Frequently Asked Questions

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How old do I need to be to work at Hiawatha Homes? What education do I need?
- Most jobs require you to be 18 years old or older.
- While higher education can be very good and helpful, it is not required. Related educational programs might include Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, Human Service Technician – certificate or associates degree, Child Development Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Therapeutic Recreation, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech/Language Pathology. Work experience at HH can be a very good addition to anyone’s resume, before – during – after graduation.
Can I work full time?
- Most of our full time positions are with the afternoon-to-evenings, and some on late nights. However, if you are hired to work less than full time, you can typically add hours to your regular schedule.
Can you work around my school, other job, or family schedule?
- Work schedules vary widely and can often be set to fit the needs of the other priorities going on in your life. With advance notice, we can make adjustments along the way i.e. start of a new school semester.
Do I have to work every weekend? How about Holidays?
- -Most of our staff work every other Saturday and Sunday as a part of their normal schedule. All hours worked on weekends are paid an extra $1/hour.
- Holidays that occur as a part of your normal work schedule may stay as your day to work. Often, staff will arrange switches with each other or with the Supervisors help so an employee can be off when it really is important to them. Holiday Worked pay is 2½ times your normal pay.
How do I take time off?
- Employees are eligible to use accrued vacation time after their first three months. Vacation requests are handled on an individual basis and ‘first come, first served’. Approval is determined by the Supervisor after combined effort of both employee and Supervisor. Consideration is given for advance notice, substitute arrangements, timing of others time off, and department activities and needs. Most requests are approved.
Do you offer health insurance?
- Any employee hired to work at least 60 hours or more in our two-week pay period is eligible for our Health Insurance benefits. There are two options to choose from: one is a Co-Pay arrangement, the other is a Health Savings Account with employer contribution. HH pays 80% of the employee’s and 75% of dependent premiums.
Will I have to work alone?
- Most of our programs have 2 staff working, sometimes 3, when people are home and awake. Late night hours are typically staffed by one person.
Will I receive training?
- You can expect full orientation and training before you would work on your own.
Will I work at many locations?
- You will generally be trained in and work at one house, maybe two, when you start. Over time, your experience and abilities may lead to additional assignments.
I’ve never done this before – how do I know if I’ll like it?
- At the time of applying to work for HH, you will have the opportunity to watch our 10 minute video about HH, the people who receive supports, and the staff engaged in their work. At the time of a job interview, you will be offered an onsite observation period to see the work in action. This will help you decide if this job is right for you.
Are there opportunities for promotion?
- We have several levels of leadership and support. From the Direct Support Staff role, there are Team Leader and House Coordinator positions.
- Support positions may call for specific education and may include Program Director, Nurse (RN or LPN), Advocate and Admissions Coordinator, and Human Resources.
- There are also positions that provide typical Business Office functions.
What kind of tasks will I be doing on the job?
- Personal cares may be needed, and that will range from feeding meals, cleaning and changing briefs due to bladder or bowel incontinence, brushing teeth, giving baths or showers. Respecting individuality and personal choices may mean you are supporting people during expression of sexuality, behaviors as communication, and various choices of leisure or community activities. It is important to get to know each person individually to best support them in what they like to do, e.g. shopping, movies, parks, exercise, swimming, visiting friends, community education classes, trips out-of-town.
How long does it take to fill out the application? How long after that can I get hired? Start working?
- It usually takes 30-45 minutes to complete the application process.
- Hiring can occur as quickly as within the week, start of paid training time is during new hire paperwork, and start of work on-the-job may be as soon as two days after new hire paperwork