How long does it take to hire a caregiver, and how can I speed it up?

I did not find a source that gives an average time to hire a home care worker, so I will not make one up. What I can say is which steps cause delay:

1. Waiting for the applicant to reply or show up.
2. The Georgia fingerprint background check. None of the pages I read said how long results take.
3. Waiting on references and a TB screening.
4. Orientation and training before the first client visit. Georgia’s rule for private home care agencies requires orientation and training before work with clients.
5. The I-9, which must be completed within three business days of the start date.

Ways to shorten it:

1. Answer applicants the same day.
2. Give a checklist at the first call: ID, work documents, references, TB screening, fingerprints.
3. Start the background check as soon as you make an offer.
4. Hold orientation on a set weekly day so people do not wait.
5. Pair each new caregiver with a buddy for the first visit.
6. Keep a list of where each applicant is in the process.

Ask DCH whether a worker can start any duties while a determination is pending. Do not assume they can.