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Who is myBestHelper?

Who is myBestHelper?

We are a web and mobile service connecting Families with great Helpers - child, home and elder care. We’ve had the privilege of being recognized with a few awards and media mentions for our service.

Our team is focused on creating the best positive experience and result for our users. Our absolute priority is the satisfaction of all we serve. We love what we do!

Why did you create this service?

After personally trying everything from word of mouth to bulletin boards to online sites to expensive nanny agencies, and watching the same happen to Families and Helpers alike, we knew it was time for something completely different. A modern solution that makes life better, and gives you all the choices you want. Learn more here

My situation is a bit unique. Is myBestHelper right for me?

Each Family’s situation is unique and we are experts in helping find an awesomely unique solution.

You are in the right place if:

  1. You need help: You are seeking child or elder care, house cleaning, or general help around the home for tasks and errands - define what is a must and what is a nice to have, and let us help you find it.
  2. Trust and fit matters: You need a trustworthy person who is right for your job AND for your Family (personality, values, interests).
  3. Choice and privacy: You want to see all options available to you and make your own choices as to who is best - and protect your privacy by only revealing contact information only when you are ready.
  4. Your own terms: You want to set your own terms as to how much and how you pay your Helper - we charge you one flat fee to access the service and there are no other hidden costs.
  5. Convenience is important: You want an easy, fast and effective way to find and manage Helpers for the home.

How do I get in touch with you?

If you have any questions, feedback or just want to say hi, we’d love to hear from you! You can reach us by email at support@mybesthelper.com, or give us a call.

More About Helpers

What is a “helper”?

A Helper is someone who is offering help to Families in a home situation.

There are so many different ways people refer to Helpers in the home – nannies, sitters, babysitters, attendants, nurses, mother’s helpers, housekeepers, pet sitters, tutors – that we centered on the core aspect that shines through them all – the need for help and the willingness to provide help. Families need an extra hand at home in whatever combination that fits their unique situation, and we connect them with those who can help.

Who are the Helpers?

Some Families prefer someone who has experience, be it by training or through life experiences. Some choose to hire and train on the job– after all millions of au-pairs have been successful in helping Families take care of kids and are typically young adults with no prior experience. The fundamental answer is - anyone who is trustworthy, has good common sense and a helpful attitude can be a Helper.

Look at our Search Page – you fill find university students and graduates alongside career Helpers (nannies, teachers, housekeepers), as well as stay at home moms and retired grandmothers or between jobs professionals looking to help. Please note that on our site, we only list Helpers older than 18 years old.

Are the Helpers employees of myBestHelper?

myBestHelper does not employ the Helpers profiled on our service. We are simply an introduction service to those requiring help at home. Families set their own terms and fees directly with Helpers.

How are Helpers selected?

Our Helpers are all older than 18 years old, are recruited by us and go through a number of steps before their profile can be seen. See below for more info:

How do you vet your Helpers?

We work hard to build a most trusted community for our members. We strive to provide our users, both Families and Helpers, with a number of indicators of trust combined with proven tools that in combination help you make informed decisions regarding who they interact with on the site and in the real world. Our Helpers are all older than 18 years old, are recruited by us and go through a number of steps before their profile can be seen, including:

  1. Several different types of verifications (online ID and social) - We verify that all users have real email addresses and phone numbers - all Helpers have at least one of the two verified before their profile is activated for people to see. We also show you what networks they belong to - such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.
  2. Detailed Profiles – Users create detailed profiles that include their photo, education, experience, preferences, and any certifications & special skills.
  3. Third-Party Checks – Helpers can list if they have any third party documentation such as Criminal Background Checks or First Aid and you can request they send you copies.
  4. References - You can see the number of references Helpers have available for you to call (Note: Families will always reveal more on a call than they would in a written reference).
  5. Hand Curated - Our team personally approves all new users and all changes to existing user profiles for both Helpers and Families. We turn down almost one of seven applicants as they do not meet our community’s criteria.
  6. Community feedback - Users can also help ensure the safety of the community. Families can post ratings on Helpers that they have used and you can see who left the rating. Any user can flag any other user that they feel is suspicious or inappropriate. We investigate each flag on a case-by-case basis and follow up as appropriate.

