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Activity support worker

An activity support worker is an entry-level care role where you’ll organise social activities for people who need support.

What does an activity support worker do?

If you like working with people and are active and enthusiastic, this is the job for you. It’s a varied and hands-on role where you’ll:

  • Organise social activities.
  • Help people take part.
  • Work in care homes or day centres, someone’s home or within the community.
Music

What does the role involve?

Your day-to-day might include:

  • Talking with people about what activities they might enjoy.
  • Organising activities that are tailored to the needs of individuals, and group activities to bring people together.
  • Booking external entertainment.
  • Organising transport and trips out in the local community.
  • Helping people take part in the activities.

What skills and qualifications do I need?

What's most important is:

  • Your kindness, patience and compassion.
  • Good English, numeracy and writing skills.
  • Your ability to understand and follow procedures.
  • Strong organisational and time management 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.

What hours will I work?

Activity support worker roles can be flexible. Hours are usually based on shift patterns, enabling you to find a work/life balance that suits you.

Is there training and progression?

When you first start working in care, you’ll 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.

Hear why Blesson chose a career in care

For Blesson, adult social care allowed him to find fulfilment in this job, all by excelling in the support he offered to others.

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