Health Care Support Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of evolving health care systems, the role of Health Care Support Workers is increasingly critical.

As health care provisions expand and become more complex, the demand for skilled professionals who can support, enhance, and safeguard our healthcare framework is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Health Care Support Worker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of health care support,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Health Care Support Worker job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Health Care Support Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Health Care Support Workers play an essential role in the healthcare industry, helping medical professionals and aiding patients in their daily activities.

They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and patients’ homes.

Their primary responsibilities and duties include:

• Assisting patients with their basic day-to-day needs such as dressing, bathing, and eating
• Supporting healthcare professionals such as nurses and doctors in providing medical care to patients
• Monitoring patients’ health by taking vital signs like temperature, blood pressure, and pulse rate
• Helping patients move around if they have mobility issues
• Changing bed linens and maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients
• Communicating with patients and their families, listening to their needs and concerns
• Carrying out health education and health promotion activities
• Ensuring that patients take their medication properly and at the right time
• Recording and reporting any changes in patients’ condition to the relevant healthcare professionals
• Providing emotional support and companionship to patients

 

Health Care Support Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Health Care Support Worker to assist our healthcare team.

The Health Care Support Worker will support healthcare professionals, patients, and their families by performing various clinical and non-clinical duties.

Responsibilities include delivering personal care, monitoring patient conditions, and assisting with mobility needs.

You should have a strong passion for healthcare, good interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well in a team.

 

Responsibilities

• Assisting patients with personal care tasks such as washing, dressing, eating and mobility.
• Observing and monitoring patients’ conditions by taking temperatures, pulse, respirations and weight.
• Communicating with patients, relatives and carers.
• Assisting with clinical duties.
• Providing emotional support and reassurance to patients.
• Maintaining a safe and clean working environment.
• Adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Working under the supervision of nurses and other healthcare professionals.
• Participating in training and development opportunities.

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a healthcare setting.
• Basic patient care competency.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• A strong sense of responsibility and empathy.
• Physical stamina and the ability to cope with emotional situations.
• Ability to work shifts, nights and weekends.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certification in first aid and CPR.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Health Care Support Worker
• Work Environment: Clinical setting. The role involves physical tasks such as lifting or turning patients.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Registered Nurse or Healthcare Team Leader.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $40,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Health Care Support Worker Do?

Health Care Support Workers play an essential role in the healthcare industry, often working in hospitals, clinics, and care homes.

They can also provide support in patients’ homes.

Their primary role is to assist healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, in the provision of patient care.

This may involve helping patients with their personal hygiene, like bathing, dressing, and maintaining oral health.

Health Care Support Workers often assist with mobility tasks, helping patients to move around the healthcare facility or their home.

They may also be involved in aiding patients during meal times, which could include preparation of meals, feeding, and hydration support.

They often play a crucial role in monitoring patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate, and reporting any changes to the relevant medical staff.

They may also help with the administration of medication under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Moreover, Health Care Support Workers offer emotional and mental support to patients, providing companionship and ensuring they are comfortable and well cared for.

In home care settings, they may also carry out some domestic tasks such as grocery shopping, cleaning, and laundry.

In all aspects, Health Care Support Workers are vital in maintaining the welfare and comfort of patients, providing essential support to the healthcare team.

 

Health Care Support Worker Qualifications and Skills

A competent Health Care Support Worker should possess a unique set of skills and qualifications that align with the demands of the job, such as:

• Empathy and compassion to understand and support patients through their health journeys.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
• Strong communication skills to understand and convey patient needs, explain treatments, and provide clear instructions.
• Physical stamina and ability to perform tasks like lifting or moving patients when necessary.
• Patience and resilience to handle challenging situations and maintain composure under pressure.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate record-keeping, administration of medication, and observation of changes in patient conditions.
• Problem-solving skills to make quick decisions in emergency situations and provide immediate care.
• Basic medical knowledge and understanding of healthcare procedures, hygiene standards, and safety guidelines.
• Ability to work in a team, coordinating with other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive care.

