Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for Support Worker

A Support Worker is a person who has the ability to provide support to a person in personal care, hygiene and household skills. They maintain and monitor household and medical supplies. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Support Workers.

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Main Responsibilities of Support Worker

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Support Worker:

Accompany

Accompany and / or transport persons served to appointments, cultural events and activities.
Accompany residents to external meetings and appointments as required.
Accompany / transport individuals to appointments and activities in the community.

Act

Act to fit the situation or the person involved.

Address

Address individuals physical and behavioural support needs.

Administer

Administer medication, first aid if / when necessary.

Advise

Advise Supervisor immediately if unable to keep an assignment or late for a scheduled client visit.

Advocate

Advocate and raises awareness and provision of information on culturally appropriate mental.
Advocate for the rights and well-being of people you are supporting.
Advocate on behalf of families, and teach self-advocacy.

Analyze

Analyze, make decisions and resolve problems concerning client care.

Anticipate

Anticipate client needs and customize care to meet client's needs.

Apply

Apply skin care creams and lotions, as directed.

Approved

Approved Ministry of Justice Vulnerable Sector Check.

Assess

Assess and make recommendations regarding optimal strategies for health and safety practices.
Assess client crisis needs and develop and implement a plan of stabilization.
Assess clinical needs as presented by client, family and / or service provider.
Assess, refer, and support participants through systems navigation.
Assess the service users support needs based on indicators of stability.

Assist in / Assist with

Assist and attends to residents needs.
Assist and support member with online engagement with friends, families and activities.
Assist case managers in the placement of children.
Assist case managers with emergencies / crisis situations as they arise.
Assist client (s) in buying lunch and / or eating when needed.
Assist clients to access resources in the City of Ottawa to support their tenancy.
Assist clients to move to another unit or property in an organized, well-planned.
Assist clients with basic physio exercises.
Assist clients with daily errands.
Assist him to engage in everyday activities such as his interest in art.
Assist him to engage in everyday activities such as understanding his communication device.
Assist Housing Services staff to provide frontline support to tenants in social housing.
Assist individuals to develop decision-making skills and exercise choices.
Assist in ensuring the Drop-In is a welcoming and safe environment for all participants.
Assist in medication administration.
Assist in preparing food for children, serving, and feeding meals and refreshments to children.
Assist in satisfying the social and emotional needs of the clients.
Assist in the collection of specimens and samples.
Assist in the daily routines to ensure a safe, clean, healthy environment.
Assist in the preparation of nutritious meals.
Assist other staff and program areas as needed.
Assist resident as directed for proper discharge.
Assist residents in completing tasks.
Assist residents with ambulation and transferring using applicable equipment and lifting devices.
Assist residents with AM / PM care and in the maintenance of personal hygiene as required.
Assist residents with personal care as required.
Assist residents with personal grooming (hair, shave, make-up) as needed.
Assist residents with whirlpool baths and showers as per schedule.
Assist support workers to complete some housing management tasks i.e..
Assist the client with medications.
Assist the individual with hygiene, grooming, dressing and 11.
Assist the Nurse on Duty as time and abilities permit.
Assist the youth in dealing with acute physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms as needed.
Assist with ambulating and mobilization of the patient.
Assist with case management by identifying potential problems and reporting any difficulties.
Assist with dressing and undressing.
Assist with eating or feeding.
Assist with inventory control as delegated by Operations Supervisor.
Assist with mobilization activities including turning, transferring, exercising, and walking.
Assist with orientation and ongoing training of foster parents as required.
Assist with personal spending.
Assist with preparing resident belongings according to Adsum's Bed Bug Prevention Intake policy.
Assist with the facilitation of support groups.

Assume

Assume other such responsibilities as may be deemed necessary from time to time.
Assume personal responsibility and follows up to meet commitments to others.

Attend

Attend Evening and House meetings per schedule.
Attend mandatory training and meetings.
Attend meetings and training as assigned.
Attend regularly scheduled team meetings and individual supervision meetings.

Bend

Bend, kneel, and work with arms raised for periods of time.

Build

Build outreach / emergency services relationships and represents department.
Build positive professional relationships with related community agencies.
Build supportive relationship with shelter users.
Build trust and respect with the family to work towards healthy living.

