Sourcing your own nanny position

There is no hard and fast rule that says to obtain a nanny position you must go through an agency.

You don’t have to go through a nanny agency.

Not all families go through an agency.

How do you find a nanny position if you choose not to use an agency?

Where is the best way to start the search?

We suggest if you do source your own nanny position then you need to be vigilant about your own safety.

When sourcing your own role be mindful of the information you share. If you reply to an advert , for example, be stringent about ensuring you do not provide your personal information when initially contacting or during the initial interview period.

You need to be clear about the position and what it entails. It is important to go into your search for a position with your eyes wide open.

There are many reasons families do not use agencies (and they do not need to) but be alert to the conditions, job description, etc when sourcing a position privately.

• Word of mouth.
• Newspapers adverts.
• Internet searches.
• Private advertisements.
• Classifieds.
• Job sites such as www.seek.com.au or www.gumtree.com.au or the online nanny options that are not agencies but online portals to connect families with nanny’s.
• Friends, etc.

We would recommend being prepared.

Be clear of what you are looking for and willing to accept.

We also suggest doing your homework by knowing what is the trend, the going rate of pay, conditions, etc. In addition we advise on a nanny contract to be agreed upon and signed prior to commencement. This aids in covering yourself for the role and any issues should they arise. A nanny employment contract is like a Enterprise Agreement with a business. It can be used should  you need to seek advice or guidance from Fair Work.

It is important to be confident in asking prudent questions early on in the interview process. Some find this quite unnerving. As awkward or confronting as this is it is vital to ensuring you are on the same page and to establish if this is the right position for you.

Yes, the more you can give a prospective employer the better.

The requirements for a nanny role will generally remain the same. A family will want to see your certificates and qualifications.

We recommend obtaining a National Police Clearance in conjunction with a Working With Children Check can and can offer peace of mind for the family.

We also recommend ensuring you have a current First Aid Certificate ensuring it is the First Aid that covers Anaphlaxis and Asthma if working with children.