Learning Disabilities Support Worker

Learning Disabilities Support workers work with people with a learning disability to promote independence and wellbeing. Your support worker role will vary depending on the person you’re supporting, but generally speaking you will be supporting vulnerable people with many aspects of their day-to-day living, helping them to take care of themselves and live a fulfilled life. Different people will need support for different reasons.

You could be supporting someone with their day-to-day living, recreational activities, accessing education or supporting them in their place of work.

Learning Disabilities Support Worker is also known as Support Worker, Learning Disabilities Practitioner.

Role Characteristics

Provide hands-on care and assistance to people with learning disabilities in various settings
Assist with daily living activities while promoting independence and dignity
Support people in managing challenging behaviours using positive strategies
Coordinate with other support services to meet people's needs
Work with other health and care professionals to provide the best care
Build relationships and trust with vulnerable people

Skills

Active listening
Communication
Creative thinking
Empathy
Problem-solving
Resilience

Day in the life

Watch this video to find out more about being a Learning Disabilities Support Worker.

Routes into this role

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

Volunteering or work experience

Apply directly

GCSEs

How to become

There are no set entry requirements to become a learning disability support worker, but employers will expect a good standard ot literacy, numeracy and IT skills. It could help your application if you have 5 GCSEs including English and maths. You may find it helpful to have some care experience, including volunteering, before applying for a job.

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.