A care worker role is extremely varied and rewarding, and unlike other roles, it provides you with the opportunity to help improve people’s standard of living every day. Some clients have little or no contact elsewhere, and will be extremely grateful for help with immediate needs, as well as day to day administrative tasks.
Whether working with the disabled, children, elderly, long-term ill, or individuals with learning difficulties, the care worker will spend a considerable amount of time with the same clients, building strong relationships and providing them with emotional support and company, contributing positively to their wellbeing.
Responsibilities can include:
- Washing, dressing and maintaining clients’ hygiene
- Helping clients with administrative tasks such as budgeting and paying bills
- Taking the client out on day trips
- Food preparation, feeding, and giving out medication
- General house work, laundry, shopping
- Supporting clients families
- Working with other health professionals to provide care and development plans
Desirable skills and attributes:
- Sense of humour
- Patience
- Understanding
- Ability to relate to people from a wide variety of backgrounds
- Skills in communicating with tact and sensitivity
- The ability to remain calm under pressure
- Non-judgemental
- Sympathetic
- Respectful of dignity
- Good communicator
- Ability to build positive relationships
Qualifications and Experience necessary:
There are no formal entry requirements, and it is your attitude that will get you a long way. However, gaining an NVQ in health and social care can give you a head start. Good GCSE’s in English and Maths are also beneficial.
Some people enter into the profession via an apprenticeship, earning as they learn. It is a practical way to gain qualifications and work experience at the same time.
General work experience will be helpful when applying for a care worker role, and this can be done through volunteering with an organisation that supports vulnerable people, or caring for someone you know.
Further opportunities:
Once experienced in your care worker role, you could progress to a more senior role in management or managing services, or move on to a different healthcare career such as a nurse, paramedic, or family support worker. It is a great way to begin a career in healthcare.
Does this sound like you? For a confidential chat with one of our friendly Healthcare Consultants at Integra People, please call 01925 839 820 today.
