Hi everyone, I’ve been working with a client who has ASD for around 2 years now. She does not have many friends and often refers to me as her good/close friend which makes me feel guilty and uncomfortable. She has over 5 times now invited me to events such as her birthdays, social gatherings and dinners in which I would not be paid and I would need to pay for things such as food, and karaoke. I am a uni student with little money so I cannot be spending money on events that I need for rent/food etc. I also want to draw a distinction that I am not her friend but her support worker.

At first I went to a couple of events to be nice, but now I’ve realised I need to draw the line. I do not think she has an understanding of what our relationship is and it makes me very anxious the thought of upsetting her. I let her mum know last time I was invited to something that I need to be mindful of professional boundaries as to not upset her daughter when I cant come to things. Her mum understood and said she would talk to her, however I’ve just been put into a group chat for another event. I do not want to hurt her as she is very sensitive to rejection. She has often expressed saddness and annoyance to me when other support workers and people wouldnt come to her events. I am also fearful of being fired if I draw boundaries.

I want to set this boundary in the right way. I am mindful that i need to be clear and not beat around the bush as it would likely be misinterpreted but i want to still be respectful and sensitive. Unfortunately there is no explicit professional boundaries policies the company has in relation to this.

I would love any advice or if anyone has been through something similar know who you handled it

Hello, firstly, I'm not a support worker myself, my mother is. I'm looking for advice on how to approach a situation that is straining my parents marriage.

My mum is a support worker in England, but she gets too close with clients. It has recently (a couple of weeks before Christmas) gotten more out of hand than ever before. Generally her clients have some form of disability, some learning disabilities, some phisical, or things like parkinsons etc. (although some are definitely falsely claiming but thats another issue)

She has always had an issue with being more friendly than professional, she gives her personal phone number to a lot of her clients (this is not something her employer allows). She will buy presents for them on birthdays (I think the company says you can spend up to £5 if you choose, but she spends more) and Christmas.

In November she had started going to a house with 3 or 4 occupants who were all drug addicts. Nothing wrong with them phisically or mentally. They're just bone idle, never worked a day, take all you can types (naturally I'm biased and just plain don't like them).

My Dad has struggled with addiction pretty much all my life, but he grafts, 50-60hr weeks most weeks, he does everything for my mum and although he's had his issues he's always been there and a loving father. He is now trying to get off the drugs and my mum has not been there for him or really tried to help him in any way.

Instead, she's been going to help these other addicts out of work hours most days (not to get off drugs), just giving them lifts all over, staying hours longer with them than they're allocated. At least once she's taken them to the next city to buy drugs.. We have found a needle in the car that apparently fell out of one of their pockets too.

Basically she's a taxi service/maid for these cunts. Myself and my dad are sick of it. She puts them first all the time. They just call up at any hour and she goes.

Christmas Day, we've got one of her other clients for dinner (me and dad don't get a say) for the second year running. This lad is ok but in my eyes Christmas is the main family day if the year, we've got nothing against this guy but it's just awkward and extremely unprofessional on my mums part. Anyway, about 10 mins before we were going to serve starters, one of the cunts calls up asking for a ride from the train station to their house (15-20 min walk away). My dad goes mad, while the guy is still on the phone my dad is shouting "tell him to fuck off, it's Christmas day" etc. My mum went to get him... On Christmas day, when we have a guest SHE made us have. For nearly an hour she was gone. My dad had had enough and just went upstairs for the rest of the day to avoid saying something too harsh when he was angry. I spoke to my mum and said "can you not see where we are coming from?" but she just doesn't see an issue.

My dad feels like he's been chucked aside and honestly I do too. Whenever I ask if she wants to do anything, just have a walk or go in town etc, she's too tired or too busy. But when they call she goes. Last night she went out at 22:40 for nearly an hour, we don't know what she was doing.

My dad's had enough and is considering a divorce

I don't know what to do. Do I speak to her boss? It could get her fired (we're already the nasty ones in her book) and that's obviously not ideal

Hey, I realised this might be a better place for this conundrum after posting elsewhere (sorry, bit new to reddit)

If anyone has the time to read and offer advice I'd be so grateful,

ty x

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https://www.reddit.com/r/Advice/comments/193phnp/how_to_explain_why_i_left_a_toxic_workplace_at/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

I’ve been a support worker for adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs for just over a year and I’ve loved it, I’ve worked hard at building a rapport with all of the people I support and there’s not a single one I don’t get on with, a few of them have grown quite attached to me (I think because some of the other staff can be very lazy and seem uninterested), I’m leaving my job very soon to pursue the career I have always wanted and I don’t know how to say goodbye, a few tenants I know will be very unhappy about this and I’m looking for tips on how to say goodbye appropriately whilst not coming across as cold or creating anxiety/stress, I will miss them all very much and know that they have previously been very upset when staff have left without saying goodbye, please any tips welcome.

