Caregivers provide companionship, personal care, and other valuable services. For members of KanCare, Kansas’ Medicaid program, hiring a caregiver doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Many KanCare members rely on RewardingWork.org, an online directory and job board that connects families with qualified caregivers in their local communities. RewardingWork.org empowers families statewide to find the support they need. Get started in your search with these 5 easy steps:
1. Understand Your Coverage
If you manage personal care services for yourself or a family member, KanCare may pay for in-home caregivers, including personal care attendants and respite care providers. Your care manager will help you understand which services are covered and choose a fiscal intermediary agency, which will onboard and pay the caregiver you select. Before you begin the interview process, make sure you know how many hours of care you have been approved for each week, as well as the hourly pay KanCare covers.
2. Recruit More Effectively with a Job Description
A clear, detailed job description helps attract qualified job applicants and set expectations. Be sure to include such basic information as:
- Responsibilities: Outline specific tasks, such as meal preparation, transportation, personal care, or medication reminders.
- Schedule: What days and hours is the caregiver needed?
- Special Needs: Note any medical conditions, disabilities, or preferences that require extra attention.
- Special Rewards: Highlight any benefits or aspects of the job that make it a unique opportunity and differentiate your post from many others searching for caregivers.
- Qualifications: List any certifications, experience, or skills that are required or preferred, such as CPR or first aid.
Rewarding Work makes it easy to share your job description and connect with local caregivers.
3. Use Trusted Resources to Find Caregivers
The key to finding qualified caregivers covered by KanCare is a reliable search platform. Rewarding Work, the first web-based matching service directory in the nation to focus exclusively on assisting people of all ages with disabilities, has been helping families connect with caregivers since 2004. This user-friendly tool enables you to personalize your search by allowing you to:
- Find caregiver profiles based on location, availability, and skills.
- Review candidates’ experience and qualifications.
- Post job descriptions tailored to the needs of your loved one.
Subscriptions to use Rewarding Work are free to KanCare members with coverage through the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas. Affordable, paid subscriptions are available to everyone else.
4. Prepare for Interviews
Now that you’ve identified potential candidates, you’re ready to schedule interviews to help assess a caregiver’s skills, personality, and fit for your family. As you develop a list of questions, make sure to consider:
- Experience: How long have you been a caregiver? Have you worked with individuals with similar needs?
- Problem-Solving: Can you tell me about how you handled an emergency or unexpected situation?
- Availability: Are you comfortable with the schedule and responsibilities outlined in the job description? Do you foresee any potential conflicts?
- References: Ask candidates for 2 to 3 professional references. Read more about reference checks here.
Be sure to allow candidates to ask you questions. Often, the questions they choose can be revealing. Pay attention to how the candidate communicates and whether they show empathy and attentiveness—qualities that are essential in caregiving.
5. Make Your Hiring Decision
After you have checked references and are ready to make a job offer, it’s time to contact your fiscal intermediary, who will handle the remaining part of the hiring process, including criminal background checks.
The search and hiring process for caregivers takes time—so plan ahead. Fortunately, the resources you have available as a KanCare member will make your role manageable. By defining your needs, creating a detailed job description, and using trusted resources like Rewarding Work, you can find a compassionate, experienced caregiver to support your loved one and your family.