What does a Care Worker do?
A Care Worker provides support to an individual who requires care on a daily basis. They are responsible for assisting with daily tasks, thereby improving the quality of their lives. Care Workers work with children, the elderly and people with physical and learning disabilities. Their work schedule may include weekends, evening shifts and round-the-clock care.
Care Workers can be hired directly by the individual who needs them, or outsourced from a home care agency. They work in private residences, care homes and communities. In some cases, they may need special training to work with specific kinds of patients.
Care Worker skills and qualifications
A successful Care Worker candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications including a mix of excellent communication skills, empathy and a strong desire to help people. They also typically have skills that include:
- Empathy and sensitivity
- Tact and discretion
- Excellent communication
- Customer service and interpersonal
- Thoroughness and attention to detail
- Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- Good team spirit
- Ability to take the initiative
Care Worker experience requirements
Typically, Care Workers need to have one to two years of experience to be qualified for this position. Previous experience working in a home care, hospice, hospital or charity is useful. Apprenticeships and volunteer work provide good opportunities to acquire some work experience. Mid-level Care Workers need to have three to five years of experience, while Senior Care Workers should have over five years of experience in the positions.
Familiarity with health and safety best practices, first aid, patient moving and handling and end of life care are also useful. Experience working with individuals with disabilities is necessary.
Care Worker education and training requirements
The minimum educational requirements for a Care Worker are often General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSEs). A university degree is not always required. However, university-level courses such as a Level 1 certificate in health and social care or a Level 2 diploma in care will be useful. The Adult Care Worker intermediate apprenticeship or Lead Adult Care Worker advanced apprenticeship are also possible training requirements.
Other training requirements are determined by the hiring company. They may include training courses in safeguarding adults and children, food hygiene and handling, infection prevention and control, fire safety and human rights.
Care Worker salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, Care Workers earn an average of £10.04 per hour. Care Worker salary expectations vary based on their level of experience, education, skill set, geographical location and the employer.
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