How do I apply for Leave?
Requesting formal paid or unpaid leave for approval.
Managing your time off—whether for a planned vacation or an unexpected illness—is handled directly within Platform for Care. By submitting a formal leave request, you ensure that your payroll is processed correctly and that your rostering manager can arrange coverage for your shifts in advance.
1. Accessing the Leave Request Tool
Formal leave requests are separate from general availability and must be submitted through the dedicated leave module.
- Log in to the Platform for Care mobile app or web portal.
- Navigate to the Main Menu and select Leave.
- Click the "+" icon or Add Leave Request button.
2. Submitting Your Request
To ensure your request is processed without delays, fill in the following details accurately:
- Select Leave Type: Choose the appropriate category (e.g., Annual Leave, Sick/Carer's Leave, Compassionate Leave, or Unpaid Leave).
- Define the Dates:
- Start Date: The first day you will be away.
- End Date: The last day of your leave period.
- Specify Hours:
- All Day: Tick this if you are taking the full day(s) off.
- Partial Day: Enter the specific start and end times if you only require a few hours off (e.g., for a half-day appointment).
- Add a Comment: Provide a brief note for your manager (e.g., "Family holiday" or "Medical certificate attached").
- Attachments: If you are applying for Sick Leave, click the Upload button to attach a digital copy of your medical certificate.
- Submit: Click Submit Request.
3. Tracking Your Leave Status
Once submitted, your request will be sent to your supervisor or the HR department for review.
- Pending: Your request has been received and is waiting for review.
- Approved: Your leave is confirmed. The system will automatically mark you as unavailable on the roster for these dates.
- Declined: Your request was not approved. You should see a comment from your manager explaining the reason (e.g., "Minimum staffing levels already reached").
Important Considerations
- Rostered Shifts: If you already have published shifts during the requested leave period, the system will highlight these "clashes" to your manager. You should follow your organisation’s policy regarding notification periods for pre-existing shifts.
- Leave Balances: Ensure you have sufficient accrued leave hours before applying for paid time off. You can check your current balance in the Payroll/Profile section of the app.
- Public Holidays: If a public holiday falls within your leave period, the system will handle the payment logic based on your specific Award settings.
Troubleshooting
- Missing Leave Types: If you cannot see a specific leave category (e.g., Long Service Leave), contact your administrator to ensure your Employee Profile is linked to the correct Award.
- Unable to Edit: Once a leave request has been Approved, you cannot edit it. If your plans change, you must ask an administrator to cancel the existing request so you can submit a new one.