Support Worker

Job description

The role of a Support Worker in Health and Social Care is both vital and deeply rewarding. It centres around helping individuals live more independently, safely, and with dignity—whether they’re elderly, disabled, recovering from illness, or facing mental health challenges. Here's a detailed breakdown of what the role typically involves:

🧩 Core Responsibilities

Personal Care: Assisting with bathing, dressing, toileting, and hygiene.

Medication Support: Helping clients take prescribed medication safely.

Meal Preparation: Ensuring nutritional needs are met, often tailored to dietary requirements.

Mobility Assistance: Supporting movement, using aids like wheelchairs or hoists if needed.

Companionship: Providing emotional support and social interaction to reduce isolation.

Household Tasks: Light cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a safe living environment.

Record Keeping: Documenting care provided, changes in health, and incidents.

Safeguarding: Identifying and reporting concerns about abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

🧠 Skills and Qualities Needed

Empathy and Patience: Understanding the emotional and physical needs of others.

Communication: Clear, respectful interaction with clients, families, and professionals.

Adaptability: Responding calmly to changing situations or emergencies.

Teamwork: Collaborating with nurses, social workers, and other carers.

Confidentiality: Respecting privacy and handling sensitive information appropriately.

Resilience: Managing emotionally demanding situations with professionalism.

🎓 Qualifications and Training

No formal qualifications are required to start, but many employers prefer:

Care Certificate (UK standard for new care workers)

NVQ/QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care



🌍 Work Settings

Residential care homes

Supported living facilities

Hospitals

Day centres

Clients’ own homes (domiciliary care)