The career path towards becoming a support worker starts with having the heart to serve. The support worker provides assistance and support to the physically and mentally challenged, those with learning difficulties and individuals suffering abuse. They either provide assistance to a physician or personally cater to the specific needs of a patient or client. The support worker provides long-term or short term patient care. His job includes being a companion to clients and helps them with daily activities such as cleaning, shopping, doing the laundry, cooking meals, making calls, handling money, going to the doctor or ordering medication. He also provides and encouragement and emotional support. One may also facilitate group discussions and motivate patients to talk about the issues that each of them are facing. The support worker makes sure that the client or patient gets the necessary care he needs.
How to become a Support Worker
Depending on the facility or employer, a support worker must have at least a high school diploma, a certificate or associate degree or a bachelor’s degree. A degree in human services, psychology, counseling, social work, or general healthcare may get a chance to become a support worker. An internship will also help one in landing a job in this type of career. A support worker must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Support Worker Courses, training, programs
An aspiring support worker is given background in principles of human services, behavioral interventions, interpersonal skills, approaches in treatment, counseling, behavior modification and the other areas of human services. The courses also cover child and adult care, rehabilitation, disabilities, abuse, and disorders. Internships, on the other hand, provide hands-on experience and allow one experience the day to day activities of a support worker.
TOP 5 colleges/Universities
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan
University of Minnesota, Minnesota
University of North Carolina, North Carolina
University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
University of Alabama, Alabama
Support Worker Jobs, opportunities, salaries/pay
Support workers can find employment in rehabilitation centers, physical therapy facilities, hospitals, or organizations providing support. The support worker may earn from $28,000 to $41,000 per year.