Care support worker
Support people who have difficulties with daily activities like dressing, shopping and housework.
Also known as: support worker, home carer, care worker, care assistant
About the job
What it's like
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.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Social care Healthcare
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From February 2024 to February 2025.
- personal care
- social work
- medication administration
- meal planning and preparation
- autism spectrum disorders
- care standards act 2000
- learning disabilities
- companionship
- care planning
- dementia care
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- attention to detail
- social conscience
- respecting
- empathising
- written communication
- verbal communication
- listening
- supporting
- cooperating
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Care
Human Biology
Skills for Work: Health and Social Care
Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You'll need an SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare (SCQF Level 6). You can work towards your qualification on the job or through a Modern Apprenticeship. Your employer would support you with time to complete your qualification.
You can also enter this role by completing an HNC in Social Services (SCQF Level 7) at college.
A driving licence is useful and may be required for some roles.
You would register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and have approved membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
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