Care worker

A care worker, or support worker, is an entry-level care role where you’ll support people with all aspects of their day-to-day life.

What is a care worker?

As a care worker, you can work in a variety of settings - care homes, someone’s home or within the community. You’ll support people with social and physical activities that could include:

Eating and drinking.
Attending appointments.
Shopping and money management.
Undergoing basic medical checks.
Washing and dressing.

What does the role involve?

Your day-to-day might include:

Booking and accompanying people to appointments.
Assisting with personal care such as showering and dressing.
Assisting people to eat and drink.
Supporting people with their shopping.
Monitoring individual’s conditions, taking their temperature, pulse, respiration and weight, and possibly helping with medication.

Skills, experience and qualifications

What's most important is:

Your kindness, patience and compassion.
Good English, numeracy and writing skills.
Your ability to understand and follow procedures.
Strong organisational and time management skills.
Good communication and listening skills.

You may also need:

GCSE A-C in English and Maths.
A social care qualification such as Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.

Don’t worry if you don’t have these qualifications – if you’re interested in getting them, you can work towards them once you start the job.

Working hours

Adult social care roles can be flexible. Hours are usually based on shift patterns, enabling you to find a work/life balance that suits you.

Training and role progression

When you first start, you’ll do an induction which should include the Care Certificate. You’ll also undergo basic training such as health and safety, first aid, and moving and handling. You might also receive specific training based on individual care needs.

You can also benefit from:

Informal training & education.
Formal qualifications such as a Diploma in Health and Social Care (up to Level 5) or specialist subjects like dementia care, communication skills and team leading.
Over 50 vocational qualifications at all levels including topics such as dementia care, communication skills and team leading.
Opportunities to progress and develop in adult social care and specialise in a certain area or take on more responsibility.

Hear why Trish chose adult social care

Trish wanted to make a real difference to people’s lives, empowering them to live normal independent lives.

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Some imagery and videos were captured prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.