A Specialist Support Worker Role for a Skilled Professional
We are recruiting for a confident, emotionally resilient female support workers to join our small team in Newark-on-Trent, supporting a gentleman with complex needs. This is a rewarding and varied role for someone with strong values, clear professional boundaries, and the ability to remain calm, composed, and kind in a changing environment.
The person you’ll be supporting is intellectually sharp and likes to be informed. He responds best to individuals who are structured, respectful, and quietly assertive. Building trust is key, and that starts with how you carry yourself from day one.
Support Worker Key Responsibilities
As part of a dedicated 2:1 team, your daily duties will include:
- Providing personal care with dignity, sensitivity, and structure
- Supporting mobility, repositioning, and using hoists with your colleague
- Preparing and assisting with meals and drinks to meet dietary preferences
- Administering medication and monitoring wellbeing
- Providing emotional support while upholding clear professional boundaries
- Responding to escalated behaviours calmly and confidently, using agreed de-escalation techniques and stepping back when needed
- Maintaining accurate daily records and contributing to care planning
- Offering companionship without overstepping personal-professional lines
- Supporting occasional outings and facilitating meaningful engagement
What We’re Looking For
This is not a typical care role. It requires someone who is:
- Female (due to the personal care nature of the role – Equality Act 2010)
- Calm, emotionally intelligent, and firm when needed
- Able to manage verbally challenging or provocative behaviour without becoming reactive
- Clear on boundaries and capable of maintaining a professional dynamic
- Comfortable stepping out of a situation if tension escalates, to allow space and de-escalation
- Experienced in care or confident enough to learn quickly (full training provided)
- Within 30 minutes of Newark-on-Trent OR holds a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Reliable, consistent, and a good communicator – especially under pressure
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly pay
- 12-hour paid night shifts on a regular rota
- Comprehensive training tailored to this client’s needs
- Ongoing support from a responsive management team
- A supportive, respectful 2:1 working environment
- Opportunity to build trust and make a lasting difference in someone’s daily life
Application question(s):
- This role follows a fixed rolling two-week shift pattern working 20:00-08:00:
Week 1: Three Week Days (TBC)
Week 2: Two week days (TBC), PLUS Saturday & Sunday
Are you able to fully commit to working this set pattern every fortnight?
- If you wish to relocate, why do you want to move to the Nottinghamshire area?
- Do you have your own car to use for work?
Licence/Certification:
- UK Driver’s License (required)
frequently asked questions (FAQs) about support workers, based on common inquiries and available information. Support workers, often similar to healthcare assistants but with a broader scope, assist individuals with physical, mental, or social needs in various settings.What does a support worker do?Support workers help people live independently and improve their quality of life. Their duties depend on the setting and client needs but often include:
- Assisting with daily activities (e.g., personal care, meal preparation, shopping)
- Supporting emotional and mental well-being (e.g., companionship, encouraging social activities)
- Helping with mobility or administering medication (under supervision)
- Supporting individuals with disabilities, mental health conditions, or learning difficulties
- Advocating for clients and liaising with families or healthcare professionals
- Maintaining records of care provided
What qualifications are needed to become a support worker?
- No formal qualifications required in many cases: Employers often prioritize attitude and experience over academic credentials.
- Common Qualifications: A Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care or equivalent vocational training is preferred by some employers.
- Training: On-the-job training is common, covering safeguarding, health and safety, and specific care protocols. In the UK, the Care Certificate is often required.
- Skills: Empathy, patience, communication, and problem-solving are essential.
What is the difference between a support worker and a healthcare assistant?
- Scope: Support workers focus on social and personal support, often in community or residential settings, while healthcare assistants (HCAs) work more in clinical settings (e.g., hospitals) with a focus on basic medical tasks.
- Clients: Support workers typically assist people with disabilities, mental health needs, or elderly individuals in non-clinical environments, while HCAs work under nurses in healthcare settings.
- Training: Both roles may require similar qualifications, but HCAs often receive more clinical training.
How much does a support worker earn?
- Salary varies by region and employer:
- UK: Support workers earn approximately £20,000–£26,000 per year (based on 2023–2025 data). NHS roles may align with Band 2 or 3 pay scales (£22,000–£28,000). Private or agency roles may vary.
- US: Known as direct support professionals or personal care aides, they earn around $28,000–$38,000 annually, depending on location and experience.
- Other regions: Wages depend on local standards and healthcare systems.
- Shift work, overtime, or specialized roles (e.g., supporting complex needs) can increase earnings.
What are the working hours for a support worker?
- Shifts vary, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, or live-in care.
- Full-time roles typically involve 35–40 hours per week, but part-time and flexible positions are common.
- Some roles, like live-in support, may involve longer but less frequent shifts.
Where do support workers work?
- Community Settings: Visiting clients’ homes to provide care.
- Residential Care Homes: Supporting residents with daily living.
- Supported Living Facilities: Helping individuals with disabilities live independently.
- Day Centers: Assisting with activities for elderly or disabled clients.
- Mental Health or Addiction Services: Supporting individuals with specific needs.
- Hospitals: Less common, but some support workers assist in mental health wards.
What are the career progression opportunities for support workers?
- Further Training: Qualifications like Level 3 or 5 Diplomas in Health and Social Care or specialized courses (e.g., dementia care, autism support).
- Advanced Roles: Senior support worker, team leader, or care coordinator.
- Related Fields: Training to become a social worker, occupational therapy assistant, or nurse with further education.
- Specializations: Focusing on areas like mental health, learning disabilities, or palliative care.
What challenges do support workers face?
- Emotional Demands: Supporting clients with complex needs or challenging behaviors can be stressful.
- Physical Demands: Tasks like lifting or assisting with mobility can be taxing.
- Low Pay Relative to Responsibility: Entry-level roles may have modest salaries.
- Irregular Hours: Shift work or unpredictable schedules can affect work-life balance.
How can someone become a support worker?
- Research Local Requirements: Check job listings for qualifications or certifications needed in your area.
- Gain Experience: Volunteer in care settings, such as charities or community organizations, to build skills.
- Apply for Jobs: Look for entry-level roles through agencies, care homes, or local councils.
- Complete Training: Employers often provide induction training, including safeguarding and first aid. The Care Certificate (UK) or equivalent may be required.
- Pursue Further Education: Consider vocational courses or certifications for career growth.
What personal qualities are needed to be a support worker?
- Empathy and compassion
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Patience and resilience
- Adaptability to different client needs
- Reliability and a team-oriented mindset
Are there opportunities for support workers to work abroad?
- Yes, but requirements vary. Countries like Australia, Canada, or the UK may have demand, but you’ll need to meet visa, language, and certification requirements (e.g., equivalent qualifications or background checks).
- Research the destination country’s regulations and job market. Agencies specializing in international care work can assist.
To apply for this job please visit www.glassdoor.com.