Relief Support Worker
For some people, support work is something they’d love to do, but commitments outside of work make working a regular shift pattern or rota difficult. That’s where the Relief Support Worker role comes in.
Relief Support Workers carry out the same tasks as Support Workers, and benefit from the same training. The difference is that the role isn’t contracted, so you aren’t expected to do a set number of hours every week – giving you the freedom to pick and choose shifts that work for you.
Because it’s so flexible, a relief support role is ideal if you have other commitments outside of work. It allows you to fit work responsibilities around your family and home life, whil24/10e still gaining the satisfaction of building relationships with people you support, and seeing them grow and progress over time.
Everyone who works with us is trained in our Fusion Model of Support, which puts the person we support at the centre of everything we do.
Responsibilities
Every person we support has their own needs and personality, and your responsibilities will reflect that. Here are some of the areas that you are most likely to be involved in:
- Health and well-being. This might mean supporting someone to make positive choices about eating well, taking exercise and maintaining good hygiene. It might also involve providing emotional support, or helping them with dressing, washing and personal care.
- Leisure and social activities. Whether it is taking part in a yoga class, painting or going out for a coffee, be prepared to get stuck in! Like all of us, the people we support need to do the things they enjoy and get involved in the local community to stay happy and healthy.
- Daily living skills. Things like paying bills, attending appointments, shopping, cooking and cleaning can be challenging for someone with a learning disability, so you’ll be on hand to support and encourage them.
- Safeguarding. Learning disabled people can be vulnerable to abuse or exploitation. As their Relief Support Worker, you’ll make sure their rights are upheld and they are being treated with consideration and respect.
- There will be some important administration to do as well, such as dispensing and recording medicines for the people you support and maintaining accurate records and reports. Everything you do should be in line with current legislative and care standards.
Working hours and environment
As a Relief Support Worker, you might provide support in the home, out in the community, or even away on holiday. Shifts may be available in the evenings, at weekends or overnight – it all depends on what support the person requires.
Skills and qualities
Above all, we’re looking for people who’ll put the person they support first. That means being patient and caring, and communicating effectively with them and with others involved in their support.
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Qualifications and experience
Experience isn’t essential to become a Relief Support Worker; what’s most important is a commitment to supporting learning disabled people to live their life, their way.
While an NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care (or a similar subject) is an ideal qualification for a Relief Support Worker, it’s not essential. We make sure our Relief Support Workers have all the training they need to do their job well.
A driving licence is always useful, as you may be taking people to appointments or on outings.
Next steps
Browse our current vacancies and take your first steps towards a new role with Hft today.
Browse our vacancies