cover letter sample for personal support worker

Support Worker cover letter examples

Are you looking for your next role as a support worker?

Then you need a strong cover letter that’s going to secure you an interview.

But we understand that you’re always on hand to support others, so now it’s our turn to support you.

Let us help you find your dream job by creating a standout application. Check out our top tips and support worker cover letter examples below for guidance.

CV templates 

Support Worker cover letter example 1

Support Worker cover letter example 2

Support Worker cover letter example 3

The Support Worker cover letter examples above should give you a good idea of the type of content you need to include in your own cover letter, and how it should be structured.

But if you’re really looking to wow recruiters and get your CV in front of the very best employers, then check out our guidance on how to write your own effective cover letter below.

How to write a Support Worker cover letter

Here’s how you can write your own eye-catching cover letter, broken down into simple steps.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When writing your Support Worker cover letter, it’s best to type the content into the body of your email (or the job site messaging system) and not to attach the cover letter as a separate document.

This ensures that your cover letter gets seen as soon as a recruiter or employer opens your message.

If you attach the cover letter as a document, you’re making the reader go through an unnecessary step of opening the document before reading it.

If it’s in the body of the message itself, it will be seen instantly, which hugely increases the chances of it being read.

Start with a friendly greeting

To kick your cover letter off, start with a friendly greeting to build rapport with the recruiter instantly.

Your greeting should be personable but professional. Not too casual, but not too formal either

Go with something like…

• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you’ve opened up the cover letter with a warm greeting to start building a relationship, it is time to identify which role you want to apply for.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so you need to ensure you apply to the correct one.

Be very specific and use a reference number if you can find one.

• I am interested in applying for the position of Support Worker with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 406f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for a junior project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The bulk of your cover letter should be focused around highlighting your suitability for the job you are applying to.

Doing this will show the recruiter that you are suitable candidate and encourage them to open your CV.

The best way to do this, is by studying the job advert you are applying to, and find out what the most important skills and knowledge are.

Once you know the most important requirements, you then need to highlight your matching skills to the recruiter. In a few sentences, tell them exactly why you are a good fit for the job and what you can offer the company.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To round of your CV, you should sign off with a professional signature.

This will give your cover letter a slick appearance and also give the recruiter all of the necessary contact information they need to get in touch with you.

The information to add should include:

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Kindest regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network –  e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Jill North IT Project Manager 078837437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip: To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate documents that you could copy in.

What to include in your Support Worker cover letter

So, what type of information should you write about in your Support Worker cover letter?

The specifics will obviously depend on your profession and the jobs you are applying to, but these are the key areas you should be covering.

• Your industry experience – Tell recruiters the types of companies you have been working for and the roles you have held in the past.
• Your qualifications – Highlight your most important relevant qualifications to show employers you are qualified to do the roles you are applying for.
• The impact you have made – Demonstrate the positive impact you have made for employers in previous jobs. Have you saved money? Improved processes? Made customers happy?
• Your reasons for moving – Employers will want to know why you are leaving your current/previous role, so provide them with a brief explanation here.
• Your availability – When will you be able to start a new job ? Check your current contract to find out your notice period if you are in a position already.

Support Worker cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Support Worker cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I hope you’re well.

I am thrilled to apply for the Support Worker position at Cedar Residential Home. As a recent school leaver with a passion for supporting the elderly, I am eager to contribute my skills and dedication to providing exceptional care and companionship to residents in assisted living.

During my regular volunteer work at the local community centre, I work with groups of up to 20 elderly citizens, engaging them in art and music activities and fostering a warm and supportive environment. I introduced a community buddy up scheme with teenagers from the town which lead to a 20% increase in participant satisfaction surveys. Additionally, in my work experience placement at St Thomas’ Residential Home, I demonstrated my commitment to personalised care by assisting 15 seniors with dressing and grooming each day.

I am confident that my compassionate nature and excellent communication skills make me an ideal fit for this role, and I am available for an interview at your convenience.

Kind regards,

Jack Simpson

Hi Fabio De Sigley,

I am writing to express my keen interest in the Support Worker position at Creighton Children’s Home. With a decade of hands-on experience supported by a Level 4 Diploma in Social Work, I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact on the lives of the children under your care.

