Can I provide services if a booking hasn't been created yet?

Social Carers should never provide support services without a booking request in place. Without a booking, there is no guarantee of payment for services provided.

Prior to providing support to a Member, Social Carers must ensure that a booking is created between the two of them. A booking request can be sent by a Member or a Social Carer, so there is no reason not to create one before commencing support.

Without a booking request being made ahead of time, you may not be able to be paid for the services you provide. You also won't be covered by Like Family's insurance in the event something were to go wrong during your booking.

But why wouldn't I be able to get paid? Can't I just create a booking immediately after the shift has ended and complete it then?

No. Like Family has implemented a number of safeguards in order to protect the safety and security of our Members and Social Carers. One of these safeguards is that Members cannot create bookings, or have bookings created with them if they have not provided us with their payment details or emergency contact information.

If you go on a booking with a Member who has not given us their payment and emergency contact details, you will not be able to create a booking with them until we get that information, which, unfortunately, can take some time.

But doesn't Like Family guarantee payment for bookings completed by Social Carers?

Like Family does guarantee payment for bookings that have been completed by Social Carers, but not for bookings performed by Social Carers.

The difference between the two is that a booking that has been completed by a Social Carer involves a booking request being made beforehand, which the Social Carer completes at the conclusion of the support shift.  A booking that is merely performed by a Social Carer without a booking request in place, cannot be completed on the website, leaving us unable to pay you for the support you provided.

How can I avoid issues like these when it comes to my own bookings?

1. Always create a booking request prior to performing support services.
2. Never agree to provide services without a booking in place, no matter how persuasive the Member is.
3. Insist on a booking request being created, and if necessary, create one yourself.
4. If you are unable to create a booking request with a Member, do not provide support until that booking is able to be entered into our system. This is for your protection as well as the Members.

If you feel unsure, email the team at hello@likefamily.com.au and ask for assistance.