FAQ
How long have you been in business?
Household Staffing International was founded in 1974. With gratitude and humility for our clients and applicants, we have been thriving ever since.
Why should I use an agency to find household staff?
There are many benefits to utilizing a professional and reputable household staffing agency such as Household Staffing International. You will have confidence knowing that professional screening and thorough reference checking is performed – in addition to our complete array of background checks. Also, our decades of experience in the industry allows us to provide accurate and reliable step-by-step guidance throughout the search and hiring process. Finally, you can have peace of mind knowing that our trained staff of professionals will provide support to both clients and candidates throughout the entire placement process and beyond.
Read these helpful blog posts for more information on this topic:
How do I know when to hire staff?
What is the process of hiring household staff?
How do I select the right staff?
How private is my information with Household Staffing International?
Since 1974, our professionalism and discretion is only seconded by our confidentiality. Household Staffing International will never divulge information regarding our clients or candidates. We value your privacy and will never sell, distribute, or share your information without your express permission. See our internet privacy policy here
What types of positions does Household Staffing International specialize in?
We specialize in identifying and representing the finest:
- Nanny/Nannies
- Housekeepers
- Baby Nurses
- Chauffeurs
- Estate Managers
- Personal Assistants
- Chefs
- Butlers
- Elderly Companions
- Domestic Couples
- Laundresses
- Property Caretakers
- Corporate Hospitality Staff
- Family Offices
- And whatever our clients require!!!
Is the staff I am sourcing through Household Staffing International my employee, or are they paid by the agency?
The candidate/s that Household Staffing International identifies for your position become your employees, not the agency’s.
Can I pay my new employee as a 1099?
As your employee, your new household staff employee will receive a W-2 form so that they can file their tax return. In New York, it is unlawful to pay your household staff with a 1099. For more information about household staff as an employee vs a 1099 click here
Read these helpful blog posts for more information on this topic:
What factors does Household Staffing International utilize when searching for candidates fit for my position?
We have been improving upon our successful screening process since 1974. Once we have a comprehensive job description, we can go into action. Our years of experience with the needs and lifestyles of our clients gives us a unique perspective in assisting you with your job description so that it is accurate and aligned with today’s market. All candidates presented to clients are prescreened based on numerous factors, some of those include: role desired, skill-set for their desired roles, availability and interest, and references. Once we have interviewed and independently verified the employment references, any employment offer is contingent upon a comprehensive background check that includes: criminal, social security trace, sex offender registry, and (when needed) a driving record report.
Read this helpful blog post for more information on this topic:
What background check do I need?
How quickly can we find great candidates?
We work diligently to find the right candidates for our valued clients in the shortest possible time. Special or challenging requests and/or locations may result in more prolonged searches. The availability of candidates in certain areas, along with any changes made by clients to the job description during the hiring process, may also affect our timing in identifying the right staff for you. We always strive to introduce you to qualified candidates that will stay with you for many years. Successful introductions can be made within a day or sometimes within a couple of months.
- Unlawful Interview Questions
What is unlawful for me as a client to ask of candidates?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEOA) prohibits employers from asking questions that might lead to discrimination or the appearance of discrimination.
You cannot ask questions that in any way relate to candidates’:
- Age
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Color
- Gender
- Sex
- Sexual orientation or gender identity
- Country of origin
- Birthplace
- Religion
- Disability
- Marital status
- Family status
- Pregnancy
- Salary history (in some states)
For more information on the EEOA, please click here.
Are employers allowed to ask for their candidates’ vaccination statuses?
Yes, employers have the right to ask the vaccination status of their employees. For more information on COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws, please click here.
Can I, as a client, request a candidate that speaks a specific language?
There are certain exceptions when we are lawfully able to search based on a specific requirement, skill or other factor. That exception, called a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ), recognizes that in some extremely rare instances a person’s sex, religion, or national origin may be reasonably necessary to carrying out a particular job function in the normal operation of an employer’s business or enterprise. For example, if the parents speak French in the home and they require the nanny to speak French with the children, that is a lawful search. For more information please click here
- Questions about Fees and Terms
Who pays the agency fee?
Agency fees are always paid by the client/employer. Applicants are never charged any fees.
Does the candidate have to pay anything?
Applicants are never charged any fees.
What is your fee for permanent placements?
In New York, New Jersey or Connecticut, the fee for the permanent placements of Nannies, Governesses, Housekeepers, Laundresses, Chamber/Parlor Maids, Domestic Couples, Housemen, Butlers, Chefs, Private Chauffeurs and Estate Gardners is equal to 15% of the employee’s annual gross salary following a 30 day free trial period. Provided the fee is paid on time (on or before the 31st day) you will qualify for a 30 day replacement guarantee.
The fee for the permanent placements of: House/Estate Managers, Major Domos, Caretakers, Property Managers, Personal/Executive Assistants, Yacht and Aircraft Crew is equal to 20% of the projected gross annual salary with a 60 day free trial period.
For certain specialties, and in all other locations nationwide, the fee for permanent placements is equal to between 20%-25% of the employee’s annual gross salary with a 60 day free trial period.
For International placements the fee is equal to 30% of the annual salary and would require a retainer agreement in advance.
What is the temporary fee?
Our temporary fee is equal to 30% of the employee’s total earnings from day one of employment. The temporary fee will never exceed what will be equal to the permanent fee for that same candidate. If the position becomes permanent, then the temporary fee will be applied to the permanent fee for that same employee. Any new candidate would incur a new fee.
