Episode 36: Hiring Support Staff

In this episode we’re going to be talking about hiring support staff for your group practice: the when’s, the who’s, the where’s and the how’s.

Who to hire:

1. Take a sheet of paper, and write down all the tasks that you can’t do, don’t want to do or don’t have time to do.
2. Take those things and group them into like tasks. (It will be unlikely that you’ll find just one person to do everything). This will give you a sense of who you need to cover these tasks.

When to hire:

1. Whenever you start to think about it, it tends to mean that you probably should have already hired someone.
2. As soon as possible.
3. Before you’re overwhelmed or overworked, etc.

Where to find support:

1. Some tasks might make sense to have someone who is virtual, and some might make more sense to have someone in person. Make a note of which you need on the list you made earlier.
2. Ask other group practice owners. Word of mouth is usually the best way to find someone, especially for in-person hires.
3. Facebook ads (you can target just your area), job listing sites, friends and colleagues, etc.
4. If you’re looking for someone virtual: look up online business management companies, ask other group practice owners who they use, google VA for social media management, etc.

How to Interview & Hire:

1. Find someone with package deals who can grow as you grow
2. If you’re hiring in-house: make sure that you check references and background, that you’re transparent of your needs, do a mock-up of their potential job so they have a sense of what that will entail.
3. If you’re interviewing a virtual assistant: they need to be more independent, they need to have the skills already in place, and the only sort of training you should have to give is on your specific needs, but not necessarily how to do it.
4. Screen and check for references. Check with other clients. What other practices use them and what do they think of them?
5. Check their website: is it professional? If they are working all online, they should have a good website that is clear, concise and easy to navigate.
6. Ask for their recent work, if possible.
7. Ask what you can expect from them. If they’re a virtual assistant, it means they’re their own business and have set ways of doing them. When are they available, what’s their turnaround time, how will you communicate, etc.

Uriah Guilford and his team at The Productive Therapist provide the admin support that you need to grow your practice and also have a life! Your dedicated assistant can help with phone support – return calls and emails promptly, intake coordination, content & email marketing, EHR setup & management, social media & much more. And what’s great, is that Uriah knows what group practice owners need because he’s a group practice owner too! Mention TGPE and get 2 hours of free training time with your assistant!

Maureen Werrbach is a psychotherapist, group practice owner and group practice coach. Learn more about her coaching services here: LEARN MORE HERE