Frequently Asked Questions

What makes A Brilliant Nanny different from other agencies?

We have over 17 years of doing business in Portland and serving local families. We know firsthand what makes an ideal relationship between a family and a nanny. We take a very personal and hands-on approach so that both the family and the nanny find a situation that works well for them and that will last for years!

What is A Brilliant Nanny’s cancellation policy?

• Agency booking fees are non-refundable once a nanny is confirmed.
• For cancellations with less than 24-hours’ notice, the nanny must be paid the 4-hour minimum.
• Once a booking is confirmed, the family is responsible for paying the nanny for the duration of the shift requested, even if they arrive home early.
• Sick Care Policy: ABN Temp nannies should be notified of all active household symptoms before they arrive for care. You can include these details in the “Client Notes” section of your shift request or text ABN and/or your nanny directly if symptoms develop after the time of booking. Nannies who are not comfortable providing care for newly developed symptoms should still be compensated the 4-hour minimum.
• To mitigate exposure between ABN Temp Care Families and Nannies, our temporary care team will not work in a household where the following symptoms have been present in the 24 hours prior to the start of your care request: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or testing positive for contagious illness (e.g. norovirus, covid, flu). If any of these symptoms develop after you have booked a Temp Care shift, please let ABN and your assigned nanny know as soon as possible.

How do I use Enginehire?

Enginehire can be used on the web via computer or on your phone – their site is mobile friendly.

• For a short instructional tour of your new Enginehire profile – watch this video
• Watch this short video for instructions on Creating a Booking

Where do you find your nannies?

Just like our clients, we feel the best nannies come to us as referrals from someone we trust. We get referrals from within our nanny network all the time. We also recruit through local schools, on local Internet job posting sites, and our monthly nanny mixer. And sometimes nannies find us through their own search and desire for agency representation!

What kind of experience do your nannies have?

We only hire nannies with a minimum of two years of childcare experience. However most of them have worked with children or as a caregiver on a part-time or full-time basis throughout their lives. We look for candidates with the energy and charisma this job requires.

How long will it take to find a brilliant nanny?

We pride ourselves on being very selective in the hiring process and only hire the best. Finding a permanent nanny can take between two weeks and two months depending on how many candidates you interview and the availability of the type of nanny you require at the time of your registration.

How long will a nanny stay with my family?

Most permanent nanny placements last at least one year. However, it is not uncommon for a nanny to stay with a family for two to four years or longer!

What if the nanny we hire does not work out?

We want both the family and the nanny to be completely satisfied with the position. We work hard to create an ideal match but we understand that changes can occur. The best way to ensure a lasting relationship is to sign an employment agreement and have your nanny sign it as well. It is so important that we will help you find a replacement nanny free of charge if you request a change within 45 days of the hiring date if you have a signed agreement with your current nanny.

What does Long-Term Nanny Placement (6 month hire or longer) include?

We introduce families to a nanny or nannies whose experience and skills match the client family’s unique needs. One of the secrets of our success is an intake interview with each client family we work with prior to beginning the placement process. This initiates a nanny search on behalf of the client that is very personal and targeted. This is followed up with in-person candidate interviews and diligent nanny screening. We provide this level of service because we feel it is the only way to ensure quality and safety in every childcare provider we refer.

We interview candidates and verify their references before we recommend them for an interview with your family. We guide you and the nanny through the hiring process. Once you have worked with us to present a referred nanny with a job offer we complete and present you with a formal background check and have you and your nanny sign an employment agreement.

What does Short-Term Nanny Placement (1-6 months) include?

We understand that the duration of your nanny’s term of employment with you is not always indefinite and in many cases we work with clients who need one consistent nanny for a short-term engagement. This might be because you have a spot waiting for you in a daycare, or you have alternate care plans that are not yet available to you. That is where our Temporary Placement Director comes in! Jessica Heliker joined our agency to serve this type of client. She sources providers from within our current staff and candidate pool to fill these contract roles.

What does Temporary sitter placement include?

Booking a temp nanny is a flexible and great way to fill care needs as they arise. The service is ideal for parents who need time to work, run errands, or just have time to themselves. The service is also helpful for families whose regular care has been changed or interrupted, or for those who are awaiting daycare placement. If you are ready to become a member and book on-call care, our Temporary Placement Director Jessica Heliker is eager to assist you!

What are suggested contract nanny salaries?

Full Time (40 hours per week) $800-$1400 per week
More than 40 hours per week $900-$1,600 per week
Part-time $25 to $35 per hour, depending on experience and responsibilities

What are contract nanny benefits?

• Employment Agreement signed by the nanny and the family
• Paid vacation, legal holidays, and family sick leave (in accordance with Oregon employment law)
• Guaranteed wages based on employment agreement
• Mileage reimbursement (or car provided for use) during work hours – the current IRS mileage reimbursement rate is 68.5 cents per mile
• Health Insurance (optional)
• Appropriate state and federal tax withholdings

Taxes and Employment

Any nanny you hire is your employee. If you pay your nanny more than $2,700 in a calendar year, you are responsible for employer taxes and withholdings. Check out MyHomePay for more information.