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PSW Personal Support Worker Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A PSW Personal Support Worker, or Health Care Aide, is a term used to categorise a number of professions that assist people who have a medical condition. Their primary duties include caring for individuals during periods of illness or recovery, providing bedside and personal care to patients and planning and preparing meals.

PSW Personal Support Worker duties and responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of a Personal Support Worker vary depending on the job title and facility, though they can include:

  • Providing clients with ADL (activities of daily living) services such as grooming, dressing, bathing, toileting and personal hygiene
  • Performing housekeeping chores such as tidying and cleaning the client’s house or room, doing laundry and changing beds
  • Assisting the clients with sorting out their medication and ensuring they take it as per the Doctor’s instructions
  • Spending time with the clients and providing them with counselling when necessary
  • Shopping for groceries and leading clients in exercises to help them boost their strength
  • Recognising, observing and reporting changes in the client’s condition and behaviour back to the agency or Doctor.

Hire your next PSW Personal Support Worker today

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Hire your next PSW Personal Support Worker today

Post a job
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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What does a PSW Personal Support Worker do?

Personal Support Workers are a broad category that can include Home Care Aides, Caregivers and Social Workers. Social Workers help individuals handle problems in their day-to-day lives by identifying those problems and then referring them to agencies or groups that can assist. Home Care Aides and Caregivers provide personal assistance to disabled individuals, the elderly and those who have an impairment.

PSW Personal Support Worker skills and qualifications

A PSW Personal Support Worker needs a variety of skills and qualifications to perform their duties effectively. These skills and qualifications include:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Ability to maintain a professional approach
  • Listening and comprehension skills
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work well in a team environment
  • A high sense of responsibility

PSW Personal Support Worker experience requirements

Personal Support Worker positions require several years of experience in a similar role. Relevant work experience with young people, children and the elderly may be preferable. Experience in coaching, advisory work, mentoring, problem-solving and supporting adults and children is also helpful. Some employers expect candidates to have experience and knowledge of safeguarding procedures and practices.

PSW Personal Support Worker education and training requirements

Personal Support Workers don’t usually need a GCSE, certification or licence, but they may need to meet some requirements set by their employer. For instance, a Personal Support Worker might need to learn basic safety and emergency techniques, or they might be required to cook food with specific dietary restrictions in mind. Some employers prefer candidates who have completed an Adult or Child Care Worker intermediate apprenticeship or a Lead Adult Care Worker advanced apprenticeship. Other employers require a Level 1 Certificate in Health and Social Care, Level 2 Diploma in Care or Level 3 qualification in youth work, social care, health, education, counselling, community work, childcare or advice and guidance.

PSW Personal Support Worker salary expectations

According to Indeed, the average salary of a Personal Support Worker in the United Kingdom is  £9.51 per hour . Their actual salary varies depending on several factors, including experience, geographical location and employer.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a PSW Personal Support Worker is not quite what you’re looking for, here are other job description samples that may fit your needs:

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PSW Personal Support Worker job description FAQs

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