 

Health Care Support Worker Experience Requirements

Entry-level Health Care Support Workers typically have about 1 to 2 years of experience, often through vocational training programs or relevant volunteer work in the healthcare field.

They may have gained practical experience in settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, or home health care.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience usually have developed practical skills and have an in-depth knowledge of patient care, often gained through full-time roles such as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, or other similar positions.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some supervisory or management experience, potentially gained in roles like Lead Caregiver or Shift Supervisor.

They will be prepared to take on more responsibility and possibly oversee teams of healthcare support workers.

In many cases, health care support workers will also be required to hold specific certifications, such as CPR and First Aid.

Some roles may also require a Nursing Assistant certification or similar qualifications.

 

Health Care Support Worker Education and Training Requirements

Health Care Support Workers typically have a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational requirement.

Many employers provide on-the-job training, but some also prefer applicants who have completed a certificate or associate’s degree program in a related field such as nursing or health care.

These programs often include coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and patient care techniques.

Practical training, such as clinical rotations, can provide hands-on experience in various health care settings.

In some regions, Health Care Support Workers may be required to have a state license or certification.

This often involves passing an exam and maintaining the license through continuing education.

Voluntary certifications are also available from various professional organizations.

These credentials might require additional education or experience, and they typically require passing an examination.

Additional skills, such as proficiency in a second language, may be beneficial in certain settings.

Many employers also value qualities such as compassion, patience, and strong communication skills.

Continuous professional development is important in this role due to changes in medical practices and technologies, so Health Care Support Workers are often encouraged to participate in ongoing training and education.

 

Health Care Support Worker Salary Expectations

A Health Care Support Worker earns an average salary of $28,460 (USD) per year.

The salary can vary greatly depending on factors such as experience, specific skills, location, and the organization for which they work.

 

Health Care Support Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Health Care Support Worker need?

Health Care Support Workers need a mix of soft skills and technical skills.

They need excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients and their families.

They also need to have good observational skills to monitor patients’ conditions.

In terms of technical skills, Health Care Support Workers need to have knowledge of basic nursing principles and protocols, and some roles may require skills in specific areas like phlebotomy or physiotherapy.

 

Do Health Care Support Workers need a degree?

Health Care Support Workers do not always need a degree, but many have a diploma or certificate in health care or related field.

Some roles may also require specific qualifications, such as a certificate in mental health or childcare.

Additionally, all Health Care Support Workers need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

 

What should you look for in a Health Care Support Worker resume?

A Health Care Support Worker resume should highlight relevant qualifications and training, as well as any specific areas of expertise.

Look for evidence of hands-on experience in a health care setting, as this shows that the candidate is comfortable working directly with patients.

The resume should also demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills, as these are crucial in this role.

 

What qualities make a good Health Care Support Worker?

A good Health Care Support Worker is compassionate, patient, and understanding.

They need to be able to handle stressful situations calmly and professionally.

Good Health Care Support Workers are also reliable and have a genuine desire to help others.

They need to be able to work as part of a team, and they also need to have a good level of physical fitness, as the role can be physically demanding.

 

What are the daily duties of a Health Care Support Worker?

A Health Care Support Worker’s daily duties can vary depending on their specific role and the setting in which they work.

However, typical duties may include assisting patients with daily tasks such as eating, bathing, and dressing, monitoring patients’ conditions and reporting changes to medical staff, providing emotional support to patients and their families, and assisting with medical procedures under the supervision of a nurse or doctor.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve demystified the role of a health care support worker.

And guess what?

It’s not just about taking vital signs.

It’s about constructing the foundations of quality healthcare, one patient at a time.

With our detailed health care support worker job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your next career move.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your launch pad to meticulously crafted job listings or polishing your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is part of a larger health care mosaic.

Let’s craft that healthier future. Together.

How to Become a Health Care Support Worker (Complete Guide)

Get Rich Quick: A Look at the Highest Paying Jobs in Today’s Economy!

Easy Does It: Jobs That Prove You Don’t Have to Work Hard to Live Well!

Eccentrically Employed: The Most Unusual Jobs in the World

From ER to Wall Street: A Close Look at America’s Most Stressful Jobs!