• What are the requirements to apply for a caregiver?

The following requirements are needed for caregiver application:

• You need a job confirmation letter from a Canadian Employer.
•  They have to provide you with a written contract.
• Proof of successful completion equivalent to the Canadian secondary school.  In Canada, it normally takes 12 years for Canadians to obtain a high school.
• You must also have at least 6 months’ full-time training in a classroom setting. Area of study could be early childhood education, geriatric care, pediatric nursing or first aid.
• Or, at least 1 year of working experience in a field or occupation similar to what you do as a live-in caregiver. You need to include at least 6 months of continuous employment for the same employer. This employment must be within a 3 years immediately before the day on which you make an application for a work permit as a caregiver.
• You must be fluent and have a good knowledge of English or French.

• What do you look for in a caregiver?

There are 3 important factors in the selection of JM Homecare Agency caregivers:

                Factor 1
In addition to the above requirements (see question #1) as set forth by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, we are looking for individuals who are motivated to excel in their professional practice by taking courses or programs to enhance their ability and skills as a caregiver.

                Factor 2
You have to meet and agree to commit to our Professional Standards of Excellence to be:

• Compassionate – Always be compassionate towards the people you care for.
• Confidentiality – Always maintain confidentiality, your employer personal life has to be respected.
• Dedicated – You have to be dedicated to individual who relies on you for their daily care. Being a caregiver is not a job, it is a calling.
• Empathetic – Place yourself in their position and realise what they are experiencing. Be empathetic at all times.
• Nurturing – Agree at all times to nurture in your provision of care.
• Patient – Always be patient, the profession of care-giving calls for never allowing your emotions or anger to take over.  It is always a blessing to care for others.
• Respectful – Always possess an attitude of graciousness and respect.
• Reliable – Always possess an attitude of reliability.  Be ready to complete all assigned tasks as called for and sometimes going above and beyond the call of duty when the situation arises.
• Kindness – Offer kindness and understanding by going the extra mile.
• Professional – Always maintain an attitude of professionalism, conducting yourself in a professional manner.

               Factor 3
You also have to possess the following qualities:

• Have a positive attitude.
• Own a sense of responsibility.
• Maintain a professional appearance.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills.
• Possess an attitude of humility and lifelong-learning.

• How is the caregiver matched with a family or employer?

A successful and suitable match between the caregiver and employer is made based on the information provided in the application forms. Therefore, we require that you be honest and truthful at all times so that we know who you are as a person, and what your likes and dislikes are. Always be as detailed as possible.  We require the same from the employer as well.  By studying both portfolios, we can successfully match you with a family that suits you. We provide the employer with 3-5 suitable applicants who are best suited to their needs and requirements; the employer then chooses the applicant whom they think is the best choice for their family or love one’s needs. We will then arrange for them to interview you. The employer will make the final decision.

• How long will it take to find an employer?

The process can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. Rest assured that JM Homecare will do its best to place caregivers with suitable employers. At the end of the day, the employer will make the final decision. Having the right training and skills will ultimately improve your chances of being hired. JM Homecare offers you the opportunity to register for a roster of industry-related courses which will help you further develop the job-ready skills to practice as a professional caregiver, thereby making you more desirable and in demand. Please contact us for more information.

• If I am selected by an employer, how long does the processing take before I arrive in Canada?

When you have been selected, the employer will then send you a copy of the positive Labour Market Opinion letter and an employment contract. We will assist you in your work permit application so that it is expedited quickly. This whole process varies; it takes approximately 3 – 4 months when applying from some countries, while others might take 4 – 6 months. When applying through the Canadian Embassy (Manila) in the Philippines, it might take up to a year or more.

• What do I have to pay? What is your agency fee?

There is a fee of CAD$150 payable to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for the Canadian work permit application. We do not charge an agency or placement fee to caregivers. This is paid for by the employer. We would, however, recommend that you take the opportunity to research and seriously consider enrolling in our Professional Development program and related-courses which are available to all caregivers. These will not only help you enhance your skills but will also increase your chances of employment in Canada. We also provide convenience services upon your arrival so your needs are being taken care of.  Please e-mail or call us for more information.

• How much is the salary? What other deduction is taken from the payroll?

The caregivers’ gross salary varies from $1387 - $2200; depending on location of employment. The employer is allowed to deduct room and board, which varies from $152 to $420, based on location of hire.  In the province of British Columbia, the maximum deduction for room and board is $325, which must be in writing between the employee and the employer (usually in the terms and conditions of the employment contract).

• When and how will JM Homecare assist us?

We provide assistance from the moment we receive your application, right up till the moment you no longer need our help. We will assist you with the preparation of the work permit application in order for it to be expedited for quick processing. We will also assist you with such details as obtaining your Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) and Medical Service Plan (MSP) application. For those employed  in British Columbia,  we will assist you in finding a place to stay on your weekends or days off, so that you can rest and relax in a comfortable environment apart from your employer`s home, thus also allowing the employer to have some private family time of their own. Our goal is also to ensure that you are comfortable and happy, so that you can, in return, provide the employer with good quality care. We also offer job-related courses to help you enhance your work skills and counsel in other related area as well. Upon arrival, you will receive 1 day of work-related training, so that we can brief you on the daily duties you can expect in your new care giving role. Whether it is your work permit, obtaining an extension or any other matters which you are unsure about and need advice in, we will do our utmost best to help assist you. If we are unable to provide you with the appropriate services, we will direct you to the right place to get the necessary help. We understand that coming to a foreign country is difficult as there is no one to assist or help you. That`s why we believe in assisting all our caregivers. At JM Homecare, we help one another, striving for a better future. 

• What if I don`t get along with the employer and is not happy?

We give our employers and caregivers with the same advice: communication is the key to all successful working relationships. Most caregivers might be afraid to raise their concern(s) and voice their opinion or dissatisfaction when a problem arises; and therefore, do not communicate to the employers and do not realise at the same time that employers can’t read their mind. With their busy schedule, there might be an oversight on certain matters and the employer may not know what you are thinking or what is going on. It is your duty to remind them, and let them know if there are any concerns. If for any reason, you are uncomfortable with a situation, or have a concern that was unattended by your employer, please do not hesitate to come to us, and we can mediate on your behalf.

With that said, if you and your employer, for any reason do not work out, we will re-assign you with another employer as soon as you are available. We will assist you in searching for a new employer; but we always advise our caregivers that they should exhaust all means of communication with their employer before turning to us. If you need help in this matter, we can offer you advice on how to relate the issue in a professional manner to your employer. If you do decide to leave, you should provide your employer with a proper written notification letter of resignation, unless it is in a dire situation that does not permit you to do so. In these extreme cases, we will step in to assist you. We are here not only to protect the employers, but also the caregivers’ rights. Sometimes, an issue might just be a simple oversight which can easily be resolved by way of communication.
 

• Are we able to select the province of choice to work in?

Yes, you are able to select the location; but that would limit your opportunity of employment and we have no control over which employer would select you. We would therefore only place you within the location that you have requested, but you also have to match the request of the employer.

At JM Homecare, we truly DO care.