So, you’ve connected with someone on the Hireup platform, completed a meet and greet, and both agreed you’d like to work together. Next, you might participate in a 'buddy shift.'
A buddy shift lets you and an experienced worker be booked for the same shift with a client. This is designed to help you shadow and learn the client's specific routines and individualised support needs. Depending on the client's preferences, your first buddy shift might be observation-only, or it could involve hands-on support.
When participating in a buddy shift, view it as a collaborative learning experience:
- Ask questions: Don't hesitate to clarify tasks or procedures as you go.
- Take notes: Track unique routine tasks or preferences.
- Observe rapport: Pay attention to how the experienced worker interacts with the client and builds trust.
- Build confidence: This is the perfect environment to practice your skills with the support of an experienced colleague, especially if you are new to support work.
Following your buddy shift, take some time to reflect on the experience. Consider whether you feel comfortable with the support tasks involved and if you were able to build good rapport with the client. If you believe it’s a great fit, please message the client to thank them and express your interest in working together moving forward. If you feel the role is not the right match for you, send a polite message thanking them for the opportunity and letting them know your decision. We appreciate this feedback as soon as possible, as it allows the client to make other arrangements if needed.