Caregiver FAQ

Does it cost me anything to join?

No. Families pay our fee. You never pay a thing, and nothing comes out of your pay.

Who do I work for?

You work directly for the family. You own your contract and set your own terms. I’m happy to help you negotiate if you want.

What kinds of jobs do you place?

Nannies, family assistants, newborn care specialists, night nurses, household managers, housekeepers, and companions or CNA-certified caregivers for older adults. Most roles are long-term with one family.

What do I need to apply?

  • A completed application

  • A profile photo

  • 2–3 or more references, each with a phone number or email. They should be from the same kind of role you’re applying for.

How do I fast-track my screening?

Complete applications move first. Add your photo, list your references, and tell your references we’ll be reaching out so they respond quickly.

What happens after I apply?

  1. We contact your references.

  2. Once at least one reference responds, you’ll get an email with a link to book your interview.

  3. You complete screening and an in-person interview.

  4. We introduce you to families that are a good match.

How can I stand out to families?

Your profile is the first thing families see, so make it shine!

  • A warm, professional photo. Families want to put a face to a name.

  • A bio that shows your passion. Share why you love this work and the experience you bring.

  • Your highlights. Don’t be shy about what makes you special, such as caring for twins, special needs or medical experience, or anything else that sets you apart.

I’ll help polish your profile before I refer you to a family. But I can’t add a photo for you, so that’s where I really need your help!

Do I need to keep my profile updated?

Yes, please! Accurate information helps me match you with the right families.

  • Availability changed? Update it in the schedule section of your profile.

  • Found a job? Please let us know. We appreciate the heads-up!

  • Job ended? Whether it was with a TCC family or someone else, let us know so we can consider you for new opportunities.

Required: If you’re placed with a family through TCC and your employment changes in any way, you must let us know. This helps us stay in the loop and support both you and the family.

What do you ask of me?

I’m invested in helping you find an amazing role, earn fair pay, and advocate for yourself. In return, I ask one thing: if a family we introduced you to wants to hire you, for a long-term or short-term job, please let us know before you accept. Any work with that family should go through TCC.

This protects TCC and allows me to stay in business, so I can keep supporting you and other caregivers in finding great opportunities. Thank you!

Will you have a job for me right away?

Maybe not right away. As an agency of one, I focus on a small number of high-touch, quality placements. Quality over quantity! That means I may not have the right opportunity for you immediately, so please don’t put all your eggs in my basket. Keep exploring other opportunities too. When the right fit comes along, I’ll be in touch.

Want to see what jobs I have open?

Visit our job board at the-care-collective.com/jobs, which you can also find in the menu at the top of the site. Once you’re qualified, I’ll also email you a link to open jobs.

Why haven’t I received next steps for an interview?

I’m an agency of one and a mom of two, and I do most of my work while my kids are at school. I’d love to meet every applicant right away, but if I did, I’d have no time left to find you a job. That’s why I wait until at least one of your references responds before scheduling interviews.

If you haven’t received an email to book your interview, it likely means we’re still waiting to hear back from your references. If you can, please give them a kind nudge. You can also add another reference to your application.

Having trouble getting in touch?

While my kids are at school, I’m in scheduled interviews and family meetings, so I usually can’t answer calls or texts right away. Thank you for your patience. I’m never ignoring you!

Here are the best ways to reach me:

  • Book a call using the link in my email signature.

  • Interested in a specific job? Apply through the job link and add any notes or questions in the applicant notes.

  • Check your email. After you apply, you’ll get emails explaining your next steps.

  • Learn more: see the “What to Expect” section on our Caregivers page.

How do I send you my documents?

Please upload any documents you’d like me to have directly to your profile. I’m a team of one, so if you email them, I won’t have the bandwidth to upload them for you. Thank you for understanding!

Having trouble uploading? Email me with “URGENT” in the subject line and I’ll help. More step-by-step help for using the platform is coming to this site soon.

What support do I get after I’m placed?

Advice, advocacy, and a rematch if you ever feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or unfairly treated.

Questions?

Email ellen@the-care-collective.com