smooth transfer. You do it very well and I feel very safe." You have communicated your appreciation in a very concrete way and your attendant will know that he/she has performed this task well.
2. When you must criticize something your attendant has or has not done, it is important to be open and honest and to criticize the action, not the person. For example, your attendant has returned an hour later than planned. He/she did not call to explain and you are angry. You might say, "You said you would be home an hour ago. I feel frustrated and angry when people are late. In the future, I would appreciate it if you would call me and let me know you'll be late." Don't say, "You stupid idiot--you're always late! I don't know what I'm going to do with you." This will only make your attendant defensive and angry and you won't resolve anything. 3. Don't let small irritations build up until an angry explosion occurs. Anger vented in these explosions often is expressed in a hurtful and destructive way. If you feel irritated about something that is happening, talk about it as soon as possible. This may happen daily, especially if you have just begun to work together.
4. Respect your attendants. They are human beings and should be treated accordingly. Use the Golden Rule and treat your employee as you would like to be treated. Be honest, fair, kind, respectful and patient.
5. Attendants have their own lives too. Especially with people who live-in, it is important to be sure to respect their privacy, leave them alone during their time off and realize that unexpected events sometimes disrupt schedule. Although your attendant has responsibilities to you, you should not attempt to control his/her life. Flexibility and compromise are important qualities for both of you.
6. Ask your attendant how he/she feels about their work and about you as an employer. Set a regular time to share feelings about your relationship. And then, both of you be open to making changes in the routine, in attitude or in anything else that can correct a problem. After all, you are not in a nursing home where routines are set--this is your home where changes can and should be made.
7. When things just don't work out even after repeated attempts, it is time to terminate the agreement. There are good and poor ways to do this as well.
Do state your reasons clearly without attacking him/her personally.
Do give a period of notice, usually two weeks. This allows time for him/her to find a new job and/or place to live and you to find a replacement.
Do not withhold payment of wages even if you are not satisfied with his/her work. Just give notice and terminate the agreement.
To summarize, you as the employer, have the opportunity to provide a positive work environment for your attendant. This in turn helps him/her to be happy, productive and motivated to work for you. Good communication between the two of you is the key to this interdependent relationship. An attendant who is happy in his/her work will stay with you longer and do a better job, which will benefit both of you. If you are interested in learning more about communication skills, check with your local social service organization, colleges, universities or technical schools for classes in assertiveness, conflict management or basic communication skills.
GIVING PRAISE
1. Always be sincere. Don't say something you don't really mean.
2. Give compliments often.
TWO STEPS FOR GIVING COMPLIMENTS
Step 1: Describe the situation or event which you liked.
Step 2: Tell what your feeling was when it happened.
or Say that you appreciated it
or Say "Thank you"
GIVING CRITICISM
1. Give the criticism as soon as possible after the situation that you dislike occurs.
2. Criticize only one incident at a time.
3. Do not bring up things from the past. Stick to the present.
4. Criticize the person's actions; not the person.
5. Keep the criticism brief and to the point.
USE CRITICISM AS A TOOL FOR SHARING INFORMATION WITH YOUR ATTENDANT THAT WILL HELP HE/SHE TO WORK WITH YOU MORE EFFECTIVELY. THREE STEPS FOR GIVING CRITICISM:
STEP 1: Describe the situation or event that you disliked.
STEP 2: Tell what your feeling was when it happened.
STEP 3: State what would make it better next time. Give a suggestion.
WORK TOGETHER TOWARDS A SOLUTION.
Excerpted from Patterns of Supported Living: A Resource Catalogue; Developed for the California Department of Developmental Services by Allen, Shea & Associates and Claudia Bolton Forrest, 1780 Third Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 258-1326, 6/93.