Have you ever wondered what it’s like to help people regain their confidence and independence when they stop feeling like themselves? As a Joint Community Rehabilitation (JCR) support worker, you can do just that. Support worker jobs in East Sussex, like those with the JCR team, play a crucial role in supporting people as they recover from illness or injury, helping them get back on their feet and live independently once again. If you’re not looking for paid work, you can volunteer in the community and find roles through the Tribe Project.

An older lady called Grace receiving support from a support worker

What is a JCR support worker?

A JCR support worker visits clients in their homes, offering the necessary support and encouragement as they rebuild their lives after a hospital stay or illness. Unlike many roles in healthcare, no formal qualifications are required to become a JCR support worker. All you need is a caring heart, a willingness to help, and the ability to drive. The JCR team provides comprehensive training, ensuring you are fully prepared to make a difference.

The varied life of a JCR worker

Every day as a JCR support worker is unique, bringing new challenges and opportunities to make a meaningful impact. There’s no typical start or end to the day—it’s the dynamic and varied tasks that make each day rewarding.

You might start your day by visiting Grace to help her prepare breakfast and take her morning medication. Grace has recently returned home after a fall and is still finding her feet. Guiding her through gentle exercises and assisting her in preparing a simple meal helps build her strength and confidence. Seeing her smile as she manages a task she once found daunting is incredibly rewarding.

Later, you might visit Terry, who loves cooking but hasn’t had the confidence to do so since his hospital stay. Together, you prepare a healthy meal, chatting about his favourite recipes and encouraging him to take the lead. Your support helps him find the joy in cooking again, and the confidence to manage on his own.

In the afternoon, you might help Betty with her bath, ensuring she feels safe and comfortable. She shares stories from her youth, and you realise how much this companionship means to her. Your next client, Alf, might need help organising his medication and a bit of encouragement to take a walk around the garden. Each visit is different, but the goal remains the same: to support and encourage.

In between visits, there’s time to complete necessary paperwork and travel across the beautiful East Sussex countryside. You enjoy the variety in your day, meeting different people and knowing each visit makes a tangible difference to people’s lives.

An older man receiving support from a support worker.Hear what JCR workers have to say

“The best thing about being a support worker is that I get to see lots of different people in lots of different situations. I get to travel around the county as well, which I really enjoy,” says Sue, a JCR worker. Her enthusiasm for the role is echoed by many of her colleagues.

Your day may wrap up with a final check-in at the office. You update your notes and share any important observations with your team. Reflecting on the day, you feel a deep sense of pride. You’ve helped people in your community regain their independence and confidence, and that’s truly fulfilling. Dan, another JCR worker shared, “The best thing about being a support worker with JCR is the ability to help people in my local community and give back in my own way. It’s very rewarding and fills me with a lot of pride.”

Join the JCR team

If you’re a kind-hearted person with a passion for helping others, we’d love to hear from you. Join the JCR team and transform lives in just four weeks- that’s how long we tend to work with people. We have multiple vacancies for support worker jobs in East Sussex, offering flexible and rewarding roles.

Take the first step towards a new and fulfilling career by watching the “day in the Life” video below to see first-hand how you can make a difference. Together, we can ensure community members receive the care and support they need to thrive.

For more information, visit the JCR support worker page.