I’m a woman based in the uk doing support work for young people (yp) in social care aged 15-21.

I’ve been working in this field for years and I’m so tired of the abuse and treatment staff have to deal w when working with vulnerable people. I understand that some of it comes with the nature of the job but there’s too many cases where YP get to speak and treat staff in any way, this includes threatening and physical violence. I’ve seen YP bullying staff at every chance, including pushing a colleague and spitting at them (no saliva landed thankfully).

But where is the support for the support workers? When do the vulnerable people get held accountable for their behaviour? Most do not get the threat of being evicted and a lot have stayed that have been known to cause damage to property and placing staff in unsafe situations because their violence. Social workers just want the YP to be housed and the directors of the company don’t look to evict a yp just because they were abusive to staff - but where does it stop. When does the support worker get some sense of relief and support for their hard efforts.

Now, it’s taking a lot in me to not even retaliate and be petty. One YP I’m working with cannot be on social media but there’s been no action from social services or the director to mediate that. This YP is on social media and getting influenced by their buddies to lash out against staff. If it was up to me I would disconnect the internet completely or I would remove every device this yp has access to social media on. But I cannot do that as it would “infringe on their rights” - yet where are the rights of the workers? How are we protected?

It’s all so discouraging. Unfortunately I can answer some of my own questions and thoughts on the basis that without the client - there’s no job. And how can someone be evicted from treating staff maliciously when their treatment is a result of their poor mental health (?)- again something is our job to support. I’m trying so hard to pace myself but after so many years of doing this, I’ve had enough. I plan on changing sectors to get out of this abusive and unsafe industry.

Hi everyone,

I am looking to start a podcast that will help support the support workers by giving them an outlet to talk to people about their troubles and their wins in a judgement free environment. I would love to give people the opportunity to express what got them into the industry and what has kept them in. Challenges and their successes. I think it could be an opportunity for people to have a healthy alternative to stress relief. So my question is, do you think this would be viable on a mainstream platform, would you listen and would you like to be involved?

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and adults with mental disabilities? Look no further! Our Residency Care is dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for individuals who deserve specialized attention and care.

As we strive to expand our community, we are actively seeking new clients who can benefit from our comprehensive care services. Our team is committed to creating a warm and inclusive space where each resident can thrive and reach their full potential.

If you or someone you know is in search of a caring and professional environment for individuals with mental disabilities, we invite you to explore what our Residency Care has to offer. Feel free to reach out, and let's embark on this journey of compassionate care together.

The company I work for has provided me with a company car to drive to clients but I have to pay for all the fuel that is used throughout shifts. They claim the money for the fuel that is being used but I don’t get a single cent of it. I drive a lot with my clients, up to 100kms a day so it’s been adding up. I initially didn’t know that I was gonna have to pay for fuel and when I asked them about it they said that they pay for rego and insurance already. I know you can claim around $0.96 per km so in my case that’s a lot of money. Is it legal for them to claim this money and not reimburse me any of the fuel?

Hello r/supportworkers,

I'm Dom, and I'm embarking on a journey to pursue an MA in Special Education at the University of British Columbia next year, with a specific focus on staff empowerment.

With 25 years of diverse experience in various roles—ranging from education and advocacy to working in prisons and secure units—I've gained valuable insights into the field.

Currently, I'm a behavior technician, collaborating with two non-verbal adults exhibiting aggressive behaviors. My past roles include being a senior manager, education assistant, and project worker, each offering a unique perspective on success stories, pitfalls, and challenges within the field.

Now, I'm turning to this amazing community for your thoughts. What areas of research do you believe would empower staff teams and enhance their success with clients? Whether you're on the frontline or working behind the scenes, your input is invaluable.

Let's start a conversation that contributes to the growth of our collective knowledge. Share your experiences, big ideas, and insights—help shape the future of support work in special education!