To help ensure our members' safety, we dedicate a knowledgeable and experienced team to monitor any suspicious activity and have a number of additional technology based solutions. We do not routinely perform background checks, although we reserve the right to do so.

We ALWAYS recommend that you trust your instincts. Perform your own interviews and then prior to hiring, an independent search - we can suggest services you can hire to do a background check. You can also search for their name on the web or on social networks (such as Facebook, Twitter, Google + and LinkedIn). Sharing any concerns with us helps improve the experience for all users.

Our Service

How much does your service cost?

It's free to create an account! Families will be able to search Helpers and browse their profiles, as well as post a job for Helpers to apply to. Helpers will be able to search jobs posted by Families and apply to the ones they're interested in.

When Families find a Helper who they wish to contact, it's quick and simple to get a Premium Subscription for full access to our service. myBestHelper offers affordable plans for Families and there is no charge to Helpers. See Pricing to learn more.

You can book someone in a day, but most Families take more time so the usual process can last from 1 - 5 weeks. The average Family needs a new Helper 3.2 times a year, which includes when you travel to a different city – we make it easy to use the service when and where you need it with our flat one time a year unlimited use plans.

What does a subscription include?

Once you’ve subscribed, you can post as many jobs as you like and contact an unlimited number of Helpers.

Can I get a receipt?

Of course! Please email our team at support@mybesthelper.com to request a receipt.

What about my safety and privacy while on the site?

Your security and privacy are very important to us and we take many measures to protect you. Our team hand approves all users on the site and verifies their contact information and social networks. You are able to message nannies and sitters without revealing your last name or contact information until you’re ready.

You can decide when your profile is visible or hidden, and you can also flag users that you think are inappropriate. And of course – you can contact our team anytime at support@mybesthelper.com with any concerns.

What are my responsibilities as a Family and user of your service?

Our Terms of Use specify that we expect our users to be truthful, respectful and generally excellent to each other. It’s helpful if you can reply to Helpers as soon as possible, as they are anxiously awaiting news on their application. They also appreciate when you deactivate your job posting as soon as you are no longer looking for help, so they don’t keep trying to apply for a job that has been filled.

How do I stop my subscription?

If you do not wish to have your subscription renew at the end of the duration, you can unsubscribe by logging in and clicking your name in the top-right corner. From the drop-down menu, choose “My Subscription”. You can also send us an email at support@mybesthelper.com or give us a call - always.

How do I change my notification preferences?

Once you’ve logged into your account, click your name in the top-right corner and choose “Notification Preferences”. Here you can turn on SMS messages to make sure you don’t miss an important message from a Family, or turn off email notifications that you no longer want to receive. Be sure to click Save when you’re done!

Hiring a Helper

How do I get started?

To get the best fit to your needs, you need to tell the Helpers who you are as a Family and what you need by creating a profile and detailed job post -- we guide you quickly through this process so you can begin receiving candidates right away. The more detailed your profile and job post, the better the chances of you finding what you want!

Why should I upload a photo?

Uploading a photo makes your job post and profile more approachable and attracts more qualified applicants. Helpers with more experience care about the type of work environment they’ll be in and want to get a sense of the Family before applying -- it’s best for everyone if it’s a good fit.

What kind of help can I ask for?

Many of our Helpers are willing to do anything needed to help Families: child or elder care, postpartum care, house-sitting to pet-sitting, tasks and errands. Describe what you need at home, and we will find applicants interested and able to help.

How much should I offer to pay?

