Harry, support worker

What does the role of a care worker involve?

Support workers, or care workers, can work in a range of places - care homes, someone’s home or within the community, supporting people with social and physical activities that could include:

• Eating and drinking.
• Attending appointments.
• Undergoing basic medical checks.
• Washing and dressing.

They might support lots of different people, including adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, dementia and other mental health conditions.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

As a support worker, what’s most important is:

• Kindness, patience and compassion.
• Good English, numeracy and writing skills.
• an ability to understand and follow procedures.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Good communication and listening skills.

You may also need:

• GCSE A-C / 4-9 in English and Maths.
• A social care qualification such as Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.

Don’t worry if you don’t have these qualifications – if you’re interested in getting them, you can work towards them once you start the job.

Is there training and progression?

When you first start working in care, you’ll do an induction which should include the Care Certificate. You’ll also undergo basic training such as health and safety, first aid, and moving and handling. You might also receive specific training based on what the person you're caring for needs.

You can also benefit from:

• Informal training & education.
• Formal qualifications such as a Diploma in Health and Social Care (up to Level 5) or specialist subjects like dementia care, communication skills and team leading.
• Over 50 vocational qualifications at all levels including topics such as dementia care, communication skills and team leading.
• Opportunities to progress and develop in adult social care and specialise in a certain area or take on more responsibility.