Carry out

Carry for incontinent residents routinely & when required.
Carry out evening routines and putting children to bed.
Carry out other duties as deemed necessary by the Case Management Program Director.
Carry out policy and procedures of the agency.
Carry out tasks, accept assignments, completes assignments.

Clean

Clean up after the respite so you leave the home in the same condition that you found it.

Coach

Coach clients around personal hygiene, room care, and life skills.

Collaborate

Collaborate with other teachers or administrators to develop, evaluate, or revise daily programs.

Collect

Collect and clean dentures as required.
Collect meals from the kitchen and deliver to the resident dining rooms.

Communicate

Communicate effectively in English both verbally and written.
Communicate effectively with residents, staff and families.
Communicate verbally and non-verbally appropriately and effectively.

Complete

Complete additional cleaning duties as directed by supervisor.
Complete all incident reports for all reportable incidents prior to the end of shift.
Complete and maintains current files, case notes, daily intakes and relevant client information.
Complete basic home management duties, in accordance with established service plan.
Complete daily, weekly and monthly duties and reports as per procedures.
Complete documentation prior to the end of the shift and within the timelines requirements.
Complete flexibility in your schedule.
Complete incident reports and daily logs in a timely manner.
Complete necessary documentation in a timely, accurate and complete manner.
Complete new client intakes and assess client needs and determine service goals.
Complete security rounds every hour and document on tracking sheet.
Complete shift log after every shift.
Complete tasks as directed by supervisor and / or Family Support Worker.
Complete tasks in accordance with posted cleaning schedule.

Conduct

Conduct activities with children on an individual and group basis.
Conduct administrative tasks as and when required.
Conduct hourly checks for each resident during the overnight hours while they are sleeping.
Conduct service user assessments.
Conduct visits in the clients' homes, hostels, hospitals and other community settings.

Confirm

Confirm shifts with families and confirm schedule with office.

Connect

Connect community members to site and community resources.

Continue

Continue to grow and develop through attendance at seminars, workshops, etc.

Contribute

Contribute to and follows a plan of care to meet residents' assessed need.
Contribute to monthly reporting with other staff in the program.
Contribute to the evaluation of the individuals' progress and prepares a report.

Cooperate

Cooperate with and assists other agencies providing services to the client.

Co-ordinate

Co-ordinate and / or carries out the action plan related to the prescribed care plan.
Co-ordinate industry guest speakers for each of the 8 group sessions.

Create

Create a comfortable and safe environment for client and self.
Create a warm welcoming and supportive atmosphere for clients, families and volunteers.

Deliver

Deliver counselling support to students and their families.

Demonstrate

Demonstrate an understanding of women-centered practice in the criminal justice system.

Develop

Develop and maintain a network of strong community relationships.
Develop helpful working relationships with assigned families.
Develop odd-job and volunteer schedules.
Develop program initiatives, social events and activities to build up community engagement.
Develop weekly menus and prepare meals and snacks accordingly.

Distribute

Distribute client medications and household supplies following designated protocols.
Distribute resident medications in accordance with required practices and policies.

Document

Document activities that occur on each shift.
Document encounters in the Electronic Medical Record system so as to monitor client's well-.
Document relevant interactions with parents and children.
Document all duties performed in a clear and concise manner.
Document all request for services.
Document client progress.
Document, implement and provide input into the evaluation of the program plan.

Encourage

Encourage and support other staff in the appropriate management of a variety of conditions.
Encourage service users to value work, supporting them to find and maintain employment.

Engage

Engage and interact with the clients, and their caregivers in a professional and respectful manner.
Engage and support youth to understand isolation needs and expectations.
Engage with clients in a collaborative, person-centered approach grounded in harm reduction.

Ensure

Ensure all mechanical aids and supplies are properly stored.
Ensure all social needs are being met in the aspects of community involvement.
Ensure all written records are to court standards.
Ensure clients health care and safety are maintained.
Ensure daily overnight duties are completed e.g. Health & Safety Requirements.
Ensure facial / oral hygiene of residents.
Ensure interactions demonstrate value for all people at all times.
Ensure monthly rent payments are paid to the landlord.
Ensure safety and well-being of clients and program staff.
Ensure safety of residents and promote confidentiality.
Ensure that health and safety standards are met.
Ensure that individual's physical, emotional, social, educational, medical needs are met.
Ensure the daily adherence of community maintenance and chores by residents.
Ensure the participant is prepared for the day's activities.
Ensure workers under your supervision are aware of all known hazards.

