Support Worker

A support worker's job is to help individuals achieve their highest potential and live as independently as possible, by providing practical, emotional, and social support in their daily lives. This may include assistance with personal care, household tasks, accessing community resources, and managing finances, while also offering emotional support and encouragement. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of a support worker's typical duties:

1. Compassion and Empathy – Ability to understand and support the emotional and physical needs of clients.

2. Communication Skills – Clear and respectful verbal and written communication with clients, families, and team members.

3. Personal Care – Supporting clients with daily living tasks like washing, dressing, toileting, and feeding.

4. Manual Handling – Safe use of equipment and techniques to assist clients with mobility.

5. Observation and Reporting – Monitoring health and behaviour changes and accurately reporting them.

6. Time Management – Managing multiple tasks efficiently, often under pressure.

7. Confidentiality and Respect for Privacy – Handling sensitive information with discretion.

8. Teamwork – Working collaboratively with colleagues, professionals, and families.

9. Adaptability – Responding calmly to emergencies and changing client needs.

10. Basic First Aid Knowledge – Understanding how to respond to minor injuries or incidents.

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures

• Experience using care plans and documentation

• Familiarity with dementia or learning disability care

• Basic IT and record-keeping skills (e.g., logging care notes electronically)