Care support worker

In this role, you would care for people who need support with daily activities like dressing, shopping and housework. This could include children, people with physical or learning disabilities, older people or families.

You’d talk to people about their needs with sensitivity and help them with tasks that will make their lives easier and happier. You might do this in people’s homes, in sheltered housing, at day centres or in places like nursing homes.  ​​​​​​​ Depending on where you work, you could: 

• get to know the individuals you care for, their interests and their needs

• help with daily personal care like washing, dressing, using the toilet and eating

• complete general household tasks such as housework, laundry and shopping 

• help people with their money, pay bills and write letters

• plan fun activities to do

• help people travel to and from a residential home — such as taking a young person to a local college

As well as helping the individual, you might also help other family members get used to new caring responsibilities. 

Working with other health and social care professionals, you would arrange tailored care and development plans for each person and work to health and safety guidelines.  ​​​​​​​Most positions in this role will pay an hourly wage, though some may be salaried. 

• Scottish Social Services Council - the regulatory body for people working in Scottish social services

• Skills for Care and Development - Skills advice for people working in early years, children and young people's services, social

• Learn more about a career in social services