---
title: "I'm a support worker and I need to learn the basics"
description: "Follow our quick start guide to using Ability8 on your mobile device."
url: https://help.ability8.app/en/articles/84-i-m-a-support-worker-and-i-need-to-learn-the-basics
collection: "Choose a tutorial that matches your goals"
updated: 2026-11-01
language: en
---

# I'm a support worker and I need to learn the basics

Follow our quick start guide to using Ability8 on your mobile device.

## Mobile app navigation

1.  Tap the **A8 logo** to return to the Home screen.
    
2.  Tap the **chat icon** to send messages to your Administrator and other team members.
    
3.  Tap the **bell icon** to view push notifications.
    
4.  Tap the **hamburger icon** to open the main menu.
    
5.  Tap **your name** to open your user profile.
    
6.  Tap the **exit icon** to log out of the app.
    
    ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/Hcqtqy3PdMFGQg6ehW76NDTRMeJSgbGHD4F5ndVreqh92362UedDkidnGxrioo2B822tPhRYoAS.png)

## View client care information

On the **Home screen**, tap the **Participant** tile (this may show a different title such as PWD or the person's name), then tap the section you want to view, e.g. Care Requirements.

To view attached files, tap the **paper clip icon**.

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/3sJwFG6feiI5FsA0XsHVZLpVj0IZ6Mc02cPonqXUPKDhAdO8vxYOaY1gMZiuPKpsoQ8MCxCiRUw.png)

## Set your availability in the schedule

Let your clients know your availability so they can start assigning shifts to you right away.

You can choose to show your availability by using either the ‘Available’ or ‘Unavailable’ event types, or a combination of both.

> **Warning:** If you can’t see the Schedule in the main menu, please contact your Administrator to update your permissions.

To add your availability to the schedule:

1.  Go to the **Home** screen and select **Schedule**.
    
2.  Tap and hold any day to activate the schedule pop-up.
    
3.  In the **Event Type** field, select either the ‘Available’ or ‘Unavailable’.
    
4.  (Optional) If the event period is for a full day, select **All Day** to remove the time fields.
    
5.  (Optional) If the event is recurring, select **Recurring** to display additional fields for setting the event frequency.
    
6.  (Optional) You can apply colours to events for easier identification within your calendar.
    
7.  Set the **Start** and **End Dates** (and times if not all day) as required.
    
8.  In the **Description** field, enter notes explaining your availability.
    
9.  Tap **Save**.
    

Push and email notifications are automatically sent to your Administrator to accept/confirm your request.

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/vrdLhVd2eMa66XNgJBdr8fRveK154KM03amRl3NPzH1jxRU8EIJuc1RnKpRSFQJp5kUKcO5CQcV.png)

The event will appear on the schedule with a yellow alert symbol until it has been accepted by the Administrator.

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/G6Sy60OgBEfWL5nvmDujejFKAks75zzSnum1YFRQy98cVeZS9gpINpZEidyR78qkqsDBVbrYI9n.png)

## Accepting a shift

When an Administrator assigns you to a shift, you will receive an email and a push notification on your mobile device.

To accept/reject the shift:

1.  Log into the app and go to the **Schedule**.
    
2.  In the **Approve Events** pop-up box, tap **Accept** or **Reject**. The Administrator will be notified via email and a push notification in the app.
    

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/JiM3N6gpyI8wg7OJYlfeMq4s1P3I3oGTQc2vD1fsXFMDWdaueEOvWCRHhasXF8PBKaIqBGhd3Gd.png)

## View upcoming shifts

On the **Home screen**, tap the **Dashboard** tile and use the **arrows** to view your weekly shifts.

To see all of your accepted shifts in a calendar view, tap **View All**.

> **Info:** If you need to see the full schedule (including other Support Workers' shifts), please contact your Administrator to update your user permissions.

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/fLZgaWXRaqtbPZd3qBhpIchS9JqpFi5bqHnotVB5rtl0UMNjBRMGHiCi24PhjnlejV18QG0QJKF.png)

## Converting a shift to a timesheet (directly employed staff only)

A shift can be converted to a timesheet 15 minutes before it is due to end, giving you time to record your shift notes within the shift period.

1.  In **Timesheets**, tap the **plus icon** in the bottom right corner of the shift card.
    
2.  Tap **Convert**.
    
3.  If different to the rostered time, enter the actual **start/finish times** of the shift worked.
    
4.  Type or tap the **microphone icon** to record your **shift notes**.
    
    > **Success:** Shift notes may be viewed by other users depending on user permissions.
    
5.  (Optional) Type or tap the **microphone icon** to record any private notes for the Administrator only.
    
6.  Tap **Submit**. The Administrator will receive an email and a push notification in the app.
    
    ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/eslKB5XFzrKLGXIaWpRtpXw9ImpWA5ZJKxaKnsCWzundgZropfUvEgx3K9MoTXfahAGep1yN40s.png)

## Adding shift notes via the Dashboard

If you're not using timesheets, you can record your shift notes via the Dashboard.

1.  On the **Home** **screen**, tap **Dashboard**.
    
2.  On the **Shift Notes** tile, tap **+Add.**
    
3.  (Optional) Change the **date** and **time** if needed.
    
4.  Type or tap the **microphone icon** to record your **shift notes**.
    
5.  Tap **Save**.
    
    ![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/ApGAR2OKjFbIBo1Rf1tzcoijFX28pqjnFRLd7dUAFE9QuyG7IJ0g7KVn1xmvMe8p9JYGUBpYTv8.png)

> **Info:** If you need to see shift notes recorded by other users, please contact your Administrator to update your user permissions.

## Viewing your payslip (directly employed staff only)

For employees that are paid directly by the participant: Payslips are sent from Ability8 to the email address that is associated with your user profile. You can also find a copy of each payslip in the Documents section of your user profile.