What training do you need to work with people with learning disabilities?
If you’re thinking about working with people with learning disabilities, you may be wondering if you need any special training. While we do provide training for new staff here at Halland House, there are some health and social care qualifications that would be helpful. However, it’s more about the kind of person you are.
Let’s take a look at useful character traits and qualifications.
Working with people with learning disabilities
You’ll need to consider if you’re suited to the job before thinking about what training you need to work with people with learning disabilities. Patience is the top characteristic you’ll require. The job can be incredibly rewarding but also frustrating and stressful at times. You’ll need to think on your feet and be flexible in your approach. A certain level of assertiveness is necessary but it needs to be tempered with empathy and sensitivity.
Communication can be difficult for people with learning disabilities, so they can’t always tell you what they need or want. Many use alternative forms of communication, including Makaton, a language that comprises signs, symbols and speech. Body language and facial expressions play an important role in understanding so you’ll need to be able use these to both express yourself and understand the people you’re working with.
Supporting wellbeing and personal goals
At Halland House, we believe all our residents and day-care guests deserve to have a rich and fulfilling life. We think of ourselves as a family, and that includes our team of staff. We help residents to identify and work towards personal goals, something that looks different for everyone. You may be helping someone to do a task repeatedly over a long period of time until they are able to learn it.
NVQs in supporting people with learning disabilities
When thinking about what training you need to work with people with learning disabilities, you may be considering an NVQ course. There are level 2 and 3 NVQ awards you can work towards. NVQ level 2 is aimed at volunteers and workers who will be supervised by someone.
Both levels can usually be taken without prior experience or qualifications, though numeracy and literacy skills are needed. Check if the course you are considering is accredited by the QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.
Subjects covered by NVQ certifications include:
- human rights legislation and policies
- how to promote communication
- advocacy, empowerment, and active participation
- risk assessment and risk-taking
- wellbeing and mental health
- care plans.
Most courses have a written assignment element, and some require you to be working in a relevant role, with workplace assessments.
The benefits of gaining qualifications
While it is possible to start a career in care without qualifications, they are particularly helpful when working with people with learning disabilities. An NVQ course will teach you what to expect before you start applying for care jobs and how to deal with difficult situations.
You will be taught how learning disabilities affect people and ways to communicate when talking is difficult. An NVQ will make you better equipped to deal with a challenging role and help you to discover if it is a career path you definitely want to pursue.
Find out more
If you think you would be suited to a career in working with people with learning disabilities and you’re looking for care jobs in Uckfield, we’d love to hear from you. We’ll talk you through training and qualifications, and the types of opportunities we have available. Visit our website https://hallandhouse.co.uk/careers/ to learn more about Halland House.