Overview

A support worker (who can also be referred to as a healthcare support worker), is responsible for working with people with vulnerability in diverse ways. The types of vulnerability may (in most cases it is certain) differ from patient to patient.

The support worker job description sometimes involves helping people with mental health problems; those recovering from addictions; persons with learning difficulties; and people with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Communicating frequently with the patients so as to be able to identify their needs and attend to them accordingly
• Making sure that appointments are made and adhered to with patients’ physicians as at when due
• Being responsible for the well-being and safety of patients under care
• Seeing to the availability of a patient’s medication at all times
• Interacting respectfully with patients and their relatives (if the need arises)
• Keep all matters related to patients or their families confidential at all times
• Extend support/care period if the need arises
• In the case of serious side effects or health-related issues, notify the patient’s physician and family.

Qualifications

• Good communication skills are a must-have for any support worker
• He/she must have good interpersonal skills so as to be able to easily identify the needs of each patient
• Ability to understand and be patient/calm irrespective of provocation from patients being cared for or supported
• Must be compassionate when carrying out his/her duties
• Flexibility in work patterns and schedule is of great importance
• Ability to work as part of a team if need be
• Ability to work with minimal supervision always
• He/she must display a great level of trust and honesty at all times
• Must possess excellent problem-solving abilities