It’s entirely up to you and the Helper to decide how much they get paid. We have a guide to help Families with this, just contact us at support@mybesthelper.com and we would be happy to send you a copy. A few quick tips to get started:

  • It’s helpful to put a range on your job posting as it increases the number of applicants as well as how well they fit your needs. In deciding your pay rate, consider the overall compensation package – for example will you include food and lodging, medical benefits, bus pass or flexibility on schedule?
  • Across North America, the average live-out babysitter is older than 21 and makes more than minimum wage – it’s often cheaper for two kids to have a babysitter than for both to go to daycare.
  • Customarily the average price for housecleaning is higher than what you pay for childcare. If you’re hiring someone who will help with both, some may be willing to be paid the same rate for both.
  • You should also be aware of employment standards in your jurisdiction (many Families err as they don’t know them) as well as the going sitter and nanny rates in your neighborhood (yes, it’s that specific).
  • Negotiating the price is important to do with the Helper before her first day. Discuss what you think is reasonable and go from there.

I’ve posted a job, what happens now?

Great! Now you can sit back and relax while Helpers apply. You can choose to be alerted by email or text with every person that applies, and respond to them directly from your email without revealing your personal email address (yes, automagically!). Try to check your job everyday to ensure that you respond to applicants promptly as the best Helpers find work quickly.

Very soon! We are currently working on a search engine feature that will allow you to search by any category, including: languages, certifications, years of experience and many more.

How long does it usually take to hire a Helper?

The time it takes to hire a Helper varies for each Family depending on how unique their situation is. On average it takes about one week from posting to hire, but some Families do it in a day and others can take up to 6 weeks - it depends on your schedule and hiring experience. If you have hired before, at home or at work, it’s much easier than doing it for the first time.

Once I’ve found a Helper, what do I do with my profile?

Once your job has been deactivated, only Helpers who have applied to your jobs can see your profile. If you’d prefer to hide your profile from all users on the site, simply login and go to ‘My Profile’. Press the button called ‘Deactivate my profile’.

We know you might need someone in the future, when you travel or when your Helper is not available for whatever reason – that’s why we’ve made your profile yours forever! When you’re looking for a Helper again in the future, simply click that button again to reveal your profile and get started -- all your information will be as you left it.

More about myBestHelper

Who are you at myBestHelper?

We are a web and mobile service connecting Families with great Helpers - child, home and elder care. We’ve had the privilege of being recognized with a few awards and media mentions for our service.

Our team is focused on creating the best positive experience and result for our users. Our absolute priority is the satisfaction of all we serve. We love what we do!

Why did you create this service?

After personally trying everything from word of mouth to bulletin boards to online sites to expensive nanny agencies, and watching the same happen to Families and Helpers alike, we knew it was time for something completely different. A modern solution that makes life better, and gives you all the choices you want. Learn more

Is myBestHelper right for me?

Each person’s situation is unique and we are experts in helping to find a great match between Helpers and Families.

You are in the right place if:

  1. You need work: You are interested in offering home help (child or elder care, house cleaning, or general help around the home for tasks and errands) - define what you are interested in and willing to do so we can help you find it.
  2. Trust and fit matters: You are a trustworthy person who wants to find a job that is right for you (location, hours, pay) AND a Family that is right for you (personality, values, interests).
  3. Choice and privacy: You want to see all options available to you and make your own choices as to who is best - and protect your privacy by only revealing contact information to approved users of the service.
  4. On your own terms: You want to set your own terms as to when you work and how much and how you want to be paid.
  5. Easy and fast solution: You want an easy, fast and effective way to manage your job hunt, as well as an elegant and detailed way to display your strengths, work experience and references.

How do I get in touch with you?

If you have any questions, feedback or just want to say hi, we’d love to hear from you! You can reach us by email at support@mybesthelper.com, or give us a call.

More About Our Community

What is a “Helper”?

A Helper is someone who is offering help to Families in a home situation.

There are so many different ways people refer to Helpers in the home – nannies, sitters, babysitters, attendants, nurses, mother’s helpers, housekeepers, pet sitters, tutors – that we centered on the core aspect that shines through them all – the need for help and the willingness to provide help. Families need an extra hand at home in whatever combination that fits their unique situation, and we want to connect them with those who want to help!

Who are the Helpers?

