If you’ve ever thought about becoming a disability support worker, but weren’t sure about your relevant experience, you’re in the right place. This could be your dream role, without needing any direct experience.
The most important part of becoming a disability support worker is having the right attitude and personality. If you are a people person with a desire to help others, then regardless of education or experience, you will go a long way.
Changing industries or starting in the care sector can feel like a big step, but everyone succeeding in it now started with a first step. And the care sector is one of the most welcoming industries a person can work in. All the nurturing and compassion doesn’t stop with the clients and patients, it is spread throughout the teams.
There is currently a demand for carers and support workers, so the work opportunities are plentiful. You can find them listed on our jobs pages.
A disability support worker cares for people with either learning or physical disabilities. Those could range from mental health issues, autism, epilepsy, and communication struggles to more complex physical health needs. The support worker will offer their clients emotional and physical support to achieve their daily goals.
This could be helping someone with their shopping or getting them to a job interview. It could be helping them after a fall or helping them manage their diary and appointments. It will include a range of support, all encouraging independence and wellbeing.
The main goals are skill building and encouraging social interactions to make the client a part of the community they want to be in. This is done through the agreed ways of working, safeguarding, understanding mental capacity, understanding a duty of care and how to navigate conflict, and always practising person-centred care.
With the confidence of a support worker, a client can live a fulfilled life, with family members and other healthcare staff comfortable in the knowledge that the clients are safe, happy and well.
Anyone can become a disability support worker, but a person who is prepared to put humanity first will thrive in this role. It can be an unpredictable position, with lots of demands from clients, so a person who is patient, caring and a good communicator will do well.
The skills and qualities it takes to become a good disability support worker include:
Understanding the needs of your clients and ensuring they feel safe is essential. For them to live up to their potential will require patience and being able to put yourself in their shoes. You will become their motivator and companion, enabling them to feel strong enough to live their lives fully.
You can make your clients feel supported and heard through good communication. Giving them the respect of listening, sometimes repeating back their need to confirm an understanding means a strong working relationship can grow. It also means sharing complex information in a way the client can comprehend, making them feel respected and empowering them with independent choices.
The practicalities of supporting people with a variety of physical disabilities includes lifting them, supporting them and carrying things for them. It can be a physically demanding role and a support worker must be prepared or adjust their job applications accordingly. There are plenty of roles that won’t need that much physical input, but that must be clarified from the start.
If you are someone who wants to make a difference you can by considering the following:
A level of intelligence is expected for this role, but often no essential qualifications are required. Once employed as a disability support worker, training will be available to you including basic nursing skills and the responsibilities of the role will be taught.
By earning a diploma you will better understand which area of support work interests you and be qualified for a wider range of work. Equally an NVQ can earn you relevant skills and knowledge in the support worker field. A good place to research these courses is on gov.uk, then look at your local college course lists.
To do this role you will need a Care Certificate. This is something that can be earned once in the role. With this qualification you can apply for apprenticeships, which means training and learning on the job whilst getting paid.
Seeking out a volunteering role shows potential employers that an individual is serious about their application and has some experience in the care sector. If you can afford to volunteer it’s a great way to kick-start your career and make sure that care is for you. Start by looking at opportunities at your local care home or community centre.
Nearly all the disability support worker roles we’ve placed have offered training as part of the role. There will be a period of study and shadowing others to learn about the responsibilities and realities of the role. There is usually an offer of the necessary courses such as first aid, once in the job too.
Starting a career as a support worker is a great way to begin a career with plenty of growth opportunities.
Pauline started her career as a disability support worker 16 years ago, “I loved getting into care, I came from a retail background and was just clock watching – now I don’t have time to look at the clock. My days are busy and varied. I’m endlessly thrilled by the families that feedback to me about my team and the difference that’s being made. I’m a Registered Manager now, I’m so proud of how far I’ve come alongside my team and the care service we provide. I didn’t imagine this career path for me, until I got here. If someone reading this is considerate, has good attention to detail and loves being around people then look at a role in support work. I can’t think of anything as satisfying.”
The rewards for becoming a disability support worker are instant.
Caring for people gives purpose and fulfilment, by making a direct and real impact to people’s lives. This role positively impacts a client's mental state, often empowering them to do more with their abilities. It won’t take long for your impact to show and your purpose to get recognised.
For those who want more responsibilities, it doesn't take long to build up enough experience to apply for leadership roles. The natural development would be to a team leader, specialist role or non-clinical role, but this could take you anywhere in the NHS!
Finding a role as a disability support worker is easier with Social Care People. We have an extensive rolling list of roles in care, and we’re solely here to help you find your perfect job. Register as a candidate today to make sure you don’t miss your next career opportunity.
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