{"id":23783,"date":"2020-06-22T16:57:25","date_gmt":"2020-06-22T20:57:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gtm.com\/household\/?p=23783"},"modified":"2023-06-27T16:57:31","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T20:57:31","slug":"working-as-nanny-during-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gtm.com\/household\/working-as-nanny-during-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing to Work as a Nanny During the Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"
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While we are slowly getting \u201cback to normal,\u201d we still need to be wary that the pandemic is not over, and the risk of infection is real. In a competitive job market, what does that mean for those looking to work as a nanny during the health crisis? Here are 9 steps to take right now and 4 things to expect when you are on the job.<\/p><\/div>\n

While states are opening up and businesses start to bring workers back to the office, cases of COVID-19 are increasing in many areas. That is our new reality. We are getting \u201cback to normal\u201d but still need to be wary that the pandemic is not over, and the risk of infection is real.<\/p>\n

In the middle of all this, parents are among those heading back to the office, which raises questions about childcare. Some daycare facilities have shut down while those that remain open are limiting enrollment to help with social distancing. Daycare may not be an option even if parents think it is safe to send their children to a center. A more appealing option may be private, in-home childcare as families can limit the number of people their children are exposed to. That could mean more work for professional nannies but also a more competitive job market.<\/p>\n

What should nannies be doing now to prepare for childcare work during the pandemic and what should they expect once they are on the job?<\/p>\n

9 steps to landing a nanny job<\/h2>\n

1. Stand out from the crowd<\/h3>\n

As we mentioned, the competition for nanny jobs may be great. Thousands of nannies lost their jobs when the health crisis first broke and many are now looking to get back to work. Others \u2013 who also may have been laid off \u2013 could look at nannying as an easy way to find a job to get back on their feet. So how do you distinguish yourself in this job market?<\/p>\n

Highlight the qualities that differentiate you from other caregivers. What makes you special? Do you have an advanced education degree or lots of experience? Do you have skills you can teach like art, music, or foreign languages? Do you have a specialty like caring for newborns or working with special needs children? Make sure whatever it is that helps you stand out is emphasized on your resume.<\/p>\n

2. Take stock of your talents<\/h3>\n

Not sure what distinguishes you as a nanny? Then list every skill, talent, and quality you have as a nanny. Look at the jobs you are applying for and their job descriptions. Do your talents match what families are seeking?<\/p>\n

3. Add training and education<\/h3>\n

If you are lacking some skills that would make you a more attractive candidate for nanny jobs, then consider taking a training course. You can take courses online through NannyTraining.com<\/a>, the International Nanny Association<\/a>, and others. Including certificates on your resume will help show you have mastered those skills and are serious about your profession. They can also help you earn more money.<\/p>\n

4. Broaden your job search beyond childcare<\/h3>\n

Would you consider other types of household employment besides childcare? Could you look for positions as a tutor, personal assistant, housekeeper, chef, chauffeur, gardener, or senior companion? You could also offer these services in addition to nannying for an increase in pay. Families may be looking to limit the number of people who come into their homes during the pandemic. What if you could offer to care for their younger children and tutor their school-aged children?<\/p>\n

5. Assess your social footprint<\/h3>\n

Now that your resume is in good shape and you are an attractive candidate for jobs, don\u2019t let social media derail your efforts. It is very easy \u2013 and common \u2013 for families to check out potential nannies online. What do your social media profiles say about you? Do you come across as professional or do you bad mouth former employers online? Do you appear caring and community-minded or do you use social media to be harshly critical of others? Do social media images show you abusing alcohol or drugs? Clean up your profiles if needed to ensure families see a professional caregiver they want to entrust with looking after their children.<\/p>\n

6. Call your references and past employers<\/h3>\n

The nanny job market can be tough. Getting a position through a referral can be a much easier way to land a job. Reach out to your references and past nanny families. Tell them you are looking for new opportunities and if they know of families who may be looking to hire a nanny. You may have an edge over other candidates if you are referred to a family by one of their friends.<\/p>\n

7. Work with an agency<\/h3>\n

If you have not worked with a nanny placement agency before, now may be the time. Agencies carefully screen the families they work with and will only send you on interviews if they think you will be a good fit for the position. Agencies may also work with families to help ensure competitive pay and a safe workplace during the pandemic.<\/p>\n

8. Review your nanny contract<\/h3>\n

Before starting any job, you should have a nanny contract or work agreement<\/a> in place. This important document spells out all the details about the job including pay rates, benefits, job responsibilities, schedule, and more. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way everyone works including nannies. You may want to consider adding sick days that can be taken due to the health crises or ensuring that personal protective equipment (PPE) will be available if you take the children outside of the home.<\/p>\n

9. Make certain you are paid legally<\/h3>\n

Your nanny contract<\/a> should also ensure that you are paid legally. This means the family has established themselves as an employer and will withhold and pay all taxes. You will have a small amount taken out of your wages each pay period, and this will provide financial protection if you get sick, injured, or lose your job. During the pandemic, nannies are among the workers required to receive paid sick and family leave if you need to miss work due to a pandemic-related reason. You will also receive unemployment benefits<\/a> if you lose your job through no fault of your own. Workers\u2019 compensation insurance<\/a> will help replace lost wages and pay medical bills if you are hurt on the job. In this day and age of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to be paid on the books.<\/p>\n

What to expect when you are back at work<\/h2>\n

When you have landed a nanny position, you can expect things to be a little different on the job.<\/p>\n

1. Follow a return to work plan<\/h3>\n

A return to work plan<\/a> is typically created to help reintegrate employees in the traditional workforce who have been injured or have been on leave. With the current health crisis, it may make sense for household employers to also implement a return to work plan. This document could spell out:<\/p>\n