Establish

Establish and enforce classroom rules and procedures.
Establish rapport with clients.

Evaluate

Evaluate student performance fairly, promptly and consistently.

Facilitate

Facilitate caregiver education workshops to enhance the family's capacity.
Facilitate drop-in program for families.
Facilitate group based activities, workshops and presentations as required.
Facilitate relationships between and among residents, relatives, staff and community.

Follow

Follow AHS and YESS isolation policies while working in the isolation space.
Follow all recording and reporting procedures.
Follow behavioural support and intervention guidelines including crisis intervention.
Follow code of ethics, legal responsibilities, professionalism and health & safety policies.
Follow formal support plans that outline steps to achieving personal outcomes.
Follow all human resources policies and procedures.
Follow all Infection Control policies, applicable to the job.
Follow safety, environment, and infection control practices, as per facility policies.
Follow the care plan, observe, and report any substantial findings or changes to client's overall.
Follow the instructions given by the office, family, and client unless there is a safety issue.

Follow-up

Follow-up with Residents if there are concerns.

Generate

Generate, update, and edit various program documentation.

Guide

Guide and support the work of volunteers assisting in the Intake office.

Help

Help address the challenges of missed care, recruitment, retention, and employee engagement.
Help provide after hours on-call services as required.
Help students in finding suitable practicum placements.

Identify

Identify client needs and expectations.

Implement

Implement and coordinate crisis / stabilization response and follow up plan with parties involved.
Implement and take data on designated programs if requested by the Respite Program Coordinator.
Implement behaviour management programs.

Integrate

Integrate different roles such as coach, mentor, support, advocate, resource person and facilitator.

Interact with

Interact and build relationships with your clients.
Interact with residents' family and visitors in the facility and on home visits.
Interact with other addiction agencies and community services including CPS & EMS.
Interact with the residents in a professional and respectful manner.

Interview

Interview new residents and assesses eligibility for services.

Keep

Keep accurate information regarding daily activities and write reports as required.
Keep all client information confidential.
Keep all patient information confidential.

Liaise

Liaise professional supports and support network.
Liaise with partner agencies, and other professionals supporting residents.

Maintain

Maintain accurate records of all donations.
Maintain all reporting and record keeping, including a monthly report to the Family Services Manager.
Maintain appropriate documentation for statistics and client files.
Maintain awareness (at all times) of emergency procedures.
Maintain a wellness perspective.
Maintain cleanliness in amenity and lobby areas.
Maintain clear communication regarding mutual expectations.
Maintain client confidentiality and clear boundaries.
Maintain client records / files according to agency standards.
Maintain confidentiality and privacy as per legislation.
Maintain current information about the policies and procedures of relevant community agencies.
Maintain daily activity records.
Maintain positive relationships to deliver person / family-centered care.
Maintain relationship and ongoing communication with police liaisons.
Maintain safety and security within the facility.
Maintain self-control in stressful situations.
Maintain strong and positive interpersonal working relationships with coworkers and Team Lead.
Maintain supplies in linen cupboard for distribution to residents as required.
Maintain up-to-date case management files, including accurate client progress notes.

Manage

Manage challenging behaviours in a calm, respectful, and dignified manner.
Manage post sale issues and works with inside and outside sales staff on If bids.

Meet

Meet passing criteria on DEARS (Drugs and Ethics) test.

Mentor

Mentor new staff during the orientation period.

Monitor

Monitor and support people who are injecting in the Overdose Prevention Room.
Monitor the noise levels in the evenings and nights.

Note

Note concerns, changes, and incidents in the log book.

Notify

Notify shift supervisor in the event of an emergency and assists in implementing emergency.
Notify the office of any illness, change of schedule, emergencies or delays immediately.

Observe

Observe and document client conditions according to company standards.
Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
Observe and report any changes in the Resident's needs to the Registered staff.
Observe and report changes immediately in the residents' physical, social, and emotional conditions.
Observe and report clients' conditions.
Observe client activity in the building.
Observe and reports on residents' behavioural and physical condition.

Operate

Operate related equipment.

Order

Order supplies from the kitchen as needed and stores supplies upon receipt.

Oversee

Oversee client cases as assigned by the Manager.

