Who is a community support worker? Recently, this question has been asked on many forums and websites, with some people not knowing what it means. Community support workers, or CSWs as they are often called, work in the community to help people of all ages with disabilities and mental health problems live their lives as independently as possible.
How do Community Support Workers Help People?
A Community Support Worker will oversee the support given to their client, ranging from organizing washing, cleaning, and shopping tasks to more challenging behavior management. They may also provide training for staff at supported living schemes or other similar organizations, e.g., residential homes or hostels, who are working directly with vulnerable service users. Although every staff member within these settings may be assigned a specific role, the Community Support Worker is in charge of overseeing that support and ensuring everyone stays within budget.
Where Do Community Support Workers Work?
A CSW can find employment at many different types of work settings such as:
· Healthcare and social service organizations · Residential care facilities · Independent living schemes for disabled people or mental health service users · Hospitals and clinics · Day centers and drop-in centers for vulnerable adults · Old people’s homes and assisted living schemes.
Community Support Workers may also choose to set up their own company or business providing an outsourcing service for other businesses that don’t have enough staffing capacity. Many CSWs prefer to work independently to have a great deal of flexibility in the hours they work.
How Can I Start Working as a Community Support Worker?
To become a community support worker, you have to have the right qualifications. These are usually at least an NVQ Level 2 or 3 qualification or equivalent that includes specific knowledge relating to mental health or disability services, e.g., Health and Social Care NVQs 1-5, Occupational Therapy Assistant Diploma. You will also need relevant employment history since the NVQs are awarded on experience alone rather than academic achievement. Therefore, it is important to show potential employers that you have gained job-related skills that will be essential for your future career as a CSW.
What Is The Difference Between a Community Support Worker and a Social Care Worker?
The main difference between these two types of workers is that a CSW will usually work directly with service users. In contrast, a social care worker has more responsibility for managing staff within an organization. This means they may have to make sure budgets are in line with available funding; they also need good leadership skills because other staff could work under their supervision. Although a social care worker may have direct contact with service users, it will be limited compared to a Community Support Worker.
