Israel has recently announced an exciting opportunity for Nepali workers with the opening of 800 caregiver positions. These roles come with a highly attractive monthly salary exceeding Rs 200,000, making them a lucrative option for many seeking employment abroad. The Department of Foreign Employment has begun accepting applications for these positions online, with a 21-day application window from the notice date. This article delves into the specifics of caregiver compensation, working hours, requirements, and the application process, providing a comprehensive overview for potential applicants.
How much is a caregiver paid in Israel?
The newly announced caregiver positions in Israel offer a monthly salary of 5,880 Shekels, approximately Rs 210,000. This salary is significantly higher than the average earnings for similar roles in many other countries, making it an attractive option for Nepali workers. Beyond the base salary, caregivers may also be entitled to additional benefits and allowances, depending on their employer and specific job conditions. These could include housing, health insurance, and other perks that further enhance the overall compensation package.
Additionally, caregivers in Israel are entitled to overtime pay. When caregivers work beyond the standard working hours, they receive an overtime rate of 1.5% of their total salary. This provision ensures that caregivers are fairly compensated for the extra hours they put in, further boosting their earnings. It’s important to note that the cost of living and the cost charged by employers for accommodations can vary significantly across different cities. Typically, companies charge between 400 to 610 Shekels for housing, depending on the city. This variance should be considered when calculating the net earnings and potential savings for caregivers working in Israel.
Working Hours for Caregivers in Israel
While the specific working hours for caregivers in Israel can vary based on the needs of their employers, there are general expectations that most caregivers will need to meet. Typically, caregivers may be required to work long hours, often exceeding the standard 8-hour workday common in other professions. This is due to the nature of caregiving, which often involves providing round-the-clock assistance to elderly or disabled individuals. However, specific details about working hours, overtime pay, and rest days will usually be outlined in the employment contract, ensuring that caregivers are fully informed of their work commitments before accepting a position.
Requirements for Working as a Caregiver in Israel
To qualify for these caregiver positions in Israel, applicants must meet a stringent set of eligibility criteria. These requirements are designed to ensure that candidates are well-suited for the demanding role of a caregiver, both physically and mentally.
Eligibility Criteria:
Age: Candidates must be between 25 and 45 years old. This age range ensures that applicants are mature enough to handle the responsibilities of caregiving while still being physically capable of performing the job’s demanding tasks.
Physical Requirements: Applicants must have a minimum height of 1.5 meters and a weight of at least 45 kg. These physical requirements are necessary to ensure that caregivers can safely assist and move patients as needed.
Educational Requirements:
Candidates must have passed the Secondary Education Examinations (SEE).
They should have completed a 15-month Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) course or a Community Medicine Assistant (CMA) course.
Alternatively, candidates who have completed the Plus 2 level of education or its equivalent and have undergone three months of training in the caregiver field are also eligible.
Additional Documentation:
Applicants must pass the Fundamental English Language test from the British Council Nepal. This ensures that they can communicate effectively in English, which is often necessary for understanding medical instructions and interacting with patients.
They must obtain a clear police report, indicating no criminal record, which is crucial for ensuring the safety and trustworthiness of caregivers.
A comprehensive health report is required to certify that the applicant is physically and mentally fit for the role.
A relationship certificate must be provided, proving the candidate’s family status.
A valid passport with at least 14 months of validity remaining is mandatory to ensure the applicant can travel and remain in Israel for the duration of their contract.
A three-month caregiver training certificate from a CTEVT-affiliated educational institute is necessary to prove that the candidate has received adequate training for the role.
Disqualification Conditions:
Candidates will be disqualified if they have previously worked in Israel or have any family members currently employed there. This includes close relatives such as sons, fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, etc. This rule helps prevent potential conflicts of interest and ensures a diverse workforce.
Application and Selection Process
The application process for these caregiver positions is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail to ensure that all requirements are met. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Application Window: Interested candidates must submit their applications online within 21 days from the notice date. This limited window necessitates prompt action from potential applicants.
