The Role of a Temporary Support Worker: Top Burning Questions We Get Asked

Temporary support workers serve as essential pillars of support in the healthcare industry, stepping in to provide critical assistance to care facilities and services when they face increased demand or staffing shortages. In its simplest definition, a temporary support worker is a person who provides short-term and temporary care services in a variety of settings and to a variety of individuals.?

In this blog, we will be addressing the common questions we get asked by individuals who are contemplating a career in temporary support work. Our goal is to provide you with insights and guidance to help you make informed decisions and ensure a positive experience in this field. Whether you’re just starting your journey in temporary support work or looking to transition into temporary support positions, we’ve got you covered.?

So, some of the most common questions we get asked are:

Q. Is there a demand for temporary support workers?

Yes, yes, and yes! One of the biggest worries about transitioning into temporary work is whether the hours are there, however, according to the Office for National Statistics labour force survey, the temporary support workforce makes up 1 in 10 of the UK social care workforce. At Vetro, we are filling 10,000+ hours of temporary support work week on week with more hours left to fill.

Q. What are the responsibilities of a temporary support worker?

The primary responsibility of a temporary support worker is to provide excellent care to the client, build a rapport with them, communicate with colleagues, adhere to a care plan, and document important information. However, the responsibilities can vary significantly, contingent upon the specific care sector you choose to enter, reflecting the diverse needs and demands of each. Some examples are:

• Children’s Residential Support Worker
• Family Support Worker
• Mental Health Support Worker
• Homeless Support Worker
• Adult Learning Disability Support Worker
• HCA Support Worker

Q. What are the requirements for me to become a temporary support worker?

Again, this can vary depending on the setting you are working in, however, at Vetro, we look for the right to work in the UK documentation, 6 months experience in a care setting in the UK, and a DBS. Once you have started work with Vetro, we will also support you in registering with Social Care Wales and provide you with the training needed for the role. In some places, in particular children’s residential, you may need a full UK driving license to be able to fulfill the job duties.

Q. Will I have access to any training or ongoing development needed for the role?

Some care settings may require specific training to be able to deliver the highest standard of care suitable for their clients, as well as the safety of yourself. This includes TMVA training and practical manual handling training. Practical manual handling is more likely to be needed in elder care (nursing home) settings, disability care, and in some cases mental health care. This is a 1-day course that covers the safe handling of people and the use of hoists; Vetro arranges this and covers half of the price. If you find yourself choosing mental health care you may require TMVA training for the more secure settings. This involves de-escalation, breakaway, and restraint training over a 3-day period, which Vetro provides and will cover half the cost. As well as this, Vetro will also give you access to 50+ online training courses including safeguarding for children and adults.

Find more about the training we offer here.?

Q. What hours would I be expected to work?

Temporary support work often involves irregular hours, including night shifts, weekends, and holidays. The shift length and the number of hours that a support worker works will depend on the needs of the client. In some cases, support workers may be needed for full-time, overnight, or 24-hour care. In other cases, they may be needed for shorter shifts just a few hours, or on an as-needed basis.

Q. What if I am not available for some shifts?

At Vetro Care, you will be given access to our Vetro app which all the shifts available will be posted and you can book in for any shift you are available for and leave the ones you are not. The best part about temporary support work is the flexibility around it, you are in more control of the hours you work and when you work.

Q. What is the pay rate and payment schedule?

Temporary support worker positions often come with competitive pay rates, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking employment in the care industry. For general support workers, the pay rate can vary anywhere between ￡12 - ￡24 per hour, including holiday pay and bank holidays. It can also vary depending on the setting you are working in and the qualifications you hold. At Vetro Care, all our temporary support workers get paid weekly via our internal payroll team for no charge.

Q. What are the benefits of working for your agency?

The benefits of working as a temporary support worker with Vetro are:

• Different experiences - we provide temporary support workers to a variety of care settings in the UK, which can be great for career progression.
• Vetro App: this offers flexibility around your working hours and allows you to choose the hours that work for you.
• Rewards: every quarter you will automatically be entered into our ￡500 golden ticket live draw for working 150 hours or more. There is also an opportunity to win a ￡50 voucher for a shop of your choice through our worker of the month scheme.?
• Opportunities for Career Development: Vetro provides access to training courses such as TMVA, PMVA, and Practical Manual Handling, as well as, free access to 50+ online training courses.
• Internal Payroll Team: Having an internal payroll team, allows us to pay all our support workers weekly with no extra charge for processing the payment. It is also more efficient because if there are any issues with your payment, you can contact our payroll team directly.
• You accrue holiday pay for every hour you work.
• Contributed pension! Vetro recruitment pays into your pension.?
• Out-of-Hours Service: support will be available 24/7, so if you cannot make a shift last minute or there is an issue which you need support with, there will always be someone available to speak with.

Find out what it's like to be a temporary support worker at Vetro here.

Q. How do I register with Vetro?

If you would like to register with Vetro or would like to find out more, click here and someone will be in touch with you.