Massachusetts Workers' Rights and Responsibilities
CORI Background Check (Mandatory):
Massachusetts law requires all individuals working with children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities to undergo a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check. This is a requirement for nannies due to the potential for direct, unmonitored contact.
You are responsible for ensuring your CORI check is filed with the state.
Adventure Nannies does not require a copy.
- Online Submission: Massachusetts residents with a valid driver’s license or state ID can submit their CORI check online for faster processing.
- Mail Submission: If you do not have a valid Massachusetts ID, you can submit your request via mail. Both options are available through the link above.
CORI FAQs
Q: What is a CORI check, and am I required to have one as a nanny?
A: A CORI check is a background check that looks at your criminal record in Massachusetts. It is required for all nannies in Massachusetts, as you'll be working with children.
Q: Can an employer request my CORI check, and what are my rights regarding this check?
A: It's generally illegal for an employer to ask about your criminal history on the initial job application. However, they can request a CORI check later in the hiring process. Importantly, neither employers nor agencies are allowed to ask you for a copy of your CORI. Adventure Nannies will not ask you for a copy of your CORI. If a family wishes to see it, they must obtain it directly from the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) with your consent.
Q: What information does the employer CORI report contain, and are there any restrictions on what an employer can see?
A: The CORI report that an employer receives will show all criminal convictions, pending charges, and certain other dispositions. For positions related to childcare or vulnerable populations, even sealed records may be accessible.
Q: Do I need to send a copy of my CORI check to Adventure Nannies?
A: No, Adventure Nannies does not require a copy of your CORI check. Your responsibility is to ensure it is on file with the state.
Q: Who should I contact if I have questions about the CORI check or my rights as a nanny?
A: You can contact our team at info@adenturenannies.com
Nanny Rights and Protections in Massachusetts:
Massachusetts law provides specific rights and protections for domestic workers, including nannies. The following resources outline these rights and provide resources to learn more. You can also find Adventure Nannies' MA surety bond:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the minimum wage for nannies in Massachusetts?
A: The minimum wage for nannies in Massachusetts is the same as the general minimum wage, which is $15.00 per hour as of January 1, 2023. You can find more information about minimum wage in the Massachusetts Wage & Hour Laws document.
Q: Am I entitled to overtime pay as a nanny?
A: Generally, yes. If you work more than 40 hours in a week, you must be paid overtime at a rate of at least 1.5 times your regular hourly rate. However, some exemptions may apply depending on your specific circumstances. You can find more information about overtime pay in the Massachusetts Wage & Hour Laws document.
Q: What are my rights regarding meal breaks as a nanny?
A: If you work more than 6 hours in a day, you are entitled to a 30-minute meal break. During this break, you must be free of all duties and allowed to leave the workplace. If your employer asks you to work during your meal break, you must be paid for that time. You can find more information about meal breaks in the Massachusetts Wage & Hour Laws document.
Q: What should I do if I get injured on the job?
A: You should immediately notify your employer and seek medical attention. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The Notice to Employees: Workers’ Compensation document provides more information on your rights and how to file a claim.
Q: What are my rights if I experience discrimination or harassment at work?
A: Massachusetts law prohibits discrimination and harassment based on various protected characteristics. If you believe you have been discriminated against or harassed, you can file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). You can find more information about fair employment practices and how to file a complaint in the Fair Employment in Massachusetts document.
Q: What are my rights regarding sick leave?
A: Most employees in Massachusetts, including nannies, have the right to earn and use paid sick leave. You accrue sick time at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours per year. You can use sick leave for your own illness or to care for a family member. You can find more information about sick leave in the Massachusetts Wage & Hour Laws document.
Q: Are meal breaks paid or unpaid in Massachusetts?
A: If you work more than 6 hours in a day as a nanny, you are entitled to a 30-minute unpaid meal break. However, if your employer asks you to perform any duties during your break, you must be paid for that time.
Q: What if I have questions about my rights as a nanny placed by Adventure Nannies?
- A: If you have questions about your rights as a nanny placed by Adventure Nannies, you can refer to the Your Rights Under the Massachusetts Temporary Workers Right to Know Law document, or contact our team at info@adventurenannies.com.