Participate in

Participate actively as an Agency representative in collaborative partner networks and in related.
Participate in and ensure a positive team environment.
Participate in community committees and events as directed.
Participate in drills and associated educational opportunities.
Participate in Fire and Emergency Drills.
Participate in ongoing internal and / or external continuing education activities.
Participate in on-going program development.
Participate in relevant community meetings and / or on relevant committees.
Participate in special events and celebrations.
Participate on agency and community committees and work groups as requested by manager.

Perform

Perform all duties assigned by the Sales Manager or designate.
Perform initial and ongoing nursing assessments of residents' needs.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Perform other related activities as necessary or assigned.
Perform other related duties as required.
Perform tasks involving firm grasping.
Perform weekly room checks.

Plan

Plan & implement age-appropriate programming.
Plan therapeutic diets and menus.

Prepare

Prepare light meals as needed or requested by the client.
Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
Prepare and assists residents to and from dining room as requested or required.
Prepare nutritious meals as required.
Prepare written documentation regarding children's plans and progress as required.

Promote

Promote a community environment fostered by A NEW DAY core values and foundational principles.
Promote and demonstrate the values of the organization within the workplace and in the community.
Promote and encourage learning and development in daily living, social and life skills.
Promote the concept of inclusion and full community participation.

Provide

Provide 1 to 1 support to young adults with disabilities.
Provide after hours on-call and mobile urgent response support.
Provide appropriate referrals, information and advocacy to other support services to assist.
Provide a safe, caring environment where women &.
Provide assistance with a variety of household tasks.
Provide assistance with meal service and cleanup.
Provide assistance with personal care including nutrition, hygiene, grooming.
Provide classroom based psychoeducational support regarding social / emotional needs of students.
Provide clients with related information.
Provide coaching on household management, cleaning, nutrition and meal planning, grocery shopping.
Provide cognitive, social and compassionate support.
Provide cognitive, social and / or emotional support to the client.
Provide cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual support.
Provide consistent and frequent communication with the Supervisor.
Provide continuous and comprehensive support to your team in the delivery of care for your clients.
Provide continuous risk assessment, re-integrative support and general case management.
Provide coverage for the Program Supervisor when required.
Provide cuing, direction, and assistance with personal support,hygiene, and safe ambulation.
Provide emergency first aid / nursing care until appropriate medical care is available.
Provide emotional support and encouragement to clients and their families in coping with daily.
Provide emotional support to participants and monitor their well - being.
Provide for removal of waste to the dirty utility room.
Provide guidance & support especially through behavioral challenges.
Provide homemaking and respite care.
Provide homemaking and respite care, and perform all personal care duties.
Provide instruction, guidance and support in a helpful and supportive manner.
Provide Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services.
Provide Intensive Case management services to up to 20 Homeless to Homes participants.
Provide latest program information and updated statistics as required.
Provide letters for clients.
Provide oral and dental care, maintain oral tissue integrity and observe for problems.
Provide overdose prevention education as well as administer naloxone when necessary.
Provide participants with a positive, caring role model.
Provide personal care service according to directions on the care plan.
Provide personal care service according to directions on the established care plan.
Provide personal care, support and caregiver relief (respite) support.
Provide personal care to clients as outlined in their care plans.
Provide personal care to clients as per care plan.
Provide personal care to the client (personal hygiene, dressing, etc.).
Provide personal care, which could include bathing, toileting, dressing and feeding.
Provide Positive behavioral supports and guided learning strategies.
Provide prompting and light assistance on apartment maintenance.
Provide recovery-oriented community-based support to individuals living with serious mental illness.
Provide residents with reminders and transportation for appointments, as necessary.
Provide short term support to Ontario Works participants in the community.
Provide supervision and / or assistance to the residents in their daily living activities.
Provide supervision and support to field placement students.
Provide support and engage individuals to live as full citizens.
Provide support and supervision with an emphasis on socialization and age appropriate activities.
Provide supportive counselling to participants of the drop-in program.
Provide support to a person who is deaf by using American Sign Language (ASL).
Provide support to clients / residents with social distancing, redirection and other.
Provide support to each client in personal care, hygiene and household skills.
Provide training and support to build capacity for peer led initiatives.

Reach

Reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

Receive

Receive and admit clients according to designated intake procedures.

Recognize

Recognize and respect the importance of privacy and confidentiality for our clients.
Recognize and acts on cause and effect relationships (A leads to B).

Record

Record and submit grades to the appropriate personnel / software in a timely manner.

