01 Attendance is an essential job function. All Decent Care employees are expected to report to work [Through the timesheet in the Lookout app] as scheduled and on time and to work throughout their shifts as scheduled.

1.1 ABSENCE DEFINED

Absence includes all time lost from the work schedule, whether avoidable or unavoidable, voluntary or involuntary. Absences may include full or partial days. An employee is absent from work when he or she:

• Fails to report for work as scheduled
• Fails to remain at work as scheduled
• Leaves work early without permission from the participant or notifying the manager.
• Exhibits tardiness, which is a short absence at the beginning of the workday

1.2 ABSENCE PROCEDURE

It is your responsibility to communicate with the company regarding your need to be absent. Notification from another employee/sub-contractor or relative is not acceptable, except under emergency conditions.

• You must request time off from work in writing and in advance through the DC QR app, following Company policies based on the type of absence (sick leave, vacation, etc.), except in situations involving unforeseeable illness or emergency. The application must be submitted 2 weeks prior to leaving where possible
• If you are unexpectedly going to be absent due to illness or emergency:
  1. You must notify your supervisor or the Office manager at least one hour before your normal reporting time, if possible.
  2. In an emergency situation where advance notice is not possible, you should notify your supervisor as soon as it is possible to do so. Such notifications can only be made through a phone call on 03 9706 7619.
• If you need to leave work early due to an illness, emergency, or some similar cause, you must notify your supervisor or case manager and ask permission from the participant to do so.

1.3 ACCEPTABLE REASON

Acceptable reasons for unplanned absences may include unforeseen personal or family illness or injury, jury duty, bereavement, leave protected under applicable law, or other reasons that would require you to miss all or part of a scheduled workday without advance notice.

1.4 DOCUMENTATION

Documentation may be required for any absence. You should be prepared to provide documentation supporting the reason for your absence if asked.

1.5 NON-COMPLIANCE

Failure to follow proper procedures for absence notification or excessive absenteeism can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Absence for 10 consecutive days without proper contact and supervisory approval may be considered a voluntary resignation.