Understanding the Role of a Support Worker with Step Up
As a Support Worker with Step Up, your role will be to help guide and support individuals on their journey towards independent living. We support a wide range of individuals, all with different backgrounds and unique needs meaning that our team of Support Workers has a range of responsibilities shaped by the people that engage with our services.
Responsibilities of a Support Worker at Step Up
As a Support Worker, your responsibilities are determined by the specific needs of the individuals you support. Given that every person has a unique set of needs and aspirations, the nature of support offered is tailored accordingly. This might range from teaching essential life skills, fostering personal growth, offering emotional support, and ensuring that an individual effectively maintains their wellbeing.
While the specific tasks can vary depending on each individual’s situation, the overarching goal is to ensure the wellbeing and personal growth of those in your care. Some responsibilities that a Support Worker at Step Up may have include:
- Life Skill Development: Teaching daily living skills such as budgeting, cooking, and cleaning. Guiding individuals in using public transport or managing their appointments.
- Personal Growth Support: Assisting in setting and achieving personal goals. Facilitating involvement in community events and activities to boost self-confidence and interpersonal skills.
- Emotional Support: Offering guidance or simply being a listening ear during challenging times.
- Wellbeing and Safety: Checking in regularly to ensure the individual’s living environment is safe and conducive to their health. Collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure all medical needs are addressed. Promoting a balanced lifestyle through diet, exercise, and social activities.
Is the role of Support Worker right for you?
While formal qualifications aren’t required for applicants, possessing relevant experience and transferrable skills can be a significant advantage. However, all Support Workers can look forward to comprehensive training to equip them for their role.
If you’re considering this path, reflect on the following traits and skills:
- A genuine passion for supporting others
- Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively
- Patient and emotionally resilient
- Strong communication and active listening skills
- Excellent problem-solving capabilities
- Able to remain composed in challenging situations
- Efficient time-management and planning & organising skills
Working with Step Up
Step Up is committed to supporting young individuals in the Forth Valley community. By choosing to become part of our dedicated team, you’re not just accepting a job – you’re embracing an opportunity to shape and improve the lives of these young people. If you’re keen to find out more about what a typical day in the life of a Support Worker at Step Up looks like, read our recent blog post.
To ensure that you’re well prepared for the role we provide comprehensive, role-specific training that encompasses a thorough induction, shadowing experiences, essential training modules, consistent support and feedback sessions with your line manager, and an SVQ qualification funded by our organisation. You can find out more about our onboarding process here.
Keen to Make that Difference?
Explore our current openings for Support Worker positions in Falkirk, Alloa and Stirling here.