Care Worker: Job Description

  
Care Worker – Job Description

Learn more about becoming a Care Worker in the UK.

Main Duties

A care worker has to look after people who are not fit to look after themselves. This could mean the elderly, children, sick or infirm. It may involve helping people to get dressed, get washed, be fed or it could be shopping, cleaning or taking them out.

You may need to work together with medical professionals to make sure that your client is getting the care that they need.

It is possible to be working in a person’s home, in a care home, day centre, children’s centre or hospice. It is likely that you will need to wear a uniform.

Hours will vary and you may be required to do night shifts depending on where you work. Those working in day centres or children’s centres will probably work 9-5 but those working in care homes may need to do nights. This working with people in their own home may have to visit early in the morning and late at night to get the person up and put them to bed.

Expected Salary

An entry level care worker should expect to get paid from £11,000. This will depend on the employer with local authorities paying form £12,000 to £14,000 which can go up to £18,000 to £21,000 with promotion. There can be night shift and overtime work which could provide an opportunity to earn more money.

Pros

Great job satisfaction in knowing you are caring for others.
A very varied job, where no day will be like another.
There are lots of jobs in this area and not many people applying for them, so chances of being in employment are high.

Cons

Very hard work both physically and mentally.
Can be difficult if people that you are caring for pass away.

Qualifications Required

Formal qualifications are not normally needed.
Some work experience, perhaps as a volunteer is preferable.
CRB clearance and a health check have to be passed.
You may be encouraged to work towards NVQ qualifications.

Required Skills
Caring and patient natureGood communication skillsAble to get along with people of all ages and backgroundsAble to cope with the emotional challenges the role bringsPhysical strength to lift people and help those with mobility problemsGood listenerHappy to work hard for low payAble to react well in a crisis and know who to get in touch with should emergency health care be required.