What is a support worker?
Support workers offer practical help and emotional support to vulnerable people to allow them to live a more independent life.
Because there are many different types of support worker, your role purpose and responsibilities will change depending on your speciality.
Qualifications
The minimum requirements to be a support worker are a:
- Grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE Maths and English
- Level 3 qualification (A Level or BTEC) in a related subject
You may also be asked to have a:
- Valid UK driving license (this will help you make home visits or travel to several locations in one day.)
You do not need a degree to become a support worker in the UK.
However, having a degree in a related subject can make your application stand out from the rest.
Types of support worker
Support workers work in one of two support packages:
- 24-hour support
- Outreach support
They also typically work on either a 1:1 basis or a 2:1 basis.
A person who requires 24-hour support needs at least one person with them at all times. This means you could be working with a person with support needs on a 2:1 basis (two support workers to one person supported.)
Outreach support hours may be more flexible as this support is provided depending on the task. It can be activities like, taking a person with support needs on a local outing or supporting them with household tasks. This may be done on a 1:1 basis (one support worker to one person supported.)
Sectors of support work
The role of a support worker can vary depending on what you specialise in, the most common types are:
Salary
Salary for a support worker can vary depending on:
- Which sector you work in (healthcare, disability, family, and many more)
- Whether you're hired by an agency, large company (such as the NHS), or an independent employer
- Your contract type (whether you're paid by the hour or month, on a zero-hours contract, or if you work full-time or part-time hours)
The average full-time salary for a support worker in the UK is £31,745, according to Indeed.
The starting salary for a full-time domestic support worker in the NHS is £24,465, according to the NHS website.
Building your CV
Employers look for a support workers who have the following skills:
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Adaptability to different situations
- A Non-judgmental attitude
- Resilience
- Good organisational skills
- A caring and compassionate attitude
Ways that you can show this on your CV include:
Frequently asked questions
What next?
- Subject
Health Professions
- Subject
Social Care and Community