Positions Breakdown: Of the 800 available positions, 500 will be allocated to primary candidates, while 300 will serve as alternates. This system ensures that there are enough candidates to fill any vacancies that might arise during the selection process.
Gender Diversity: The job openings are designed to encourage gender diversity, with 60 percent of the positions reserved for female applicants and 40 percent for male applicants. This approach ensures a balanced representation of genders in the caregiving workforce.
Expert Advice from Asmita Tamang
Asmita Tamang, who is currently working in Israel as a caregiver, offers valuable advice for upcoming candidates. She suggests that applicants take a thorough refresher caregiver training from trainers who have previously worked in Israel. This specialized training can provide insights and practical knowledge that are critical for the job. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of learning Hebrew for at least three months before arriving in Israel, as most elderly people there speak only Hebrew. Understanding the language will significantly improve communication and job performance.
Specialized Training and Instructors in Nepal
Caregiver Academia in Nepal is a notable institution that offers professional training for those aspiring to work as caregivers in Israel. All of the trainers have over 13 years of work experience as caregivers in Israel, bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to their training programs.
- Mr. Kiran Lama: Specializes in caregiver training and has extensive experience working in Israel. He is responsible for training new candidates at Caregiver Academia.
- Mr. Hari Prasad Upretti: Teaches Hebrew language and has significant experience as a caregiver in Israel. His expertise in language instruction helps candidates become proficient in Hebrew, a crucial skill for their roles in Israel.
- Mrs. Kamala Bhandari: With 13 years of experience working as a caregiver in Israel, she also teaches Hebrew alongside Mr. Hari Prasad Upretti. Her practical experience and teaching skills are invaluable to prospective caregivers.
Key Qualifications of a Caregiver
The role of a caregiver is demanding and requires a specific set of skills and attributes. Below are some of the key qualifications and characteristics that make an effective caregiver:
- Compassion and Empathy: Caregivers must be able to connect with their patients on a personal level, showing genuine concern and understanding for their needs and emotions. This emotional connection is crucial for providing high-quality care.
- Basic Medical Knowledge and First Aid: While caregivers are not required to be medical professionals, having a basic understanding of medical conditions, medications, and first aid is essential. This knowledge helps caregivers respond appropriately in emergencies and manage the daily health needs of their patients.
- Patience and Physical Stamina: Caregiving can be physically and emotionally draining. Patience is necessary to handle challenging situations calmly, and physical stamina is required to assist patients with mobility and perform other physically demanding tasks.
- Effective Communication Skills: Clear communication is vital for caregivers, who must interact with patients, their families, and healthcare professionals. Good communication skills help ensure that the patient’s needs are understood and met effectively.
- Ability to Handle Stressful Situations: Caregivers often work in high-pressure environments and must be able to remain calm and composed in stressful situations. This ability is crucial for maintaining a safe and supportive environment for their patients.
The announcement of 800 caregiver positions in Israel presents a significant opportunity for qualified Nepali workers seeking stable and well-compensated employment. With a monthly salary of 5,880 Shekels (approximately Rs 210,000), these positions offer financial security and the chance to work in a supportive and professional environment. However, the stringent eligibility criteria and demanding nature of the job mean that only the most qualified and dedicated individuals should apply.
The application process is currently open, with a 21-day window for submissions. Prospective applicants must meet specific age, physical, and educational requirements and should not have prior work experience or family members currently employed in Israel. Additionally, the job openings are designed to promote gender diversity, with a balanced representation of male and female candidates.
Applicants must ensure they gather all required documents, including a clear police report, a comprehensive health report, a valid passport, and a three-month caregiver training certificate from a CTEVT-affiliated educational institute. They must also pass the Fundamental Language Test from the British Council Nepal and provide a relationship certificate.
Asmita Tamang, currently working as a caregiver in Telive, advises new applicants to take proper caregiver and Hebrew language classes. Prospective caregivers who are selected from various institue are also welcome to take Hebrew language classes and Caregiver classes.
