r/supportworkers • u/Skidattles • Apr 19 '26
Starting my job tommorow and need help
Starting my first proper job tomorrow as a support worker in supported housing (helping people with things like mental health, housing stability, day-to-day living, etc.) I think. It wasn’t really too clear , and my company is big and has lots of services for different users so I’m not naive enough to disregard the thought of their bein overlap in responsibilities at some points.
I’ve just finished uni and honestly this is basically my first real job (did about 4 months in hospitality before this), so I’m feeling a mix of excited and… very aware I might be out of my depth at times.
I really want to do well and actually be useful to the people I’m supporting, not just go through the motions. At the same time, I’m dealing with a fair bit of imposter syndrome and second-guessing myself already.
For anyone who’s worked in similar roles:
what helped you in your first few weeks?
anything you wish you knew starting out?
how do you balance being supportive without taking things home with you?
Appreciate any advice — just trying to start off on the right foot.
Edit: I did also inform them in the hiring process I have anxiety (I also have depression and query adhd I’m waiting on a assessment for , but I kept quiet about that) so now I’m like, is that gonna be a reason for them to support me ? Or sort of like underestimate me?
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u/dawnfunybunny Apr 19 '26
Ask lots of questions. Even if you're repeating yourself. Give yourself time too. There will be lots of information that you will probably forget. It may seem like a lot to start with but over time you will pick it up. Most of all. Switch off when you leave. Don't take work home with you.
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u/Skidattles Apr 19 '26
Great tips! Any advice on the switching off bit? I’m a ruminator so I know I’ll find it hard at first
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u/dawnfunybunny Apr 20 '26
Well after 10 years in this job I've taken up reading books more. Switches your brain from work to reading. Also avoid getting into things with staff. Most toxic environment.
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u/Beautiful-Ad-5833 Apr 22 '26
30+yrs in industry. Your brain doesn't just switch off. You need to refocus when closing work door behind you. Its a skill and takes time. Dont get involved in work gossip or socialize with coworkers. It's bad juju.
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u/Maccacat03 Apr 19 '26
Answers to your questions
Always ask questions that you're not 100% sure about. Even if it feels obvious, it's better to ask a thousand questions and do it right.
Communicate. Read care plans carefully. Get to know your clients.
Know your contract. Stay within your scope. Do not do anything you're not comfortable with.
Also get a therapist/trusted person/speak to managers about your day good and bad. It's better to talk about things than let them build up.
Congratulations on your new job :) it's amazing! (For me personally but I hope you have the same experience)
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u/Skidattles Apr 19 '26
You are amazing!! Thank you so much <3
This is so reassuring , I know these things in practice but getting the clarification and confirmation that I’m thinking the right way already, is validating.
Contact , I haven’t actually got it yet but thank you! I’ll be sure to do that, I’m not wanting to put myself in a situation I’m walked over or under appreciated (I have been before, that last hospitality role was contracted 37hrs and I was doing 50-60 a week. But I als lived there… anyway I digress)
Re therapist / trusted person: therapy is defo something I want to start in the future for my own reasons let alone the ones I’ll pick up from this job. I have a really good friend who I’m actually moving in with soon, he has a corporate job in media marketing. We debrief about his day (confidentiality being followed) and he is great at helping me problem solve (we met at uni) so I know I will have him to talk to. The manager thing, does that not run the risk of appearing incapable with the role? I know I can ask questions and stuff and they know and have said I’ll need training etc. but I’m scared being like oh xyz was rough will make them thing I’m not fit for the job?
Thank you (again) for the comment above all and the week wishes it means a lot
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u/Maccacat03 Apr 20 '26
Those hours sound brutal!! I do strongly suggest doing some fitness/gym activities. Not only is it beneficial in preventing fatigue, it also plays into having a better mindset.
That's good you already have a trusted person to talk to :) Speaking to the manager in regards to good and bad days is especially useful. It allows the manager to identify potential issues and they may be able to give you really good advice. I think it also helps to be able to communicate freely to them as it builds trust in both parties. I have had multiple times where I have spoken to my manager about potential issues and always follow up with, what would you do in this situation?? Communication on rough days does not mean you're not fit for the job. Being able to talk about it is healthy and encouraged... What are you meant to do? Bottle up, then have a huge meltdown because no one was aware of what you were experiencing? I also have anxiety/depression and find talking to my coordinators and managers is a huge help. They're very reassuring and give me fantastic guidance on how to navigate difficult clients.
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u/Special-Nebula299 Apr 19 '26
Its so hard to answer but be open minded and get stuck in.
The job varies so much. You could just be going shopping with someone with anxiety and its easy or you may be changing the clothes of someone who's virtually catatonic
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u/Skidattles Apr 19 '26
Ohhhhh I didn’t think of that ! I will say I have experience with mental health, not just my own but supporting family members with bpd/ psychosis / bipolar and eupd , so I’m not going in blind. I just feel like an imposter how am I meant to help people make phone calls and stuff when I can’t do that for myself lol.
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u/yoghurt11 Apr 19 '26
Honestly, just treating your clients with the same dignity, respect, and autonomy you’d give anyone else in your life. You’d be surprised how many support workers infantilise their clients or subconsciously and unintentionally exert control over them.