A Helper can be someone with job-specific experience, be it by training or through life experiences. A Helper can also be someone who is willing to learn on the job – after all millions of au-pairs have been successful in helping Families take care of kids and are typically young adults with no prior experience. The fundamental answer is - if you are trustworthy with good common sense, a helpful attitude and are willing to help, we’d love to have you join our community of Helpers.

Look at our Search Page – you will find university students and graduates alongside career professionals, stay at home moms, retired grandmothers or between jobs professionals. Everyone is there because they want to help!

Please note that on our site, we only list Helpers older than 18 years old.

Are the Helpers employees of myBestHelper?

myBestHelper does not employ the Helpers profiled on our service. We are simply an introduction service to those requiring help at home. Helpers set their own terms and fees directly with Families and are paid by the Families.

How are Helpers selected?

We work hard to build a most trusted community for our members. We strive to provide our users, both Families and Helpers, with a number of indicators of trust combined with proven tools that in combination help you make informed decisions regarding who you interact with on the site and in the real world. These include :

  1. Several different types of verifications (online ID and social) - We verify that all users have real email addresses and phone numbers - all accounts have at least one of the two verified before their profile is activated for people to see. We also show you what networks each user belong to - such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.
  2. Detailed Profiles – Helpers create detailed profiles that include their photo, education, experience, preferences, and any certifications & special skills.
  3. Third-Party Checks – Helpers can list if they have any third party documentation such as Criminal Background Checks or First Aid and you can request they send you copies.
  4. References - You can see the number of references Helpers have available for you to call (Note: Families will always reveal more on a call than they would in a written reference).
  5. Hand Curated - Our team personally approves all new Helpers and all changes to existing Helper profiles. We turn down almost one of seven applicants as they do not meet our community’s criteria.
  6. Community feedback - Users can also help ensure the safety of the community. Families can post ratings on Helpers that they have used and you can see who left the rating. Any user can flag any other user that they feel is suspicious or inappropriate. We investigate each flag on a case-by-case basis and follow up as appropriate.

How are Families vetted?

We work hard to build a most trusted community for our members. We strive to provide our users, both Families and Helpers, with a number of indicators of trust combined with proven tools that in combination help you make informed decisions regarding who you interact with on the site and in the real world. They include:

  1. Several different types of verifications (online ID and social)- We verify that all Families have real email addresses and phone numbers. We also show you what networks each user belong to - such as Facebook, Twitter, Google + and LinkedIn.
  2. Hand Curated - Our team personally reviews and approves all new Family profiles and any changes to existing profiles.
  3. Community feedback - Helpers can also help ensure the safety of the community. Helpers can post ratings on Families they have worked for in the past. Any user can flag another user that they feel is suspicious or inappropriate - and your identity will remain anonymous from the other user. We investigate each flag on a case-by-case basis and follow up as appropriate.

To help ensure our members' safety, we dedicate a knowledgeable and experienced team to monitor any suspicious activity and have a number of additional technology based solutions. We do not routinely perform background checks, although we reserve the right to do so.

We ALWAYS recommend that you trust your instincts. Request that your interview be held in a public place and prior to your first day of work let someone know the address of your employer. You can also search for the name of the Family on the web or on social networks (such as Facebook, Twitter, Google + and LinkedIn). Sharing any concerns with us helps improve the experience for all users.

Our Service

What about my safety and privacy?

Your security and privacy are very important to us and we take many measures to protect you. Our team hand approves all users on the site, be they Helpers or Families. You can also see what information for each user was verified, including email, phone number and social networks.

Only Families who have been approved by our team and have subscribed can see your contact information, and only after you’ve verified it. You can remove your phone number at any time. Your full name is never displayed to users.

You decide when your profile is visible. When you’re not looking for work, simply click “Hide Profile” - your photo and profile information will be hidden from all users on the site. You can “Show Profile” again at any time - your profile will be just as you left it.

You can also flag users that you think are inappropriate or that you are concerned about. We follow up with each flag on a case-by-case basis and keep your identity anonymous. And of course – you can contact our team anytime at support@mybesthelper.com with any concerns.