Refer

Refer clients to community services.
Refer patients, clients or family members to community resources or to specialists as necessary.

Remain

Remain empathetic and supportive of the individuals we support and co-workers.

Report

Report incidents and concerns to supervisor.
Report concerns to the program manager.
Report malfunctioning of equipment, repairs needed, fire hazards to front desk or charge.
Report observed maintenance needs in accordance with agency procedures.

Review

Review available information pertaining to children on caseload.

Schedule

Schedule may change based on the needs of the individual.

Screen

Screen staff to ensure no signs of illness.
Screen visitors, report unacceptable behavior and ensure the cleanliness of the rooms / units.

Search

Search strategies and employability skills in group-based settings both on-line and in-.

Share responsibilities with the other Residential Support Worker.

Shelter

Shelter and meet their individual goals.
Shelter Standards, SMIS, Standard First Aid / CPR, crisis intervention training an asset.

Submit

Submit completed occupancy forms to finance and maintains files.

Support

Support each persons activity plan.
Support education, training and work opportunities.
Support, encourages and challenges participants, through developing a trusting relationship.
Support evening and weekend life skills and other programming as required.
Support family functioning through psychoeducational support and resource support.
Support for Indigenous Women.
Support group facilitation.
Support participants to achieve their housing goals.
Support participants with their rehousing plan.
Support residents in achieving quality experiences – personal and social.
Support the administrative functions of the campus to enhance the student experience.
Support the dignity of our guests by seeking to identify their needs in a respectful manner.
Support the employer in competitive employment and volunteer opportunities.
Support the individual with dignity, respect and provide emotional support.
Support transportation of members to and from the program (i.e. buses).
Support with quarterly reporting on statistics in the program.
Support Workers on a permanent basis for both their child and young adult residential homes.

Take

Take appropriate action to ensure service users supported are safeguarded from abuse.
Take meeting minutes and draft contact notes.
Take action beyond explicit request within established service standards.
Take the first step toward an exciting career with Comfort Keepers.

Understand

Understand and participate in helping the individual to accomplish his / her goals.

Uphold

Uphold, support and contribute to the vision of a full contributing life.
Uphold, support and contribute to the vision of a full contributing life for and with this young man.

Use

Use de-escalation skills and provide crisis intervention as required.
Use a company-provided work device, documents information required for each client visit.
Use information gathering and analysis to identify key or underlying issues.

Work

Work collaboratively with all of the staff and volunteers.
Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve success for both programs.
Work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
Work collaboratively with the community to build partnerships and identify community resources.
Work collaboratively with youth to identify and engage family and chosen supports.
Work with Career Services to ensure students are progressing as planned.
Work with clients in their homes to provide personal care.
Work with clients on a one-on-one basis.
Work with competing priorities and deadlines.
Work with families to understand assessment documents and support them through the process.
Work with families who call Inn from the Cold because they are homeless or may lose their housing.
Work with individuals to assess their strengths and barriers.
Work with individuals who are intoxicated, may be volatile and may destabilize in their functioning.
Work within the community as well as in clients' places of residence.
Work with limited supervision and as part of a team of health care professionals.
Work with multi-disciplinary team members to meet the needs of residents.
Work with our graphic designer to create resources for the website.
Work with pupils of a challenging nature.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Support Worker:

First Aid
PSW
Computer
Valid Driver's License
Standing
Walking
Personal Support Worker
Sitting
Mental Health
Social Work
Bend
First Aid Certification
RPN
Customer Service
Valid Certificate
Reliable Vehicle
Elderly
Social Services
Kneel
Human Services
Long-Term Care
Psychology
Children
Health Care Setting
Vehicle
Bending
Crouch
Vulnerable Sector Check
Walk
Procedures
Criminal Record Check
Autism
Stand
Administering Simple Treatment
Bedside Care

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Support Worker:

Written and oral communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Organizational capacity
Problem-solving attitude
Work independently with little direction
Time-management
Flexible
Diplomacy
Empathy
Conflict resolution
Exercise tact
Team player
Dealing with residents, families, and visitors
Attention to detail
Respect to their needs
Judgement
Personal suitability
Bilingualism
Work independently and as part of a team
Compassionate
Reposition clients in bed
Commitment
Initiative
Positive attitude
Personal care
Sensitivity
Patience
Creative
Confident
Organized