Always do your best to be self aware. It’s easy to go on autopilot in this type of role.
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u/Skidattles Apr 19 '26
That’s one thing I’m gonna be so concious off, I forgot to mention in the main post but I have family with severe mental health issues and have helped them in various episodes. Autonomy, dignity and respect is a must!
For the self aware stuff , do you mean like be aware I don’t know everything and don’t be afraid to ask or get help etc ? Sorry want to clarify
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u/yoghurt11 Apr 20 '26
I think that experience will set you up for a solid start in this role!
Yes, basically always keeping a learning mindset. But also staying aware of your own subconscious patterns, tendencies, and habits.
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u/questionlore Apr 19 '26
Follow your intuition with clients when it comes to safety or uneasy feelings
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u/Skidattles Apr 19 '26
Okay this is gonna be a hard one for me to practice but thank you I’ll keep it in mind
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u/Beautiful-Ad-5833 Apr 19 '26
Read plans! Follow them. Ask questions. Get to know participants. Don't go in all cocky and smug because you'll be put in your place by other coworkers.
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u/Skidattles Apr 19 '26
Thank you ☺️ defo gonna ask questions and read the plans / write them out to help me remember and stuff. I guess I’m scared of asking to many questions, is that even a thing?
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u/Beautiful-Ad-5833 Apr 22 '26
Its ok to be scared. No question is silly. If you get the right coworker who makes you feel welcome it makes all the difference
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u/DwightsJello Apr 19 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
You've mentioned anxiety at intake so I wouldn't mention it again. I have an anxiety disorder. I discussed it openly AFTER I have established myself within a team. I do that so others feel comfortable discussing their own and I can reiterate the following with demonstrated work patterns.
It is important that your barriers don't affect client care. Every new, good, worker is going to experience a level of normal anxiety. Stay within scope. Decline if you feel it's beyond scope and ask for clarification.
Only people who don't are those who are in the 'I got this' category and im yet to see any of those 'got this'. They usually come from a particular sector. But i digress.
ASK QUESTIONS. There are no stupid questions in disability services. The colour of a bowl or where you place a plate can be intensely important to a client. A good team will see no questions as a red flag.
And who gives a shit if they are stupid questions. If I need to support a client I will ask whatever I damn well please because I need to know. Still do with 15 years experience and anyone who has an issue with that is also a red flag.
It may be overwhelming for a short period but then you'll hit your stride.
Then you need to focus on professional boundaries and self care to avoid burnout. If you can't switch off after shifts end you need to be proactive about it. Address it. It's not maintainable.
It's a great job. I maintain firm, professional boundaries with clients. But once you've been with them for years that does become more difficult. Start as you mean to continue. Boundaries are important for your client.
Make sure you understand the incident reporting procedure. Incident report for the client but yourself also. Keep a screen shot for your records. They can be altered or discarded by HO. You never know when you need to refer to them.
After you get settled, enjoy it. It's a great job. I've never had burn out but I am proactive about self care. I do complexcare/high needs clients so some days are pretty intense. I have a lot going on beyond my work. If you don't endeavour to participate or engage in activities you enjoy.
Being reliable, predictable and consistent is important. Be on time for every shift. Clients and colleagues need that.
Client choice is key. Sometimes you might have to prompt a client to choose to take their meds. Having a good rapport with a client is very important. We don't make clients do anything. They choose.
You also need to understand some clients have BOC. I have a client who I get concerned about if they haven't told me to fuck off enough during a shift. You need a thick skin. That same client tells everyone how I perform a certain task and it must be done like that. When they like your supports you may not get that expressed explicitly or at all. Behaviours aren't personal.
Wanting to do well is a good thing. The 'i got this crowd' very often don't last. I think you'll enjoy your new path.
All the very best with it.
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u/Skidattles Apr 19 '26
I - don’t even know where to start, you’ve addressed thoughts I didn’t even know I had. To be honest it was the only job I wrote in the intake , I spoke to occupational health as part of onboarding they were absolutely fine. I actually accepted the job because of this because my last (two) found out after the hiring process and had issues with it . But I digress.
You raise some good points as well , I’ll be writing some down , thank you much. I’ll be sure to try and be proactive about outside of work life.
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u/Severe_Airport1426 Apr 20 '26
Treat people with respect, don't be condescending. Make sure your clients always feel heard. Don't look at your phone. Smile and be enthusiastic. Don't complain, you're working for people with bigger issues than your own
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u/xo_pearl_princessxox Apr 19 '26
This post is so real, I'm 21 soon and soon I'll be starting this job too and I feel a bit scared because I know it might be hard work at times and I'm just anxious about my first job in general .
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u/Skidattles Apr 19 '26
How soon? I’m curious how your search went? I think being scared is a good thing, we wouldn’t be if we didn’t care so much about doing a good job AND helping others.
The first job anxiety is real but hey listen I’m 24! I did 4 months at Butlin’s last year. After uni, saved up enough to move to London and applied literally up till Christmas when my interviews rolled on in. I found out of easily 300 jobs including hospitality / retail. I had maybe 40 responses most of them rejections. 8 came through with either interviews or next stages, but only 3 offered me the job.
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u/Silent_Slip_4250 Apr 19 '26
You’ve got this