What are my obligations as a user of myBestHelper?

Our Terms of Use specify that we expect our users to be truthful, respectful and generally excellent to each other. It’s helpful if you can reply to Families as soon as possible, as they are anxiously awaiting news. They also appreciate when you deactivate your profile if you are no longer looking for work, so they don’t keep contacting you when you are not available.

How much does your service cost?

Our service is always free for Helpers.

How do I change my notification preferences?

Once you’ve logged into your account, click your name in the top-right corner and choose “Notification Preferences”. Here you can turn on SMS messages to make sure you don’t miss an important message from a Family, or turn off email notifications that you no longer want to receive. Be sure to click Save when you’re done!

Our Service

How do I set up my profile?

To get started, click “Register” and create your account. Next you’ll be walked through our Helper intake - when you finish you’ll have a great profile that acts as your application to Families. Creating a detailed profile is important to be considered for interviews and to be hired for jobs that are a great fit for your needs, so be sure to be as detailed as possible when answering the questions.

How do I edit my profile?

You can edit your profile at any time. Simply login to your account, go to “My Profile” and click “Edit Profile”. Be sure to click “Save and continue” and then click “Finish” in order to save your changes. Once your changes have been approved by our community manager, they’ll be visible on your profile.

Why do I need to upload a photo?

Uploading a photo adds a level of trust to your interaction with Families, and makes them feel more comfortable when contacting you. We ask that all Helpers upload a clear photo of them doing a favourite activity or looking ready for an interview. You can update your photo at any time, and when you’re no longer looking for work you can hide your profile so your photo and information are no longer visible to users on the site.

Applying for Jobs

I don’t see many jobs in my area. Why should I make a profile?

When you create your profile, you’re letting us know the type of work you’re looking for and when you’re available. So if a job isn’t available right now in your area, when one is posted we will notify you right away so you can apply to the Family. We are currently expanding across North America, so we’ll be coming to your city soon!

Can I negotiate the wage and/or schedule?

Yes, you can negotiate your own terms with the Family: from wage and schedule, to benefits and what tasks are included in your service. It’s important to negotiate this before your first day of work.

How much should I charge?

It’s entirely up to you and the Family to decide how much you get paid. It’s best if you put a usual range you prefer on your profile, and we make it possible for you to apply for any jobs you like whatever the advertised rate. In deciding your pay rate, please consider the overall compensation package – for example is food and lodging included or not, medical benefits, bus pass and flexibility on schedule.

The price you charge depends on the type of work and duties. Using childcare as an example, number and age of children, hours of work, timing of the work and whether there are any household chores will affect the rate.

You should also be aware of employment standards in your jurisdiction (many Families err as they themselves don’t know them) as well as the going rates in your neighborhood (yes, it’s that specific).

Once I’ve applied for a job, how do I know the status of my application?

When you apply to a job the Family is notified by email. If the Family is interested in an interview, they will reach out by sending you a message through myBestHelper. You'll be notified by email when you receive a message as long as you have the notification turned on. We will notify every applicant when a job is closed, so you're not left wondering. We also give the Family an opportunity to share feedback, so our Helpers can learn and improve their profiles over time.

I need to be sponsored. Will you sponsor me? Will a Family sponsor me?

We do not employ or sponsor Helpers, so the vast majority of Helpers on our site are already local and have a working permit.

As some of our Families do need live-in help for child or elder care and are interested in sponsoring, you are still welcome to create a free profile. Just indicate you are NOT available immediately but are interested in being sponsored and apply to any jobs looking for a live-in Helper. This may take longer, but we have seen some successes already, so worth the try.

How do I deactivate my profile?

If you are no longer looking for work, you can hide your profile and it will no longer appear in searches on our site. Just log in and go to ‘My Profile’. Press the button called ‘Hide my Profile’, located under your name in the middle of the page - next to your photo. When you need work next, just reactivate it - all the information will still be there, ready to be reused!

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