A job description can help a nanny to clarify what her role should be in the family, as different families will expect different duties. If a nanny came from one job with certain responsibilities, you may have different ones, and she needs to know that. It can also help the family define the role of the caretaker that has been hired to help with those duties in order to avoid conflicts in just what is expected of the nanny.
What to Include in a Nanny Job Description
To find the right nanny for your home, you should conduct your interviews carefully and make sure that they are a good fit for your family. Sharing your job description with those that you interview can be a good way to make sure that you are both on the same page.
The job description should include the number of hours that the nanny is expected to be on duty. If you are planning on a live-in nanny, the number of hours that she works per day should be included in the job description. These hours are most often between five and twelve per day. The nanny could also be expected to work six days per week. You should consider that a live-out nanny will often work less hours per week in the position.
While it might be difficult to put into words what you expect of your nanny, you should include activities that center around the children. Such duties might include:
- Reading stories and books
- Scheduling activities for the children
- Managing play dates
- Bringing the children to and from school
- Helping with homework
- Attending any appointments or events that the child is required to attend
These are typical things to require of a nanny. You will most likely have a game plan of the things you want to include in your specific job description.
There is no one description that is set in stone for a nanny, but it should only be focused on the children. Do not include things like full time meal preparation, especially if you are not prepared to pay a higher salary because the extra responsibility. A nanny may be required to prepare meals for the children in many cases, but the position of family cook is not one that the nanny should be required to fill.
Nanny and Housekeeper in One
Consider what you are looking for when hiring a nanny. When you are determining what the role of the nanny will be in the home, it is important to recognize that a nanny is first and foremost a childcare provider. They are not necessarily a housekeeper or someone who is there to care for the adults in the family.
If you find that you are looking for a housekeeper who also cares for your children, such duties might include doing laundry and cleaning while they are caring for the children. Keep in mind that the level of childcare will be less. The nanny who is in this role will have to divide her time between the two jobs. She may ask for a higher salary because of the increased responsibilities. If housework is important to you, then this may be worth it.
Writing a job description ahead of time can make your interviewing process go much easier. Make copies of the description to hand to potential nannies that you are considering for the position, so they can think about your expectations as well. Finding the right nanny is important, and when family and nanny both feel comfortable with the job description, it makes for harmony in the home.
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