You could take a college course, which may help you when looking for work.
Courses include:
- care
- health and social care
- T Level in Health
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
A disability support worker helps people with physical, learning, or mental health disabilities to live as independently as possible. This can include assisting with daily tasks such as washing, dressing, and eating, as well as helping people to access community activities and develop new skills. Support workers may work in clients' homes, care facilities, or out in the community. The role also involves providing emotional support, helping with medication, and working alongside other healthcare professionals. Good communication skills, patience, and a caring nature are essential for this job.
Disability support workers in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £25,000 per year, with experienced workers earning up to £30,000.
According to Skills for Care, there were around 150,000 jobs for support workers in adult social care in England in 2023.
Most disability support workers work between 35 and 40 hours per week, with shift work, evenings, and weekends often required.
Provides assistance and care specifically for individuals with learning disabilities, helping them develop life skills and achieve independence.
Works directly with people on the autism spectrum, offering tailored support in educational, social, and daily living settings.
Supports people with mental health conditions, often working in residential settings or in the community to help them manage day-to-day challenges.
Learn what a Disability Support Worker does, typical working environments, and the challenges and rewards of the job.
Browse reputable websites like the NHS, Skills for Care, or local council pages to find out what day to day tasks are involved. Consider speaking to someone already working in the field to gain first-hand insight. Understanding the role will help you decide if this is the right career for you.
Gain experience by volunteering or shadowing a disability support professional.
Many charities and organisations offer opportunities to volunteer with people who have disabilities. This experience is invaluable for building your empathy, understanding, and practical skills. It also helps demonstrate your commitment to potential employers.
Most employers ask for basic qualifications such as GCSEs and a clear DBS check.
You do not always need formal qualifications to start, but GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths are helpful. You must be able to pass an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, as you will be working with vulnerable individuals.
Undertake relevant training such as the Care Certificate or short courses in health and social care.
The Care Certificate is a set of standards that everyone working in social care should follow. Some employers provide this training as part of your induction. You may also consider a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care for more in-depth knowledge.
Look for job vacancies in care homes, supported living services, or through local authorities.
Use job sites such as NHS Jobs, local council websites, or specialist agencies like Mencap and Scope to find vacancies. Tailor your CV to highlight your relevant experience and skills, such as empathy, communication, and teamwork.
Keep learning and developing your skills to progress in your career.
Once in the role, you can specialise in areas like autism support, mental health, or sensory impairments. You may also progress to team leader, senior support worker, or manager roles with experience and further training.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Disability Support Worker. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Disability Support Worker and a Care Worker both provide assistance and support to individuals with disabilities or vulnerabilities, promoting their independence and wellbeing. Both roles often involve personalised care, fostering a compassionate relationship with those they support.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a college course, which may help you when looking for work.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a care organisation or the NHS.
Apprenticeship options include:
These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete and combine workplace training with study in the classroom.
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
You can volunteer with an organisation that supports vulnerable people, like a care home, charity, hospital or hospice. This can help you when applying for paid work.
You can find volunteering opportunities through:
You can apply for care worker jobs directly. If you get the role, you'll be given on-the-job training by your employer.
It's important to be kind, caring and have a respectful attitude towards people who need care and support.
Some employers might want you to have GCSEs in English and maths at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent. However, many will offer training to applicants who have the right personal qualities.
Time spent caring for someone you know also counts as having experience in a caring role.
You can find out more about careers in care from:
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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