Employment of carer

Selection

EFM's reputation rests largely on the care provided by our Carers meeting our pledge of quality. Our policy is to pay our Carers at the top of the industry and therefore attract high-quality applicants.

Because Carers are our greatest asset great attention and detail is given to selecting people who are trustworthy, intelligent, resourceful and kind. Our selection process is:

1. Applicants submit an application form and a CV
2. Applicants are interviewed, checking for examples of good decision-making, positive attitudes toward older people, and a philosophy match with EFM
3. Referee checks explore an applicant’s work ethic, honesty, and reliability
4. EFM complete a Ministry of Justice conviction check.

Engagement

The engagement process for Carers as independent contractors is:

1. Carers are offered assignments with  Clients that a compatible with their personality, interests, availability, and work preferences
2. Carers, upon accepting an assignment, are briefed in writing with an engagement letter, care plan, and detailed information about the client's situation
3. Carers are personally introduced to the Client before they start.

Carer Training and Support

EFM provides opportunities for training and support to ensure that all Carers are in possession of the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to perform their jobs to the highest standard and to feel valued by our company. EFM provides training and support in different ways:

• Formal Training / Development – This includes (but is not limited to) sessions that are conducted by EFM Management or outside health providers / specialists. EFM runs regular Carer training workshops, and orientation workshops for new Carers.

• Informal Training / Development – This includes (but is not limited to) discussions and one-on-one training with Carers who are faced with situations they need guidance with. Carers have immediate access to an EFM Manager.

• Peer feedback – At Client case meetings (held periodically when a Client, usually requiring high-needs care, has a team of Carers) Carers work together to ensure consistency of care, in-line with the current care plan, to achieve the same goal for the client. 

Monitoring

EFM Managers have on-going regular contact with each Carer by way of phone conversations, text messaging, email exchanges, and notes provided by the Carer with their fortnightly invoices. There is also a care journal in the homes of most Clients. In the case of high-needs Clients, the notes required for each Carer session are detailed.

If a Carer is not performing as required, Management gives them an opportunity to improve, but if this doesn't happen within a very short timeframe, they're taken off the assignment.