What Is a Support Worker?
Support workers help people with physical and mental health challenges live a more independent life. The support worker’s role is greatly varied, with every person having specific needs, and the support provided has to be tailored and personalised.
The role of a support worker is incredibly rewarding. They can help improve people’s quality of life and make a real and positive difference. The day-to-day job duties differ depending on the needs of the people they support, including carrying out daily tasks, teaching life skills, promoting independence and providing practical and emotional support. The role focuses on supporting and enabling people to live as independently as possible.
Support Worker Responsibilities
Support worker roles vary. In general, support workers help people in various aspects of their daily lives and assist people in taking care of themselves by making a positive change in their lives.
People require different kinds of support for different reasons, such as mental health needs, learning disabilities and complex care needs.
The roles and responsibilities of a support worker include:
- Creating care plans tailored to people’s needs
- Providing emotional support by listening and talking to people about their concerns
- Assisting with cooking, cleaning, washing and shopping
- Tending to healthcare needs
- Personal care
- Helping people find jobs
- Managing the case logbooks
- Helping people participate in leisure activities
- Providing physical support
Some support workers work in people’s homes providing care and support, but they can also work in social care settings or within the community.
The Role of a Support Worker Includes
Support workers are key in supporting people with learning disabilities, Autism, physical disabilities and mental health needs. They provide physical and emotional support and focus on people’s preferences, needs and aspirations.
The role of a support worker is focused on supporting people to live as independently as possible, whether by helping around their home, participating in activities or providing emotional support. As support workers progress into senior roles, they can also manage teams and develop individualised care plans to ensure people reach their goals.
Physical and Emotional Support
Research shows that the effects of physical and emotional support are greatly beneficial for people with complex care needs. This type of support often involves listening to people and communicating, providing a sense of empathy and acknowledgement that people are heard. Physical support involves helping people with their mobility and increasing their independence.
Promoting Independence
Independent living is much more than just living on your own. It’s about how you live. Learning to make yourself your favourite lunch, go to the shop and clean your home can make all the difference. With proper guidance, people with complex care needs can learn all the necessary independent living skills to help them make choices and live a fulfilling, joyous life.
Being independent helps boost self-esteem, and although it is not an easy task, it can be done with practice and commitment.
Tailored and Personalised Care
Personalised care means people have more control, and their voices are heard when choosing how their care is delivered. Tailored and personalised care considers people’s individual preferences, needs and circumstances.
It is becoming more apparent that there is a fundamental need for personalised care and allowing people to choose how they want their support delivered. Choice is a fundamental right and plays a key role in everyday life, so it should not be different when making decisions about receiving care.
Support Worker Qualifications
To become a support worker, you must acquire some practical skills, qualifications, and personal qualities to succeed in the role.
- Diploma in care – getting a health and social care diploma provides increased knowledge and helps you build your care skills.
- NVQ in care – many support workers earn NVQ – national vocational qualification while working, as it usually takes a year. Some employers don’t require that you have this qualification when you apply, but you would have to demonstrate the necessary skills and be keen on working towards this certification.
- Care certificate – if you are starting as a support worker, you may receive training on the job and be provided with resources that will help you complete the Care certificate, which is a set of 15 standards that highlight the knowledge and skills required for support workers
- GCSEs or A-Levels – these certifications provide you with vital knowledge and will help you gain the needed skills and concepts to become a support worker. In most cases, GCSEs are the minimum qualification a support worker needs.
Why Become a Support Worker
Becoming a support worker is a highly rewarding job. Even though the role can often be challenging, making a difference in someone’s life and providing support on the path to becoming more independent brings satisfaction and accomplishment. It is a great career choice for people who enjoy a varied and exciting role and interaction with others.
One of the best things about becoming a support worker is sharing, creating new memories, and celebrating success with the people you care for. As a support worker, you will help people to overcome challenges and obstacles while supporting them to build self-esteem and confidence.
Working in healthcare means you can make a genuine change and difference in people’s lives by empowering them to reach their potential. You will go home knowing you’ve supported someone to accomplish something new and meaningful.
Become a Support Worker with Unique Community Services
Becoming a support worker with Unique Community Services means you can make a real difference in people’s lives by helping them gain confidence and independence while providing compassionate care. You will be able to make memories and see people’s progress firsthand.
Our team will support you every step of the way, from training, mentoring and supporting you to gain and expand your skills to succeed as a support worker. We offer many benefits for our support workers to show our appreciation and let you know you are valued.
You can apply for an open position here or contact us today online or through our offices in Manchester and Bristol.
