Support Worker

Support workers help people manage their lives and achieve fulfilment, catering to various needs for different reasons.

You will interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with unique requirements. Support workers are essential in empowering people with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, mental health challenges, communication difficulties, and complex health needs to live independently, providing the necessary physical and emotional support to help them reach their goals.

Support Worker is also known as Support Assistant, Carer.

Role Characteristics

Learn about individuals specific needs & provide help in the most appropriate way
Provide guidance & encouragement through physical & emotional support
Assist with daily living activities while promoting independence and dignity
Work with other health and care professionals to provide the best care
Collaborate with family members to involve them in the recovery process and provide support
Advocate for people's needs and rights within healthcare and social service systems

Skills

Active listening
Communication
Empathy
Problem-solving
Resilience
Observation

Day in the life

Watch this video to learn about the role of a Support Worker.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

Pre-employment Programmes

Maths and English skills

Volunteering or work experience

Apply directly

GCSEs

T-Level

An apprenticeship

How to become

There are no set entry requirements to become a Support Worker, but employers will expect a good standard of literacy, numeracy and IT skills.

It could help your application if you have GCSEs in English and maths. You could look at taking a Pre-employment programme before applying for a role as this will give you an insight in to the role allowing you to make an informed decision about whether the role is right for you.

You may also find it helpful to have some care experience either with a loved one or through volunteering, before applying for a job. You can also take specific qualifications at college or university, for example in Health and Social Care.

It is important to check your preferred employer's entry requirements for guidance.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

Once you have gained experience and completed on the job training such as the Care Certificate you could progress to Senior Support Worker. This role combines support work with managing a team. As well as carrying out the same tasks as a support worker, you will have responsibility for supervising staff and volunteers encouraging and inspiring them to offer the highest standards of support.

You could also specialise in an area that interests you.