RECRUITMENT & SELECTION

Staffing is typically the highest cost for organisations within the care industry. Embrace HR can guide Case Managers, Deputies and families through the process. We aim to attract the right candidate with the competence, confidence and compassion to meet the specific care needs of clients. Our understanding of the care sector, coupled with expertise in HR, increases the chances of successful recruitment.

We are not a recruitment agency but are CIPD qualified in Resourcing and we invest time in making the process as straightforward as possible. Working with Case Managers, directly with the family or with an individual adult who requires care, we actively seek out support workers who fit the bill.

The Recruitment Process

Good care provision can only be provided by individuals who are genuine, honest, trustworthy, compassionate and reliable. Along with practical skills and experience, all employees need to respect and safeguard the individuals that they care for.

Embrace HR can assist with:

Preparation

Our qualified HR professionals prepare suitable job and people specifications and job descriptions. Working together with Case Managers and families, we aim to accurately match the needs identified in the job description and associated care plan. Essential and desirable criteria will be considered for each post.

Our mantra is one that many recruiters know “Recruit for Attitude, Train for Skills”. We train anyone who recruits with us to have this in mind. It is not a ‘tick box’ exercise because it’s about finding the right person for the right client.

We take the view that if the person presents a desirable attitude and the right qualities, along with some experience and lots of common sense, and they fit in with the family, they can be trained. Our team will work with Case Managers and families to understand the brief:

• What qualities will fit in with their family?
• What does the ideal person ‘look like’ in terms of personality and attitude?
• What shifts need to be covered and what flexibility is needed?

From our in-depth discussions, we prepare an advert for the post; designed to attract the right type of candidate.

With simplified application processes, we focus on encouraging individuals to apply. We advertise on specific job boards, proactively search on social media sites and carry out CV searches. We’ve been known to carry out local ‘door drops’ or place a card advert in local shops.

Screening & Shortlisting

A CV or application form only tells part of the story, especially when personality and attitude play such a vital role. When we find people who we feel will fit, we arrange a first telephone interview. This allows us to listen to the candidates without pre-judging based on appearance. We are well aware of the ‘halo effect’ and are keen to avoid the unconscious bias of recruiting in our own image.

Our team are tasked with fielding enquiries, reviewing and filtering applications. We then prepare a shortlist of between 2 – 5 appropriate applicants and a summary for Case Managers and families.

Candidate Selection and Assessments

Our involvement helps maintain consistent and fair interview and assessment processes. Our HR Administration services ensure that interviews are arranged. We maintain contact with the candidates and follow up with the Case Manager and family after interviews.

We then carry out pre-employment checks such as the right to work, which is even more complex after Brexit.

Appointment of Support Workers

Once a candidate is selected, we send out an offer that includes all onboarding documentation required of a new starter. As this is the beginning of the employment relationship, checks and documentation must be collated formally. We draft contracts and employee handbooks that reflect the employer’s requirements.

CQC Compliant Recruitment

Within the care industry, recruitment and selection have to comply with the Health & Social Act 2008 (regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. Care Quality Commission (CQC) guidance states that compliance with this regulation depends on ‘robust recruitment procedures, including undertaking any relevant checks’.

It is vital that ‘Fit and proper persons are employed’ and that the process is fair. Legal rights, confidentiality, equality and non-discriminatory processes must be followed throughout the recruitment and selection process.

Keeping up to date with the legislation and managing the recruitment process can be time consuming. Let our experienced recruiters assist. Read our blog to find out more about the CQC and how they work.