Support Worker Job Description (UK template)

A support worker helps people with learning disabilities, mental health needs, autism, physical disabilities or older age to live as independently as possible, in their own home, supported living or a residential service. The job mixes practical help (personal care, meals, medication, appointments) with emotional support and encouraging the person to do things for themselves. Below is a complete UK job description you can copy and adapt, followed by guidance on checks, pay and what to include in the advert.

Support Worker job description template

Job title

Support Worker

Job purpose

To support the people we work with to live safely and as independently as possible, following each person's support plan and promoting their choice, dignity and wellbeing.

Key responsibilities

  • Support people with daily living tasks such as personal care, cooking, cleaning, shopping and budgeting, encouraging them to do as much as they can themselves
  • Follow each person's support plan and risk assessments, and help review them as needs change
  • Prompt and administer medication in line with the medication policy and record it accurately
  • Support people to attend appointments, education, work, social and leisure activities
  • Build positive, trusting relationships and communicate in the way each person prefers
  • Recognise and report safeguarding concerns, incidents and changes in health or behaviour
  • Keep clear, accurate daily records and handover notes
  • Work with families, social workers, health professionals and the wider team
  • Follow health and safety, infection control, data protection and lone working policies

Essential skills and experience

  • Caring, patient and respectful attitude, with a commitment to people's independence and rights
  • Good spoken and written English for records and handovers
  • Able to follow plans and policies and use good judgement when things change
  • Willing to complete the Care Certificate and ongoing training
  • Flexible about shifts, including some evenings, weekends and bank holidays

Desirable

  • Previous experience in care or support work, paid or unpaid
  • Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
  • Experience supporting people with learning disabilities, autism or mental health needs
  • Full UK driving licence and access to a car (essential for some community roles)

Requirements

  • Enhanced DBS check, including the adult barred list
  • Right to work in the UK
  • Two references, usually including the most recent employer
  • Care Certificate within the first 12 weeks for anyone new to care (CQC expectation in England)

Hours

Full-time, part-time and bank contracts are common. Shifts often run 7am to 3pm, 2pm to 10pm, long days, or waking nights and sleep-ins. State clearly whether sleep-ins are paid as a flat rate or hourly.

Want it tailored to your organisation? The free AI job description generator writes a version for your setting, seniority and must-haves in seconds.

Support Worker pay in the UK

Most UK support worker roles pay between the National Living Wage (£12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over from April 2026) and about £14.50 an hour. Employers paying the Real Living Wage (£13.45, or £14.80 in London) often find recruiting easier. Senior support workers and roles with complex needs or sleep-in shifts usually pay more.

Pay ranges checked November 2026. They are typical ranges, not official figures: check local adverts before setting your rate.

Career progression

Support worker, then senior support worker or team leader, then deputy manager and registered manager, usually alongside the Level 3 and Level 5 Diplomas in Health and Social Care.

Tips for writing your support worker advert

  • Say who the person will support (for example "adults with learning disabilities in supported living") rather than just "service users".
  • Put the hourly rate, shift pattern and whether you pay for sleep-ins in the advert. They are the first things candidates look for.
  • Make it clear that experience is not required if you provide full training. It widens the pool considerably.
  • Mention practical extras such as paid training, mileage and paid DBS.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a support worker and a care assistant?

Care assistants mainly provide personal and practical care, often in care homes. Support workers usually focus more on independence, helping people live their own lives in their own homes or supported living. In practice the roles overlap and the titles are used differently by different employers.

Do support workers need qualifications?

Usually not to start. Most employers train new starters through the Care Certificate and encourage a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care later. An enhanced DBS check and the right to work in the UK are required.

Do support workers give medication?

Often yes, after completing medication training and being assessed as competent. The job description should say whether medication support is part of the role.

How much does a support worker earn in the UK?

Typically from the National Living Wage of £12.71 an hour (from April 2026) to around £14.50 an hour, with higher rates for senior roles, complex needs and some nights. Check local adverts, as rates vary by region.