Understanding the Role of a Support Worker

Why a Support Worker Could Be the Right Fit for You

Thinking about becoming a support worker? Are you unsure about whether the role of a support worker would be the right fit for you? Support workers play a fundamental part in supporting vulnerable people who are struggling with learning difficulties, mental health needs, or physical impairments. Discover more about the role of a support worker and why it could be the perfect choice for you.

What is a Support Worker?

In short, a support worker looks after the health and wellbeing of others. They provide physical and emotional support, enabling vulnerable members of the community to live independently. Various types of support worker positions are available, such as family, mental health, and community support roles.

The role of a support worker can be extremely varied, as each person they care for has individual needs and requirements. However, one thing is guaranteed – being a support worker is an incredibly rewarding role, as you can help make a real positive difference to people’s everyday lives.

The Job Role of a Support Worker

As a support worker, your main job is to help others live independently by providing support and assistance. You’ll be responsible for ensuring the safety of vulnerable people and helping them make positive choices, which will enable them to lead happy lives within their community. 

The day-to-day support offered may vary depending on individual needs and preferences. Different people need support for different reasons; for example, they could have complex mental health needs, learning difficulties or physical difficulties that you will need to accommodate. You will be required to work in a variety of settings including within people’s homes, in the community, or within health and social care facilities.

Specific roles and responsibilities of a support worker include:

• Offering practical support for individuals and their families. This is a vital responsibility of a support worker and may include helping with household tasks, going shopping, aiding personal care and completing any relevant paperwork.
• Providing emotional and behavioural support. First and foremost, you are responsible for keeping people safe as a support worker. You will be on hand to help guide, advise, listen to and build trust with vulnerable members of the community. 
• Helping vulnerable people get out and about. This could encompass many different elements such as encouraging people to take up new hobbies or learn new life skills, or connecting them with suitable community groups.
• Supporting individual communication styles. Understanding how each person communicates is an important part of the job, and you may need to adapt your communication methods to suit each individual i.e. body language. 
• Managing and monitoring any healthcare needs. If somebody has medical needs, you may need to support them with making and attending appointments, conducting routine checks and administering medication.
• Offering assistance with finance and budgeting. Day-to-day money management and budgeting is an important life skill that some people may struggle with, so you may need to help individuals in supported living facilities with this.
• Helping people achieve their individual goals. Supporting others with their short term and long term goals is a key part of the job. This could include anything from cooking or doing the washing up, to attending university or securing a new job.
• Developing individual support plans. Implementing holistic people-centred support plans is a vital role of a support worker. You may be required to work with other healthcare professionals to plan and deliver the highest level of care.

Why Become a Support Worker?

Support work is an incredibly rewarding career path. Helping vulnerable people become more independent and achieve their goals can truly make a difference in someone’s life.  The role of a support worker is an ideal choice for people who enjoy stimulation and variety. The job prospects are great too, with lots of opportunities for career progression into senior roles such as team leader or managerial roles.

It is not always an easy job and there may be some emotionally testing moments; however, there will also be days full of laughter, as you make treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

Look no further than Safehands Recruitment for your next role as a support worker. If you would like to register for job updates, you can get in touch with a member of our team on 01242 505415 or email us at info@safehandsrecruitment.co.uk.