Support workers play a crucial role in healthcare and social services, providing assistance to individuals who need help with daily activities due to disability, illness, or other challenges. Finding the correct support worker for our clients is more than a job to us, it really gives us a sense of accomplishment and of course we are so pleased for both the client and the candidate, the client is able to give their loved ones the support they need and our candidate has found a role that suits their circumstances and joining a really supportive team.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps to find support worker jobs and also highlight some tips to increase your chances of landing a role that suits you and helps us achieve your goal.
Understand the Role of a Support Worker
If you are new to working in care it is important to understand what being a support worker entails and what you can offer. All our clients will need help enabling them to live independently but the role can vary significantly depending on the needs of the person you are supporting. Some clients may just need help with everyday household and general personal care, taking out to appointments and activities and help with light cleaning and shopping/food preparation and providing emotional support, these are more Buddy/Care roles and whilst we do advertise for this type of care, most of our clients require complex care support such as personal care, cathether changing, working with therapists and 24 hour care. It is important to know the type of care that suits you and apply for the appropriate role.
Key Skills and Qualifications
All Support worker roles require soft skills such as empathy, patience, good communication and being a team player, some flexibility in working is also normally required. We would expect all of our candidates to have at least 6 months care experience (or relatable experience such as caring for an family member who may have similar care requirements as our clients). If you do not have this experience, you can gain this by volunteering or undertaking work experience. Care qualifications are also an asset and may promote you over some other candidates at the final stages of interviews. Some of our roles require NVQ2 certification, it should be noted that this is not the same as a Care Certificate.
Searching for Support Worker Jobs
With a clear understanding of the role, you can begin your search for the support worker jobs which is best for you. There are numerous avenues to explore, and using a combination of methods will increase your chances of finding the right job.
Online Job Boards
One of the most convenient ways to find support worker jobs is by using online job boards. Websites such as Indeed, Reed and Niche jobs are the most recognised however here are other sites such as Restless (aimed at the more mature candidates) or Nextdoor. We also advertise on social media so utilize the search function by entering “support worker” and your location, such as “support worker jobs near me,” to find relevant listings in your area.
Healthcare and Social Service Websites
Many healthcare organizations and social service agencies post job openings directly on their websites. Make a list of the hospitals, care homes, and social service agencies in your area and visit their careers or job openings page regularly.
Recruitment Agencies
Specialized recruitment agencies such as Finders Keepers Recruitment Ltd can be an invaluable resource in your job search. Not only do we have all our current roles listed on our Jobs tab, we often have connections with employers and can match you with support worker jobs that fit your skills and preferences, you can send your details direct to us via our website.
Networking
Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Attend industry events, join professional organizations related to healthcare and social services, and connect with others in the field on platforms like LinkedIn. Letting people know you’re looking for a support worker role can lead to recommendations and job leads.
Preparing Your Application
Once you’ve found a job opening that interests you, it’s time to prepare your application. A strong application can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of securing an interview.
Reviewing the Advert
It is most important that you review the advert to check the following;
- Is the role within commutable distance for you?
- If you need sponsorship, does the role offer this? If the role states that sponsorship cannot be offered then they will not be able to offer this to you regardless of how much you may be a perfect fit for the role, applying will only waste your times and that of the recruiter.
- Do the shifts required fit in with what you can provide around your personal circumstances
- Is the £ per hour or annum suitable for your budget
- Do you have all the necessary requirements listed as needed for the role? If the role requires you to have a driving license then this will be a pre-requisite, the role will not be offered to you regardless of your experience.
Crafting a Compelling CV / Personalised Cover Letter
Your CV should highlight your relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. It should contain full details of your previous employment including dates of employment, any relatable experience in your previous roles, and if you have any gaps in your CV then make sure that you also add a note as to what this career gap was for.
It is very important to tailor your cover letter to each job you apply for. Adding a cover letter is your chance to make a personal connection with the employer, and believe us it makes a difference and these are usually the CVs that we review first! Use it to explain why you are interested in the support worker role and how your experience makes you a great fit for the job.
Gathering References
References will be needed at a stage later in the recruitment process so it may be worth you obtaining these now so that it saves time later if you are offered the role. Choose professional references who can speak to your abilities and character, ideally from the healthcare or social services sector.
The Recruitment Process
All recruitment is different, with Finders Keepers Recruitment Ltd, we initially review your CV to see if your experience fits the remit and that you have all the required qualifications, we then send you an email to further drill down into your experience and ask you to confirm statements made in your initial application. One of our pain points and to be open with you, is where we do not get full information back from you following our email, it is really important to read all of the questions, be honest and don’t just ignore one question because you do not fit the remit, we will keep on asking so its best to be honest at this stage, a lot of time and effort goes into the recruitment process, not just from us but also from the Case Managers and the clients/their parents and they really don’t have the time to be interview candidates that are less than honest with us at this stage or at the phone call stage!
When we have received your replies we will send you an email to book a call with us, almost everyone does not read our requirements fully, and this is something that is really important when dealing with any recruitment agencies, we often get candidates who do not put a reference in their call, despite this being clearly required in our emails, if you miss this small details, it may make recruiters or employers think that you may miss a more vital detail in their client’s care, so do read and re-read any instructions fully.
After our phone call with you, which further drills down into your experience and suitability for the role, we will send our notes to the Case Manager who will review your CV and our notes and then decide whether to invite you to a video call with them and possibly the client/parents. It is important for you to get back to any invitation to video call as soon as you can, as your slot may be offered to another candidate.
After your video call with the Case Manager you will then be invited to a Face to Face interview with the client/parent usually at their home. If you are invited to this call, but are unable to attend or no longer are interested in the role, it is vital you let us know as soon as possible. ‘Ghosting’ isn’t acceptable, we would rather know than having to keep chasing you, it’s irritating for everyone around but most importantly, the client, the one that is in need of assistance is giving up their valuable time, time that they could be spending looking after their loved ones or families and re-organising their routine to accommodate an interview with you, it is a matter of common courtesy to let us know if you are not able to attend for whatever reason. If you let us know as soon as you can then we can consider you for a later interview or perhaps later down the road another role, we would not ever consider a candidate that has ghosted us or left us for a long time before letting us know they want to withdraw their application as we would not want our clients dealt with in that way.
Practice Common Interview Questions
Prepare answers to common interview questions for support worker roles. Be ready to discuss your experience, how you handle challenging situations, and why you’re passionate about the role you are applying for. With our recruitment, at the video call stage, you have the chance to ask the Case Manager/client/parent more about the role itself, for example, how does the rota work, what are the team dynamics, is there any chance for progression. Interviews are a two-way street, and asking insightful questions can demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the position. Prepare a list of questions about the role, team, and organization.
Continuing Education and Professional Development
The healthcare and social services fields are constantly evolving, and staying up to date with the latest practices is important for your career growth, keep update with CQC news and consider pursuing additional certifications or training, work experience or volunteer work. workshops, and keeping up with industry news.
Conclusion
Finding a support worker job requires a combination of understanding the role, effective job searching, and presenting yourself as the best candidate through your application and interview. By following these steps and remaining persistent, you can secure a position that allows you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you support. Remember to tailor your search to your skills and interests, and never stop learning and growing professionally.