Have you ever wanted to know what recruitment managers are looking for when hiring for some of the leading “Care” organisations around Australia?

In this edition, Ben Leow, People Services Business Partner - Organisational Planner, HammondCare has agreed to share with us answers to the questions you want to know.

Thanks for your time Ben. Firstly, what does HammondCare do?

HammondCare is an independent Christian charity that exists to improve quality of life for people in need.

We specialise in aged and dementia care, palliative care, rehabilitation, mental health services for older people, and other related health and aged care services. HammondCare seeks to embed evidence based best practice in its services and we provide these services through home care, sub-acute hospitals and residential aged care.

Bringing these health, hospital and aged care services together, HammondCare has been able to develop innovative, flexible care models designed to serve people with complex health or aged care needs, regardless of their circumstances.

HammondCare works to provide its staff with support, career development opportunities, education, responsibility and recognition, work/life balance, and satisfying roles.

And what sort of roles do you hire for?

We hire for frontline Care Staff, Registered Nurses, Facilities Managers, Community Nurses, Allied Health professionals, Administrative roles, and corporate roles such as Accountants, IT professionals etc.

There are some interesting roles you have described there. Are you able to explain to our audience what the HammondCare hiring process is?

The process usually involves sending your resume and cover letter in the first instance. Once your suitability to the role has been ascertained, you will be invited for a face to face interview.

Depending on the role, there might be a psychometric assessment and a functional assessment. In all our roles, you will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check as part of the Aged Care Act.

So, what are the main things you look for in a candidate?

HammondCare often hire for fit, and we will provide the training according to your competencies.

The passion to care and an innate motivation to improve quality of life for those in needs is a pre-requisite.

And what are some of the most common mistakes candidates make?

Not tailoring your application to the role. We often receive application for Care Worker role stating that they are applying for another role with a different organisation.

Make sure you know what is required for the application and don’t send generic application to a bunch of organisations.

Who would usually interview the candidates at HammondCare?

The hiring manager, another operational person and also a member of the HR team.

And what are some of the key mistake’s candidates make in interviews?

Not preparing for the interview and not being clear of what the role is about.

I noticed that you are happy to hire people who don’t have qualifications. How does that work?

As mentioned earlier we hire for fit and would be happy to provide the necessary training. HammondCare is an RTO as well and we will provide an opportunity to complete a Cert III and Cert IV in Individual Support.

What roles would you say are the hardest to fill at HammondCare and why?

RNs in regional towns due to the smaller number of candidates and the lack of candidates who are willing to relocate to these areas.

Community Care Workers in certain parts of Metro Sydney can be hard to fill due to the driving aspects of the role.

Thanks for your time Ben

If people are interested in working at HammondCare you can find what roles they have on offer here: https://www.careersforcarers.com.au/employers/120577-hammondcare