Frequently Asked Questions Direct Care Staff Interview

I am sure you have interviewed for a job before. We all know it can be very challenging sitting in front of an individual who's basically getting to knowing as much as possible in that brief moment. Below are some questions that you can attempt to practice before that big day.

Are you able to perform the duties of the job as described in the job descriptions of (?) with or without accommodation?

Please note that the schedule of the shift is:

7:00 a.m. am to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and are required to work during slow down periods or periods of holidays, weekends.

Shifts of 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Friday, weekends

Shifts of 11 p.m./12 a.m.to 9 a.m. during the week and weekends. (overnight)

Are you able to work the shifts described to you?

Please note, (NO PROVIDERS/COMPANIES SHIFTS ARE THE SAME, THE HOURS VARY)

Are there any days or times of day, for what ever reason, that you cannot work?

You are hired under a 90 day orientation/probation period. Are there any days that you cannot work or require days or weeks off because you have specific plans or commitments? Direct care employees are expected to work holidays during this period unless specifically approved.

Please note, (NO PROVIDERS/COMPANIES PROBATION PERIODS ARE THE SAME, THE TIME FRAMES VARY)

Please describe each prior work experience.

Have you ever left a job involuntarily? Were you fired?

Have you ever been formally disciplined in writing? (Verbal excluded)

Have you ever been charged with any sexual related crimes?

What interested you in applying for this position?

How does this position fit into your overall goals or plans?

Please identify three qualities or characteristics that describe you in the work place? Please talk about each.

What would you say makes you a better or unique candidate for this position?

Your prior employers will be contacted regarding your application. Specifically for each one, what do you think they are going to say about you?

Identify several situations which were stressful in your prior work experience and tell me how you handled them.

Talk about a mistake that you’ve made in a work situation, how you handled it, and what you learned about yourself from the experience?

X company is a smoke free environment – there is no smoking or no use of any tobacco products in or around the homes or offices – smokers need to take breaks required feet away from the homes or offices – are you able to handle this?

You may be required to drive vehicles or you own personal vehicle. You will be required to provide us with a driving record. Will this be a problem?

What are some things you expect from this company?

One of the most common question asked is "You are at the end of your shift and the relief staff has not arrived. What do you do in this situation?" - The best answer is to tell them that you would not leave your station until properly relieved by an approved staff, and that you would call the appropriate person to inform them of the situation so that a substitute could be found. Also to ask if it would be appropriate to start calling "fill-in" staff on the employee roster to find a replacement. This lets them know that you will act responsibly when a situation arises like that.

Other common questions asked are variations on the potential employee's knowledge of reporting abuse, Neglect or exploitation. I would read up on that one before the interview. You can find it on the HHS/DADS Texas website.

And also, dress professionally and pause before giving each answer. It does give a good impression to the hiring person that you are giving some thought to your answer.

When asked if you have any questions, this is the time to do so. Ask what your typical work duties would be like, and also what sort of challenges are you likely to face if chosen. Make sure you DO NOT ask questions that have the answers available on the companie's website or in the information given you already.

If you can think of any other questions, answer those questions in the same manner.

Good Luck with your job search sincerely WhatsUpJayTee!