The benefits of paid trial shifts for caregivers

We know that finding a great match between you and your clients is a top priority, but doing tons of interviews over the phone or online can take up a lot of valuable time. That’s why Herewith has introduced trial shifts for caregivers—fast, easy, and best of all, paid. Keep reading to get all your trial shift questions answered. 

What is a trial shift?

Trial shifts are a great way to meet in-person with clients to see if you'd like to work together, while getting paid for your time. Each trial shift is an in-person, one-hour meeting at a location the client chooses—paid at the hourly rate you set in your caregiver profile. 

During a trial shift, potential clients will interview you and maybe even ask you to do a few small tasks or meet with the care recipient to see if you both feel that it’s a good match. You’ll also have the chance to get to know the family and ask your own questions too. This is the perfect time to make sure you have a good understanding of what kind of care the client is looking for, if their schedule lines up with yours, and if the compensation works for you. 

How do I book a trial shift with a family?

It couldn’t be faster or easier. Families who are interested in your profile will send you a request with a time and a date, as well as a short message about the job and care recipient. You’ll receive this request via email, text message, and app notification (if you have the mobile app downloaded to your phone). 

1. Simply click or tap on the trial shift request, then accept or decline. 

2. If you accept the trial shift, you’ll be prompted to set up your payment account, so that you can be paid when the trial shift is done. 

If you haven’t already done so, make sure your Herewith profile and free background check are complete so you can start receiving trial shift requests. If your profile is incomplete, families won’t be able to see you on the platform. 

How much do I get paid for a trial shift?

You will get paid for one hour at the hourly rate you set on your Herewith caregiver profile, which you can edit any time. However, just like a regular shift, if you cancel or fail to show up, you will not be paid. 

We know that your time is valuable, so if the family cancels less than three hours before the start of the trial shift or simply doesn’t show up, you will still be paid at the same rate. 

Where can I see my upcoming trial shifts?

1. Log in to your Herewith account, either on your computer or on your phone. 

2. Go to the “Bookings” tab on the left (desktop) or along the top of your screen (mobile).

3. Here you can find requests for trial shifts and upcoming scheduled trial shifts.  

What if I can’t make it to my trial shift?

If you can’t make it, please cancel the shift as soon as possible, giving the family time to reschedule or move onto a new candidate for the job. 

• Not showing up without notice will be cause for your account being reviewed. If you cancel/don’t show up for 3 or more trial shifts, your account will be placed under review. 

• Please note that you will not be paid for shifts that you cancel/do not attend.

How do I know where my trial shift is happening?

When a family sends you a request for a trial shift, you’ll see the zip code of the place the family has chosen so that you have a general idea of where you’d be going. Then, after you accept the trial shift, you’ll be able to see the address of the location. You’ll also be able to directly contact the family if needed.

What happens during my trial shift?

During the trial shift, you’ll have one hour to work with your client, get to know them, and make sure you both have a good understanding of the job expectations, schedule, and compensation. The exact format of the trial shift can vary between clients, but here’s a general idea about what to expect when you arrive: 

1. A “get to know you” interview. 

2. An introduction to the client’s home (if applicable)

3. A conversation about what kind of care they’re looking for

4. A discussion about schedule and pay 

5. A few small tasks, such as preparing a meal or working with transfer equipment

6. A time time for you to ask any questions you may have about the job

For more guidance on how to succeed in an interview, read our article, “How to get hired as a caregiver.”

What happens after my trial shift?

After you’ve done the trial shift, the family will submit payment for your time, which you will receive in your payment account. If the family would like to continue working with you, they’ll send you a job offer, which you will receive via text, email, and in-app notification. If you’d like to keep working with the family, you’ll be able to accept the job offer with the tap of a button. If you don’t wish to work with them, simply decline the offer. 

Do I still get paid if the family cancels my trial shift?

If the family cancels within 3 hours of the trial shift or if they do not show up to the meeting, they are still required to pay you for the hour. If they cancel more than 3 hours ahead of the start time, they are not obligated to pay you. 

Our top take-aways for trial shifts

At Herewith, we want to empower you to meet and connect with private in-home care clients that you feel comfortable with. Paid, in-person trial shifts can help you do just that by offering the chance to get to know each other in a real-life context, all while making sure you get paid. 

Click here to create your free Herewith profile so you can get booked for your first trial shift.