Care support worker
Help people who have difficulties with daily activities like dressing, shopping and housework.
Also known as: support worker, home carer, care worker, care assistant
About the job
What it's like
People who have patience, compassion and communication skills make great care support workers. If that sounds like you, this career may be a great fit.
In this role, you'll care for people who need support with daily activities like dressing, shopping and housework. You may work with children, people with physical or learning disabilities, older people or families.
Care support workers speak to people about their needs in a sensitive way. You'll help them with tasks that'll make their lives easier and happier. You may do this in people's homes, in sheltered housing, at day centres or in places like nursing homes.
Your tasks might include:
getting to know the individuals you care for, discovering their interests and needs
helping with daily personal care like washing, dressing, using the toilet and eating
completing general household tasks such as laundry, shopping and housework
assisting people to manage their money, pay bills and write letters
planning fun and stimulating activities for people to do
helping people travel to and from a residential home — such as taking a young person to a local college
As well as helping the individual, you might also support other family members as they get used to new caring responsibilities.
You'll need to work closely with other health and social care professionals. Together, you'll arrange tailored care and development plans for each person.
Most care support worker positions will pay an hourly wage, but some may be salaried.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Scottish Social Services Council – the regulatory body for people working in Scottish social services
Disclosure Scotland – learn more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
Skills for Care and Development – skills advice for people who work in early years, social services and children and young people's services
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Care support worker'
Select qualification level(s)
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Social care -
Healthcare
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- attention to detail
- social conscience
- respecting
- empathising
- written communication
- verbal communication
- listening
- supporting
- cooperating
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Care
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Human Biology
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Skills for Work: Health and Social Care
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You can get into this career by applying for jobs, doing an apprenticeship or earning qualifications at college.
Work
You can become a care support worker through applying directly with an employer. Having relevant personal skills and some volunteering experience will help your application stand out.
Use the My World of Work job search to look for vacancies.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Healthcare Support.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include Social Services or Health and Social Care.
Use the My World of Work course search to find HNCs and HNDs.
A driving licence is useful and may be required for some caring positions.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a care support worker. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
All care support workers need to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
You must have approved membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Care support worker'
