Support Worker Review

The basic role is supporting individuals with learning disabilities to live a better, more fulfilling life. I do this by encouraging independence but also offering my support where needed. I listen to my residents good times and also when they are having bad times, I offer that shoulder to cry on with comfort. I support my residents to attend day placement by driving them there and in occassion staying with them.

I have developed my skills in care while doing this course, mainly I have picked up on the rights my residents have and how I should support them to know their rights and challenge times where places may infringe on those rights. I have also developed the language I use when talking about my residents and filling in paperwork about them.

It is ok. However I feel it is not challenging for me and it is just writing about things I already know and practice. I have gone above and beyond and finished all possible work 6 months early, but my trainer at least has set me some work from the level 3 course to pass the time and develop me further.

It was organised well and had varied content that I could digest at the pace my trainer set, or just push forward and get it all done as quick as I could. I do wish there was more I could sink my teeth in to or something that gave me a challenge.

Minimal. Aside from the original setting up of the weekly time, I have had no feedback or support from my employer. However I do not feel I need support as it is content I can consume quickly as it does not challenge me. Some weeks they have told me I cannot study.

My trainer has supported me by setting me work to do, and will promptly mark it when it is complete. If I have a query I can message her and get a relatively quick response time. We also have monthly meetings to go over work and record discussions around it.

Honestly I do not think it does. As I came in to care with no care qualifications this is just a stepping stone until I can move to my level 3 and beyond courses. I have worked around people and customer service all my life and the level 2 just feels so basic.

No. We do not have staff based activities.

Yes

Because while I do sometimes disagree with what happens at work, it tends to be staff related and nothing to do with residents who I support. They make the job worth it, seeing the happiness and fulfillment you can create in their lives is one of the best feelings ever.

Forget what you may think if you have never worked care before. I always said I would never do care and just believed it to be wiping peoples bums. It is nothing like that. Every day is a unique experience and it is always different. The difference you can make in what is an under appreciated industry is huge.