We believe the best on-shift inductions are designed by our users, tailored to each individual’s needs. This guide is here to assist you through your support worker journey and provide you with guidance on how to approach your first shift.
The support plan
It’s important to familiarise yourself with your clients support plan. Your first shift is a great time to ask any questions you have about the support you are providing, and if necessary, ask about allergies, medication requirements and exactly what should be done in an emergency.
Expectations
Understanding and agreeing on what is expected of you on shift and what you should expect on shift, is a vital part of your support work and should be clarified before you start working with your client.
Some things you should be clear on are:
- What are the client’s goals and how are we going to work together to achieve them?
- Are there any additional tasks to be done during the shift; making the bed, hanging up the washing, charging equipment such as iPads etc?
- Am I required to note down any changes in behaviour, record medication administered or medical incidents (seizures, etc)?
- Will there be any other people in the home during the shift I should be aware of, such as a sibling?
- How can we share feedback with each other?
- Are there any holidays coming up or commitments that might impact our regular shifts?
Accountability
Everyone Hireup should have a good understanding of who they’re accountable to. This can be important when it comes to who to contact if you’re running late, who you should contact if there are changes to the day's plans, or if you have to cancel a shift at short notice. As a support worker, you are accountable to the client you are supporting or their account manager, you should always be in contact with them if there are any changes to your shift. If you can’t get in touch with them, please contact Hireup on (02) 9113 5933.
Using equipment and vehicles
Before you use any equipment on shift (vehicles, hoists etc) it’s important your client shows you how to operate them first. No expectation should ever be placed on a disability support worker to use any equipment or vehicle that they’re not capable of and/or comfortable using.
Potential hazards
It is everyone's responsibility to establish and maintain safe working environments. If support is being provided in the client's home, a disability support worker should be made aware of any potential hazards. This would be a good time to show support workers how and where to access Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like gloves and first aid equipment. Support must not take place in the support worker's home.
Where can everything be found?
Before you start your shift, it’s important to ask where everything is located in case you are required to find something in an emergency. For example, if you are required to administer medication you will need to know where this is located whilst also understanding your role and responsibilities when administering medication.
Effective communication
Communication is key to building a great relationship. When starting a new support relationship, ask your client or their account manager what is their preferred means of communication and what information should be shared during or after your shift. If you’re providing out and about support, are you expected to provide updates throughout the day? Communicating via mobile or text is often easiest and recommended.
The Hireup community is full of people with diverse support needs and levels of experience. This highlights the importance of an on-shift induction tailored to meet the needs of each and every one of our users.