PSW Personal Support Worker Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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.

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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.

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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

What qualities make a good PSW Personal Support Worker?

Personal Support Worker must have a natural ability to empathise with the person they work with. They must also have a genuine concern for their clients’ welfare and be able to cope with distressing situations. In addition, they must have the ability to work under pressure and be naturally well-organised. They must also be hardworking and patient with a strong commitment that makes it possible to perform their duties effectively even if the situation is tough.

Who does a PSW Personal Support Worker report to?

Personal Support Workers are usually supervised by a Doctor or Registered Nurse (RN). They are responsible for reporting any changes in a client’s behaviour or vital statistics to the Nurse or Doctor in charge. If they work for an agency that provides home care services, they may also need to report to the head of that agency.

What makes a good PSW Personal Support Worker job description?

A good Personal Support Worker job description states the exact job title, who your company is, working hours and reporting structure. It clearly states the role of the Personal Support Worker and gives detailed examples of their day-to-day duties. It also details the required skills, education, compensation and the benefits of working for you.