(Updated on 14 February 2026)
A clear and detailed job description is the foundation of a successful household partnership. For a domestic helper, knowing exactly what is expected before signing a contract prevents misunderstandings and ensures that their skills align with your family’s specific needs.
Domestic Helper Core Responsibilities
The scope of a domestic helper’s responsibilities primarily depends on the family’s needs and oftentimes, they are required to perform a variety of tasks.
It is of utmost importance that both parties discuss the job description before signing the employment contract to know if the employer’s needs and expectations meet the domestic helper’s qualifications and expectations as well.
Domestic helper responsibilities are usually divided into two main categories:
1. Providing care for babies/toddlers, elderly, special-needs family members and pets
- feeding, nappy change, soothing and playing with babies
- cooking or preparing meals for a child
- bathing / changing
- playing with the child and arranging playdates
- dropping off or taking the kids to school
- assist the kids in studying and activities at home
- feeding, bathing, grooming the pets
- walking or playing with the pets
2. Managing the general housekeeping chores and running errands
- preparing / cooking meals
- cleaning / keeping the house neat and organized
- vacuuming / mopping / sweeping the floor
- washing dishes
- laundry
- ironing
- gardening
- car washing
- grocery shopping
- making a trip to the dry cleaner or market
Caring for the Elderly or Special Needs family members
Helpers undergo a standard domestic work training course, depending on their home country before being allowed to work abroad. However, the training does not include elderly care / special needs care.
A caregiving certificate is preferred, if not required in most elderly / special needs care job because this equips the helper to provide the best care possible for the elderly or special needs family member especially in terms of medication management, managing mood changes, outbursts or disorders and the ability to notice changes in behavior or health that will holistically improve and save their ward’s life.
Having a significant experience is also a key factor to be hired for this specific requirement. Despite the challenging role, providing care for the elderly and special needs individuals has grown in-demand nowadays and helpers can both demand and receive higher pay compared with regular domestic work duties.
Non-domestic duties
To protect both the employer and the worker, it is crucial to understand what falls outside the legal job description. In many jurisdictions, performing these tasks without authorization is a breach of the domestic helper contract.
1. Giving body massage to employers
This is not considered as a domestic duty so a helper is not obliged to provide such service and can respectfully decline the employer’s request if you are not comfortable in doing so.
This, however, may be required in caring for an elderly or a special needs family member so it is important for both parties to discuss these terms to ensure the helper is equipped and prepared to do this before signing the employment contract.
2. Driving Duties
The household duties specified in the standard employment contract does not include driving duties.
If you were employed to perform driving duties, your employer has to make a special application to the Immigration Department to allow you to drive in Hong Kong. Your employer will have to fill out the ID934 form.
You may be responsible for criminal prosecution if you have breached the law. You may be deported back to your home country and may not be allowed to work in Hong Kong anymore.
3. Helping out / Running errands for the employer’s business or office
- cleaning the employer’s office / workplace / store / warehouse
- giving out flyers on the streets
- delivering / handling documents
- producing products for sale
- being a point of contact for the business
Finding Harmony Through Clarity
Ultimately, a job description is more than just a list of chores; it is a communication tool that sets the stage for a respectful and sustainable relationship. When domestic helper duties are clearly defined and legally compliant, it removes the guesswork for both parties, allowing the household to run smoothly. By aligning expectations early on, you create an environment where your domestic helper can take pride in their work and your family can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-managed home.