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Rehabilitation support worker

As a rehabilitation support worker, you’ll help people to live independently, often following an illness or accident. It’s an entry-level role but it’s useful to have some experience working in care or with vulnerable adults.

What does a rehabilitation support worker do?

You’ll work in a range of settings – including care homes and people’s own homes – to help those who’ve experienced an illness or accident live a more independent life. Part of your role may involve helping them with:

  • Support and housing.
  • Finance and budgeting.
  • Social activities.
  • Life skills such as cooking.
Weights

What does the role involve?

As a rehabilitation support worker, your day-to-day might include:

  • Carrying out assessments within the community to identify what care and support is needed.
  • Working with other professionals such as social workers to make sure people get the right help.
  • Providing advice about how to use specialist equipment.
  • Teaching life skills such as making a cup of tea or reading braille.
  • Organising activities such as sports, drama and education.

What skills and qualifications do I need?

What’s most important is:

  • Your kindness, compassion and people skills.
  • Good English, numeracy and digital skills.
  • Flexibility and strong organisational and time management skills.
  • Your ability to work under pressure in emotional situations.

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?

Roles in care can be flexible, and your hours are usually based on shift patterns, so that you can find a work/life balance that suits you.

Is there any training and progression?

When you first start, 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 individual care 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 Dee chose a career in care

Dee chose to work in home care as it offered her the flexibility she needed in her personal life, whilst enabling her to achieve her goals of helping those within her community.

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