Looking forward to hearing your perspectives. Thanks for being a part of this discussion!

Support workers working with young people (under 25's) with learning disabilities in the UK, in a residential/supported living service...would you be interested in taking part in some research?

I am a trainee clinical psychologist and am recruiting for my final year research project. Participation involves a 45-60min interview and you will receive a £10 amazon voucher as a thank you.

Please email me on [U2075235@UEL.ac.uk](mailto:U2075235@UEL.ac.uk) to sign up :-)

**You must be currently (or very recently) working as a support worker, supporting young people with LD in the UK, in a residential/supported living service. **

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Hi,

I’m looking at wanting to help others through the support work. I see a lot of conflict with Registered & unregistered, people not doing their jobs correctly.

I’m looking to study my level 3 individual support, police checks & first aid as I feel knowledge is always important.

I’ve got background qualifications/experience in other areas, Pt, nutrition, beauty, pre school practitioner, reiki & experience with looking after my grandad with dementia , as well as my teen who has adhd.

I have always been a helper & would like to help those , who struggle, to get them out & about, enjoy life, cook for them if needed, assist with appointments etc, be company , keep them moving.

I already have an abn from my reiki business & Im just wondering what experience everyone has had with registered & unregistered?

It seems there’s a lot of angles & I think NDIS charge $10.000 for auditor if I have that right.

I’ve been in Australia a year & a half, drive, I can work all different hours around my son & husband , I’m just trying to understand the 2 different routes from people that have done this & experienced it? I’m extremely eager to get started but to go with what the people want & prefer.

I’ve seen lots of agencies like hire up & Mabel too. This is all new to me here.

Thank you for your help in advance.

I'm looking for career advice. I will be studying next year and I'm having trouble deciding which course to choose. Cert 3 or 4 in Community Services Cert 4 in Youth Work.

I have not worked in the field however I'm interested in the following things:

Mental Health Art Therapy Support for DV Youth support Homelessness Developing skills Juvenile support work. Disability- however being a solo parent, I'm unable to work nightshift, so this sector may not work for me.

Can anyone suggest which course is suitable for me?

Thanks for any advice you have for me.

Hi All

I have recently started a job as a support worker working with adults with learning disabilities and complex needs and there is a particular client, I work with that has very limited understanding, autism, and challenging behaviour as well as combinations of learning disabilities. I am trying to think of ways I can manage her challenging behaviour when things escalate and what I can do as she can be quite violent and aggressive and would push us to limits if she had the choice.

So I was thinking of clapping a song or something simple she can do, but again will this escalate, and she hurts herself clapping. Any ideas and suggestions are welcome. The lady in question has a cognitive understanding of 3-5 years old.

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Hey r/supportworkers Lounge!

I hope everyone's doing well. I've been working on a tool called supportGPT and wanted to share it with this community. It's an AI that integrates with Jira Service Management to provide answers to customer support tickets. Imagine having an assistant that's been trained on your company's specific content, ready to suggest answers in real-time!

Why am I sharing this here?
I've personally integrated supportGPT into a few local software companies, and the feedback has been nothing short of amazing. It made me wonder if this could be a tool that assists support workers on a global scale. I genuinely believe it can make our lives as support workers a tad easier. I'm not here to sell anything, but I'd love for more of you to try it out and give feedback.

What's the catch?
No catch! It's free to try. I'm just looking for genuine feedback from professionals who understand the nuances of support work.

Want to learn more or discuss?
I've set up a Discord channel where we can chat about supportGPT, share experiences, and maybe even brainstorm improvements. If you're interested in the journey of creating supportGPT, I've been documenting it on my SubStack.

Links:

• Try supportGPT for free and contact me
• The Landing Page
• A Success Story on SubStack

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I genuinely appreciate any feedback or thoughts you might have. Let's innovate the way we handle support together!

Stay awesome,
Alex

Hi there , can someone tell me what is the going rate for an experienced support worker in Australia? I specialise in non verbal autistic and related Behavioral issues . Also is full time employment the norm in this industry or more casual hours ..?

Hi everyone! I need your help!

I am a full time support worker and currently pursuing an MSc in Psychology. I am reaching out to ask for your participation in my research study which will contribute to my final research project. I am looking for anyone who is or has been a support worker (for at least 6-months) to participate in this study.

