Ask Felicia: Hiring Mobile Help

Q: Dear Felicia –

How can I best find or hire mobile help for on-site events or outcall services? What are some questions I need to ask or items to request (such as testimonials, etc.)? Are there any specific concerns I should have? I’ve never hired anyone for this kind of position and at a bit of a loss.

~ Mobile Spa Owner

A: In general, this is no different than working with any other independent contractor or employee. Follow the same screening practices you would for an in-house staff member.

At a minimum, this should include:

• Get a current resume and/or application

• Do an in-person interview

• Conduct a practical interview

• Verify their license is up to date with the State Massage Board

• Verify current professional liability insurance

• Verify past employment (dates worked and rehire eligibility) with at least one past employer

• Get at least one positive professional reference. (This is different than reviews or testimonials from clients, though they could also be helpful.)

• Run a criminal background check and sex/offender database check

Since this type of professional or company specializes in in-house or on-site work, you may want to schedule the practical interview to be as much like the work they'll be doing as possible, so you can see how the therapist handles getting directions, setting up, dealing with paperwork/business details, and the overall timing and quality of the experience.

Before you hire anyone, be sure all your liabilities are covered via your insurance. Talk to your insurance company about any special riders that may need to be added to your policies (auto, business, professional liability) and what kind of coverage individuals need to have for you to be securely covered.

I also suggest presenting mobile team members with a clear agreement in place that defines what services they will provide, the compensation, and payment terms. It should also outline who is responsible for what in terms of providing equipment and supplies, collecting or sending out payment, following up with the clients, etc. This could include attire and/or uniforms, mileage or travel fees, required paperwork, etc. Personally, I like to share this before I even schedule the initial interview to make sure we are a good fit. However, it could also be presented at the interview and should definitely be in place along with other company policies and expectations before they see any clients.

Wherever they go on your behalf, mobile team members are representing you and your business. Thus, after a mobile professional is hired, follow up with the clients they see and consider using secret shoppers or getting massages from them to evaluate their performance regularly.

~ Felicia