Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Information
What services does Family Helpers provide?
We specialize in personalized household staffing solutions, offering professional referrals for nannies, babysitting, housekeeping, elder care, and other family support services. Whether you need temporary, permanent, full-time, part-time, or occasional help, we connect you with trusted caregivers.
Do you employ helpers directly?
No, we are not the employer. We operate as a referral agency, meaning once a successful placement is made, the helper becomes your direct employee. Think of us as your matchmaker. We connect you with qualified candidates, but employment arrangements, payroll, and ongoing management are led by the client.
How do I request a helper for my family?
To request a Helper whether for temporary, permanent, part time, or full-time assistance, you must first register through our online portal. An application is required for all request types and can be completed directly on our website. Once the application is submitted, our team will review the details and follow up with the next steps.
What areas do you serve?
We provide services in Westchester, Fairfield, Rockland, and Bergen counties. Contact us if you are unsure whether we cover your location.
What are your business hours and contact details?
Our business hours are Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM, but we are available after-hours and on weekends by appointment. Please send us an email at info@familyhelpers.com or give us a call at 914-674-8535 for fast and personalized support.
Will I have a dedicated point of contact during the process?
Yes! Every client is paired with a dedicated placement specialist who will guide you through each step from intake to interviews, to final placement. This ensures personalized experience and consistent communication throughout your search.
Hiring & Screening Process
How do you vet and screen helpers?
We perform thorough background checks, including social security verification, sex offender registry, criminal background, driver license verification, reference verification, and a caregiver assessment to ensure all helpers are qualified and trustworthy.
What qualifications do your helpers have?
Our helpers are carefully selected based on their experience, skills, and certifications. Many have CPR training, childcare expertise, housekeeping skills, and elder care experience. We prioritize candidates who demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a strong commitment to providing exceptional service.
What are the requirements for helpers?
All caregivers must commit to a minimum one-year term for permanent placements, consent to a background check, be legally authorized to work in the U.S., have a valid driver’s license and own vehicle, possess at least three years of experience, and provide three verifiable professional and personal references.
Can I request a helper with specific skills or certifications?
Yes! Whether you need someone with CPR training, newborn care experience, elder care expertise, or another specialized skill, we will find the right match for you.
How long does placement take?
Timelines vary, so understanding expectations upfront is crucial. Our average placement timeline is typically 1-4 weeks once we have received your completed registration and job expectations. That said, more complex roles like those with irregular hours, days, part-time availability, or highly specific requirements may take longer as we work to find the ideal match for you.
Do you offer trial periods before full hiring?
Yes! We offer short-term trials before any commitment to ensure a strong fit.
What happens if I need to replace a helper? Is there a guarantee period?
We stand behind every placement we make. We offer a 30-day guarantee period for part-time employees, and a 90-day guarantee period for full-time employees. If, for any reason, the match
is not the right fit within this period, we will conduct a free replacement search at no additional cost to you.
Do you assist with onboarding paperwork and payroll guidance?
Yes, we do! We are happy to support you with templates, best practices, and referrals to our trusted partners specializing in payroll setup, tax compliance, and insurance guidance. While we do not provide payroll services directly, we ensure you are connected with the right expert to assist every step with confidence.
Do you offer post-hire support?
Absolutely! Our relationship does not end once a placement is finalized, we are here for the long haul. Whether you have questions about bonuses, raises, performance check-ins, or need help navigating a change in expectations, we are just a call or email away. Our goal is to support a long-lasting successful match for both you and your helper.
Safety & Policies
How do you ensure safety?
We prioritize safety through rigorous background checks, and thorough screening. Our goal is to provide trusted and reliable assistance.
How do you handle confidentiality and privacy?
We use encrypted, cloud-based platforms, with multi-factor authentication to store client and candidate information. Printed documents containing sensitive data are securely shredded, and we offer in-person meetings at our office for confidential discussions.
How do you handle confidentiality for high-profile clients?
Discretion is at the heart of everything we do. We collaborate extensively with high-profile individuals ensuring privacy from start to finish. Our office staff and Helpers are trained on maintaining confidentiality both online and offline. Access to sensitive information is strictly limited to key personnel.
What happens if there is an issue with a helper?
If you have any concerns, contact us immediately. We take feedback seriously and will collaborate with you to resolve any issues as soon as seamless as possible.
Do you provide insurance or liability coverage?
Family Helpers is insured, bonded and licensed by the Department of Labor.
Scheduling & Availability
How far in advance should I book a helper?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for long-term or specialized care needs. However, we do our best to accommodate last-minute requests.
Can I request a temporary or emergency helper?
Yes! We offer short-term, back-up, and emergency assistance for families who need help on short notice.
What is your cancellation policy?
Do you offer recurring services?
Absolutely! Many families rely on our helpers for weekly, biweekly, or monthly assistance. Let us know your preferred schedule and expectations.
Pricing & Payments
How does pricing work for different services?
We offer a range of services tailored to meet your needs from permanent placements to occasional care.
Permanent Placements:
A one-time fee of 12% of the helper’s annual gross compensation (minimum $1,500.00).
On-Call or Occasional Services:
$35.00 per day, or $50.00 for short-notice or holiday requests. Minimum of 4 hours per request.
Babysitting Services:
$100 Enrollment Fee, then $25.00 per booking or $35.00 for short notice or holiday requests.
Hotel Sitter:
$50.00 per sitter. Parking fees also apply.
Event Sitter:
Custom quotes based on the number of children, their ages, and any unique requirements, Rate per sitter starting at $50.00. Holiday or Short-notice rates may apply.
Transportation/Parking fees may be included depending on location.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, checks, or cash for convenience.
Are there any additional fees or deposits required?
We charge a non-refundable $100 registration fee to begin the search. Our permanent placement fee is a one-time payment due before your new hire starts. Temporary and occasional requests are billed weekly or upon service completion.
Is the $100.00 registration fee applied to the placement fee?
Yes, it is! The registration fee is fully credited toward the placement fee once a successful match is made. It is our way of ensuring your initial investment goes directly toward the final service you receive.
Do you offer refunds?
We do not offer refunds, but we are fully committed to your satisfaction through our trial periods, guarantee, and replacement agreement. It is our way of ensuring you receive lasting value from our service.