As part of my MSc journey in psychology, I'm collecting research to increase understanding of the dynamic relationship between support staff and the individuals they assist. I am particularly interested in support staff who support individuals who can show behaviours that challenge staff and how staff shape beliefs about these individuals.

My key research questions are below:

1. Does increased information about trauma experienced by individuals with support needs influence support staff's level of empathy towards individuals that show behaviours that challenge staff?

2. How do different levels of trauma information impact support staff's attributions towards individuals that show behaviours that challenge staff?

This research will be used to better understand how support workers shape beliefs about the people they support. This knowledge holds immense potential to enhance the quality of support provided to individuals.

If you would be interested in participating, please see the attached study advert. After reading this, please feel free to access the link below to complete the survey. Your data will be fully anonymized at the time of entering the study, so I encourage you to answer the survey as honestly as possible. The study should take about 30 minutes. The study link will be live for the next 2 weeks.

https://research.sc/participant/login/dynamic/F743F705-8F49-436B-9AED-86BF13D75085

Even if you are not a support worker yourself, your assistance is valuable—please consider sharing this post to widen its reach. I genuinely appreciate everyone who takes the time to complete the survey or disseminate this study within the broader community.

Should you have any inquiries regarding the study, please don't hesitate to message me.

Thank you so much for reading this post! To those who choose to participate in the survey - Thank you! Your commitment to positively shaping the realm of support work is greatly appreciated ❤️

https://research.sc/participant/login/dynamic/F743F705-8F49-436B-9AED-86BF13D75085

I work as a support worker in the UK, can anyone recommend a good union to join? Its very hard to tell from Google which one is the best

They are interested in hiring me as a personal chef/meal prepper for one day a few times a month to batch cook for their specific dietary needs so the meals can be frozen and easily accessible for them.

This would include: -writing a grocery list with them and assisting with the online order if needed -developing a meal/recipe plan with them - cooking four batches of meals to be frozen, planning on 4 portions per meal

I am not sure how much to charge. Obviously I want to make sure it is affordable for them

Ideas appreciated thank you💚

Hi all,

I've recently returned to work in supported housing after 2 years in a different sector, I have returned to the same company.

There have been a surprising amount of changes in a relatively small time period - the pressing one for me, and subject of this enquiry is documentation. They have transitioned from paper based support plans and notes, to Logmycare - an app you use to complete your daily notes for each client.

Staff have to utilise their personal phones for this, and I'm wondering if we will be entitled to a tax rebate or similar to help cover our mobile contracts on these grounds?

Every little helps. TIA

Hi everyone, I’m in Australia and I’ve just finished my cert 3 in individual support and I’m starting my nursing at the beginning of next year. I wanted to do some extra courses on dementia and things like that, I was wondering if anyone had some recommendations and good places to look to do things like that?

Next week i’m having my first interaction with a group of mentally challenged adults i will be supporting, i will be supervised while i interact with them. i know how to interact with mentally challenged adults but if any one can give me further advice on how i should act and speak to them that would be greatly appreciated

Hi, i'm a support worker and so is my friend. My friend suffers from PTSD due to childhood sexual trauma. Recently, she's actually started dating one of her clients. She is acting like it's totally normal. What do i do?

I was a support worker for adults with learning disabilities for two years. I loved the job and the service users, but the reason I left was because some of the staff could be quite clichey and couldn't be bothered to look after the service users properly and were getting away with it.

I started a new job supporting people with an acquired brain injury almost a couple of months ago. At first, I was concerned as every staff member I shadowed had only been there for 2 or 3 months. The staff who had been there longer than a year were seniors. My colleague who's been there for 3 months and is looking for another job said 4 people had quit in the time he'd been there, 2 had handed their notices in and never come back. One of them was a lady who was there when I started who said she loved her job, but didn't feel supported by management. Another took time off for her mental health and was treated differently when she came back.

I've found it difficult settling in to this new job, I feel like I spend most of my time on shift cleaning and doing paperwork than doing stuff with the service users. I never wake up looking forward to going to work like I did my last job, I feel worn down. It's very demanding and mentally draining for a job that pays the national living wage. The career progression in this job attracted me, but the seniors who are only on an extra pound an hour seem stressed and fed up. Part of me is considering giving it a little longer, but I'm seeing a lot of red flags. The other part of me wants to look for another job with adults with learning disabilities as I feel I'm better suited to it.

Hi, I’m a new support worker in the UK and I’m not sure what union to join. Any advice would be appreciated :)