Do you think you could:
- be non-judgmental about people in difficulty, whether or not
their difficulties may be perceived as being self-imposed?
- cope with people who might be schizophrenic, depressed or have
some kind of obsessive-compulsive disorder?
- think and act calmly under pressure?
- offer someone emotional as well as practical support, by just
listening to them and 'being there' for them?
If so, then being a support worker might be the job for you. You
could make a real difference to people's lives by helping them
achieve some degree of personal independence within the community.
Support workers may be called community support workers, home care
support workers or support workers (mental health), depending on
which local authority social service department (or social work
department in Scotland) they work for. Their role is to help people
with mental health/learning disability problems overcome everyday
difficulties. Support workers encourage and give practical support
to people want to live independently.
Work Environment
Some support workers work in residential homes with long or
short-term care residents. Others offer a support service within
the local community for those clients who are in supported housing.
Their work might include shopping with the client, attending
community activities with them, taking them to appointments or
simply being with them in their home environment. Support
workers usually have a number of clients that they get to know very
well. They have meetings and training courses with other
colleagues. Hours can vary and are often flexible, including
evening and weekend work and sleep-in duties (to provide support in
case of emergency). Support workers might work on a rota or shift
basis to ensure a 24-hour a day service to clients.
Daily Activities
Every day is different for a support worker. It usually includes
visiting various clients offering them any kind of practical
support from helping them clean or decorate their accommodation to
taking them to view a flat or to get their shopping. Some clients
just need someone to talk to and 'offload' their problems on
to. For many clients, daily activities that are commonplace
to most of us are a real struggle. They need support workers to
help them do basic tasks, such as using their washing machines,
cleaning their rooms, writing shopping lists, telephoning, handling
their money and cooking basic meals. In addition, they might need
help to register with a new doctor, order medication or to apply
for grants such as the Disability Living Allowance. Before being
able to be completely independent, clients often want the security
of knowing that there is always someone else - their support worker
- there for them.
For support workers based in residential homes, time might be
spent facilitating a session where a group of clients discuss
various issues relevant to them. Part of the day might
involve some form filling for clients or making case notes and
completing a logbook of any incidents or telephone calls. Sometimes
support workers take clients out in a minibus, maybe to allotments
where they are learning to grow their own food or to the local
sports facilities. Support workers liaise with community
psychiatric nurses, social workers, psychiatrists and psychologists
to ensure that the best possible care and support are given to
clients.
Skills & Interests
Support workers need to be:
- interested in people;
- empathetic to those in need;
- non-judgemental;
- pro-active;
- patient and tolerant;
- good communicators.
They also need to hold a valid, clean driving licence.
Entry Requirements
There are no specific minimum entry requirements, although a GNVQ
in Health and Social Care is an advantage and entrants need to be
literate and numerate.
Previous experience of working with people in a social
care/support setting can be very useful. Some authorities
might offer the opportunity to work towards NVQ/SVQ in Care (e.g.
Certificate in Mental Health) modules.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
The continuing shift towards care in the community means that
demand for the services of support workers is likely to
continue.
It might be possible with experience to become a senior support
worker or an assistant manager.
Further Information & Services
Health and Care Professions Council www.hpc-uk.org/
Care Council for Wales www.ccwales.org.uk
Social Care Association www.socialcareassociation.co.uk
Skills for Care www.skillsforcare.org.uk/home/home.aspx
Community Service Volunteers www.csv.org.uk/socialhealthcare
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.