When am I required to pay the placement fee?
The Permanent Placement Fee is earned and due on or before the completion of the free trial period.
The Temporary Fee is earned and due the day after the last day of employment or at the point when the temporary fee is equal to the permanent fee.
What is the free trial period?
The free trial period simply means that you will have an opportunity to hire your new employee for a period of time without immediately incurring the agency fee. This period should provide you and the candidate with an opportunity to get to know each other, evaluate the candidate’s skills and to determine if the relationship is long term. You are still required to pay the employee during this time.
Can I try out a candidate prior to making an offer?
Absolutely! At the employer’s request a Try-Out Period of up to 2 days is encouraged. These 2 days shall not count towards the Trial Period, and the employer must compensate the candidate the agreed upon hourly rate during the Try-out.
What if I need to replace the candidate I chose to hire?
If it is determined that the candidate you have hired is not working out and they are let go prior to the completion of the free trial period there will be no fee incurred. For clients who are eligible for a replacement guarantee, if the fee has been paid on or before its due date and the candidate has been let go within the replacement period, a maximum of two free replacements shall be provided. Only the first free replacement is covered by a thirty day free-replacement guarantee.
Which benefits are typically provided by our clients?
Benefits vary depending on the position offered as well as the client’s and candidate’s circumstances. Health insurance is typically offered by our clients to their staff, or a monthly stipend is paid toward the cost of their health insurance. Clients also offer other such things as a year-end bonus, retirement or a 401k plan, transportation subsidy, and tuition reimbursement.
What are the average work hours or workdays to expect?
Each role and each family’s requirements are different. We assist families with part time, full time, permanent, and temporary household staff. We have positions from 20 hours per week to over 100 hours per week. Some with days off during the week and some with the weekends off. Some live-in, some live-out, and some a hybrid of the two. It all depends upon the individual needs of the family.
Read this helpful blog post for more information on this topic:
How should I schedule my Housekeeper?
Can I pay a straight salary for my nanny or housekeeper?
In New York and in several other states, a nanny or housekeeper cannot be a salaried employee as they are non-exempt employees. You are required to pay them by the hour on a weekly basis, document and report those hours, and pay time and a half for all overtime hours. For more information Click Here
How does it work with regular time vs. overtime?
In New York, employees who work overtime are entitled to be paid at one and one-half times the regular rate of pay. An employee who does not live in the employer’s home is entitled to this overtime rate after working 40 hours per week. An employee who lives in the employer’s home is entitled to this overtime rate after working 44 hours per week.
Read this helpful blog post for more information on this topic:
How should I schedule my Housekeeper?
What break times are candidates legally required to have?
Employees who work a 6 hour shift are entitled to a meal break of at least 30 minutes during the course of that shift. For more information on Workers Bill Of Rights Click Here
What are the requirements for candidates to apply with Household Staffing International?
Candidates must have valid United States work authorization, be fluent in English, have a minimum of 2 years of recent, long-term experience working in private homes, and have fully verifiable references.
How do I apply as a candidate with Household Staffing International?
You can begin by completing our preliminary online form here or by emailing your resume to info@hsiny.com. One of our placement specialists will contact you within 2-3 business days to begin the full application and registration process.
Read these helpful blog posts for more information on this topic:
Do you have Nanny resume advice?
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Frequently Asked Interview Questions:
What interview questions should I ask a Nanny?
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/top-ten-things-interviewing-nanny/
What interview questions should I ask a Housekeeper?
What interview questions should I ask a Personal Assistant?
What interview questions should I ask a Butler?
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/2018/10/25/
What general interviewing tips would you suggest?
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/household-staffing-interview-tips/
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/discussing-your-job-references/
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/choose-the-right-interview-clothing/
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/being-on-time-for-an-interview/
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General Client Questions:
Should I hire live-in staff?
Do I need a household manual?
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/how-to-write-a-household-manual/
How should I sack people?
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/executive-household-staff-art-letting-go/
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More Helpful Blog Posts:
Questions Regarding Child Care
What are a Nanny’s duties?
What are our company’s child safety suggestions?
How do I find a Baby Nurse?
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/how-to-find-a-baby-nurse/
Baby Nurse VS Nanny?
How do I become a Nanny?
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/how-to-become-a-nanny-in-7-steps/
Do you have Nanny resume advice?
Questions on Other Household Staffing Roles
Do I need a Housekeeper?
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/five-signs-may-need-housekeeper-services/
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/finding-a-good-housekeeper-qualities/
How should I schedule my Housekeeper?
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/how-often-should-i-schedule-my-housekeeper/
What does a professional laundress do?
What does a Personal Home Assistant do?
Executive Assistant v Personal Assistant?
What does a Domestic Couple do?
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/understanding-domestic-couples-jobs/
What responsibilities does a Chauffeur have?
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/taking-wheel-private-corporate-chauffeur/
What qualifications should a Property Caretaker have?
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/property-caretaking-jobs/
Why would I hire a chef?
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/personal-chef-for-cooking-healthy-meals/
What is the difference between a Chef and Cook?
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/hire-a-chef-to-cook-in-your-home/
Why hire a Companion?
https://www.householdstaffinginternational.com/blog/companion-home-care-for-elderly-socializing/
If there are any questions or topics that you have not seen and are interested in learning more about, please give us a call at 212-804-7116 or send us an email at info@HsiNy.com with FAQ in the subject.