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Community Support Worker: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

Career Overview
Interview Questions

What is a Community Support Worker?

As a Community Support Worker in the UK, you would provide care and assistance to elderly and infirm individuals with various needs within their own homes or care establishments. Your role involves attending to their personal needs and ensuring their comfort, while also offering support in their daily activities and fostering social connections.

How do I become a Community Support Worker?

As a Community Support Worker in the UK, you would provide care and assistance to elderly and infirm individuals with various needs within their own homes or care establishments. Your role involves attending to their personal needs and ensuring their comfort, while also offering support in their daily activities and fostering social connections.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an Community Support Worker?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an Community Support Worker

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



Skills

  • Strong communication skills to effectively interact with clients and their families
  • Ability to provide personal care and assistance with daily living activities
  • Knowledge of basic medical procedures and medication management
  • Empathy and compassion towards clients with physical or mental disabilities
  • Time management and organizational skills to manage multiple clients and tasks
  • Flexibility and adaptability to work in different environments and with different clients
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Attention to detail and record-keeping skills
  • Cultural sensitivity and awareness
  • Physical stamina and strength to assist clients with mobility and transfers

Qualifications & Education

  • No formal academic entry requirements
  • Registration with appropriate statutory body required
  • Satisfying registration criteria, including holding or working towards appropriate qualification
  • Minimum age requirement of 18 years old
  • Experience of working in a care environment
  • Off- and on-the-job training available
  • Qualifications available, including NVQs/SVQs covering various aspects of care
  • Background checks, including a CRB check, likely to be required

Career Path

Community Support Worker
Social Worker
Mental Health Social Worker
Child Protection Social Worker
Hospital Social Worker
Adoption Social Worker
Youth Offending Team Officer
Care Coordinator
Care Manager
Registered Manager
Support Coordinator
Service Manager
Family Support Worker
Rehabilitation Assistant
Occupational Therapist
Substance Misuse Worker

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a support worker a career?

Yes, being a community support worker can be considered a career.

What are the duties of a CSW?

The duties of a Community Support Worker in the UK may include assisting healthcare professionals in patient care, working with a team or individual practitioner, welcoming and preparing patients, explaining treatment, and updating patient records.

What does a community support worker do?

A community support worker in the UK provides assistance to individuals in their community with various tasks such as maintaining good hygiene, making positive choices about health, providing emotional support, and helping with personal care. They may also assist with leisure and social activities.

What qualifications do you need to become a community support worker?

To become a community support worker in the UK, it is helpful to have GCSE A-C in English and Maths, as well as a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.

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