It takes a special kind of person to be a support worker as while the role of a support worker can be very rewarding, it can also at times be very challenging. As a children’s support worker you are tasked with caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our society and doing everything in your power to maximise their quality of life.

With that said, the job of a support worker isn’t for everyone. Our children’s residential recruitment consultant, Jaleesa, gave us the low down on essential qualities and personality traits that she looks for in children’s support workers. 

Passion

Of course, qualifications and skills are important but when registering a support worker, passion is one thing that Maisie looks out for. If someone shows they really care about what they do, we know they are the perfect fit for our agency. 

Communication

Communication is a biggy! Support workers will inevitably encounter a number of different people from different backgrounds, some of whom may have mental health issues and/or learning difficulties, which may impair their ability to communicate. Knowing what individuals need and how to communicate with them will enable you to provide more effective care and support.

Compassion

It goes without saying that being compassionate is a quality required by all support workers. If you are lacking in the compassion department, we can tell you that a support worker job is not for you (you can see other roles we have available here).

A sense of humour

Working in residential care homes, respite centres and schools, may not always be a barrel of laughs but it’s important that you can look on the brighter side of life. While some service users may have complex needs and require you to be professional, making them smile or taking their mind off things, even if only for a short while can make a real difference to their mental and physical wellbeing.

Flexibility and Adaptability

As a support worker, you’ll face new challenges on a daily basis which you’ll need to overcome. In order to do this effectively, you’ll need to be able to adapt quickly to new situations. Of course, without seeing you at work this can be a tough trait to spot but, Maisie has a host of questions to ask you about your experience to give her an insight into you and how you work.

If you are a support worker with these qualities, who is looking for work in children’s homes, respite centres and schools, then we would love for you to get in touch with us by submitting your CV today.