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Care Worker
Support worker

How to become a Care Worker

What does a Care Worker do?

Are you a people person? Are you at your happiest when looking after others? If you’re a caring person, and you really want to make a difference to someone’s life, then becoming a Care Worker could be the perfect career move for you.

The main role of a Care Worker is to provide support to a person in need of care, improving their lives by attending to their specific needs, and assisting them with their daily tasks.

Care Workers may find themselves working with children, the elderly, and people with disabilities or learning difficulties. However, key duties will usually include:

  • Working with clients, their families and other professionals to identify their particular needs, and develop a care plan
  • Providing personal care to clients depending on these needs (assisting them with washing/feeding/dressing etc.)
  • Aiding a client with other every day or physical tasks, such as shopping, cooking or studying
  • Providing emotional support to clients and their families
  • Keeping the client comfortable and at ease at all times

Is a career as a Care Worker right for me?

To be successful in this position, having a passion (and patience) for helping people is essential. You will need exceptional communication skills and must be tactful and sensitive with your clients at all times.

Other key skills and attributes include:

  • A friendly and approachable nature (good sense of humour also helpful)
  • Ability to build relationships with clients and their families, and put them at ease
  • Patience and sensitivity
  • The ability to keep calm under pressure, as clients may sometimes be aggressive or anxious
  • Critical thinking and problem solving

Explore your opportunities

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Care Worker

1

Junior Care Worker

| Up to £14,000
2

Care Worker

| Up to £18,000
3

Specialist Support Worker

| Up to £24,000

Get qualified as a Care Worker

You won't always need specific qualifications to become a Care Worker, and there are various entry routes into the role. These include apprenticeships, vocational health and social care qualifications (such as the Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care), or on-the-job training. Continuous professional development (CPD) is also important for staying updated on best practices, legislation changes, and advancing in the field of care work.

Recommended Care courses

  • Care Certificate Standards (1 to 15) + Level 2 & 3 diploma in Health & Social Care

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    **10,000+ Careskills Training Certified** PDF Certificate** CPD Accredited| 6 Courses Bundle Expert Support
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    ★★★ Trustpilot Review Rating: Over 4.5 out of 5 ★★★ Bundle Courses with this Care Certificate Standards (1 to 15) courses with Health & Social Care Level 2 & 3 Diploma. What’s Special? Latest Update (April, 2024) 14-Day Money Back Guarantee 3 FREE Courses Added CPD Accre …
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  • Adult Care Diploma Level 3 (RQF)

    NCC Home Learning
    Expert Tutors Support - No Exams - Payment Plans
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    This qualification is for individuals looking to pursue a career in the health and social care industry. This is an ideal course if you are looking for care roles in residential settings, as well as domiciliary services and day services. This updated qualification replaces the th …
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What's it like to be a Care Worker?

"I first got interested in the care industry whilst visiting my grandmother in her residential home. The Care Worker’s there were incredibly attentive and affectionate towards her, and they really made her life easier and happier. I started out helping in the care home on weekends, and I’m now a full-time care worker. My job is incredibly rewarding, and every day has new challenges. I wouldn’t change it for the world."

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