Purpose Statement

This article explains how to award a call shift to personnel in First Due. Call shift awarding allows administrators and supervisors to assign available call shifts to qualified personnel who have submitted bids, ensuring proper staffing coverage and transparent shift allocation.

Background Information

Call shifts are additional work opportunities that personnel can bid on to fill staffing needs or earn extra compensation. When a call shift reaches "Ready for Awarding" status, it means the bidding period has closed and an administrator must review submitted bids and select a recipient. The awarding process formally assigns the shift to the selected individual and notifies them of their acceptance.

This process is commonly used for:

• Filling temporary staffing gaps
• Providing overtime opportunities
• Managing mandatory assignments
• Distributing extra shifts fairly based on department protocols

Required Permissions

To award call shifts, users must have the following permissions:

• Access Call Shifts - Grants access to the call shift module
• Initiate Call Shifts - Allows starting and managing call shifts (typically required for awarding)

System administrators or personnel with supervisor-level permissions typically perform this function.

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Click on Scheduling in the main navigation menu, then select Call Shifts from the dropdown options.
   

1. Browse the call shift list to find shifts with a status of Ready for Awarding. These shifts have completed their bidding period and are waiting for administrator action.
   
2. Click the eye icon (view icon) next to the call shift you want to award. This opens the detailed view showing all personnel who submitted bids for this shift.

1. Review the list of bidders and their relevant information (such as ranking, qualifications, or seniority). Click the checkmark next to the person you wish to award the call shift to.
   

1. Click the Accept button to finalize your selection and officially award the call shift.
   

1. The selected individual's name should now appear in green with their status displayed as Accepted, confirming the successful award.
   

Best Practices

Do:

• Review all bidders before making your selection to ensure the most qualified or appropriate person receives the shift
• Consider department protocols for call shift awards (seniority, rotation systems, mandatory requirements)
• Verify the awarded person's certifications and availability before finalizing
• Award call shifts promptly to give personnel adequate notice
• Document any special circumstances or considerations for the award decision

Don't:

• Rush the awarding process without reviewing all available bidders
• Award shifts to personnel who may not meet qualification requirements
• Forget to check for conflicts with the person's existing schedule
• Delay awarding past your department's established timeframes
• Award call shifts without verifying the person's current employment status

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: What if no one appears in the bidder list when I open the call shift?

A: This typically means no personnel submitted bids during the bidding period. You may need to extend the bidding period, adjust shift parameters, or contact personnel directly to encourage participation. Check that the call shift was properly published and visible to eligible personnel.

Q: Can I award a call shift to someone who didn't bid on it?

A: This depends on your department's policies and First Due configuration. Some systems allow manual assignment, while others restrict awards to active bidders only. Contact your system administrator if you need to assign a shift to someone outside the bidding process.

Q: Will the awarded person be automatically notified?

A: Yes, personnel typically receive automatic notifications when they are awarded a call shift. The notification method depends on your agency's configuration (email, SMS, app notification, or a combination).

Q: Can I see the ranking or bidding details before awarding?

A: Yes, the call shift details view typically displays relevant information such as bid submission time, personnel ranking, and qualifications. The specific information visible depends on your department's call shift configuration and your permission level.

Q: What if multiple people have the same ranking or priority?

A: Follow your department's established protocols for tie-breaking situations. Common methods include seniority, submission time, rotation systems, or supervisor discretion. Document your decision-making criteria for consistency and transparency.