As a qualified Support Worker with a compassionate approach, I have worked with children between the ages of 3 and 19 within children’s homes and outpatient support. My expertise in implementing personalised care plans has led to a significant improvement in the well-being of numerous children.

For instance, in my previous role at Park Children’s Home, I facilitated therapeutic art activities that resulted in a 25% enhancement in social interactions among children. I have also held roles as a Mentor and Child Advocate, enabling me to advocate for the needs and rights of vulnerable children effectively. During my role at Mind Charity, I witnessed a remarkable 38% overall development improvement in the children I supported.

Thank you for your consideration and I am available for an interview at your convenience.

Carey Jackson

Hi Barbara,

I am eager to apply for the Lead Support Worker position at Priory House, catering to adults with physical disabilities.

As a Senior Support Worker with Companion UK, I have successfully motivated and supervised teams of up to 15 members of staff, delivered exceptional care, 1-2-1 personal support, and engaged clients with developmental and physical disabilities in numerous activities. By encouraging choice and participation, I have witnessed a significant enhancement in residents’ well-being, with a commendable 30% increase in overall satisfaction in the four years I have worked there. With a level of professional development and registration, including Level 4 NVQ in People Management, my experience in a diverse care setting enables me to empower individuals to reach their full potential. I am committed to flexibility and am willing to participate in the on-call rota, ensuring uninterrupted care for residents. With a full, clean driving license, I can readily travel, and cover work allocated on the roster.

I am eager to discuss how my qualifications and experience align with Priory House’s values. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Support Worker job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

Personal Support Worker Cover Letter Example

A Personal Support Worker is responsible for providing support and assistance to individuals in their homes. These workers complete several tasks including helping with personal hygiene, administering medication, and providing companionship. To be successful in this profession, the individual needs to have a strong passion for helping others, and demonstrate proof of home care services experience.

Improve your chances of getting noticed by using our Personal Support Worker Cover Letter Samples. The primary responsibility of a Personal Support Worker is to look after the physical, mental, and emotional well-being and stability of patients who are not able to take care of themselves, such as the elderly or senior populations. The job description entails ensuring the patient is healthy and gets nutritious meals, and helping them with daily tasks.

• Cover Letters
• Healthcare & Wellbeing

What to Include in a Personal Support Worker Cover Letter?

Roles and responsibilities.

• Working with elderly patients, and rendering one-on-one care such as meal preparation, personal care, and light housekeeping tasks.
• Ensuring the fulfillment of individual goals and needs as per the client’s support plans.
• Assisting clients with leisure activities.
• Ensuring the health, safety, welfare , and independence of clients.
• Assisting and satisfying the social and emotional needs of patients.
• Documenting and recording day-to-day care reports including resident incident reports, restraint monitoring, and medication administration.
• Adhering to the Occupational health and safety regulations set by the province or territory .

Education & Skills

Personal support worker skills:.

• Strong organizational skills to maintain high standards even under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills.
• The ability to adapt to change and remain flexible.
• Flexible to work with and gain an understanding of the needs of various types of patients.
• The ability to work well both in a team setting and independently.
• The ability to adhere to standard policies and procedures.

Personal Support Worker Education Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or social work.
• Prior work experience.
• Personal support worker certificate (preferable).

Personal Support Worker Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear Mr./Ms.

In response to your job ad advertised in the *** for the post of a new Personal Support Worker, I am writing this letter. As per my knowledge, **** has been a pioneer in providing support services and is a leader in aiding people with needs, and this is one quality I have always admired in the firm and this has indeed made me want to work for your organization. I believe that my experience and ability to serve selflessly will make me the ideal fit for this role.

Over the years, I have worked at *** developing my communication and interpersonal skills. In various roles, I was accountable for providing personal care support and coordinating services, etc. Throughout my career, I have always given priority to working with empathy and a non-judgmental approach.

Having said this, I would like to present below some of the highlights of my qualifications:

• Worked at *** for 8 years, and provided comprehensive patient care and support.
• Providing compassionate service to end-of-life patients and ensuring coverage of routine health and life duties.
• Adept at coordinating multiple routine activities and services and ensuring the highest level of quality care.
• Experience in providing support services to hospice patients, including personal hygiene assistance, medication administration, and general companionship.
• Demonstrable communication skills including interpersonal and outstanding administrative skills.
• Earned BLS and CPR certification, and completed a professional caregiver training program in *** from ***

I am confident that my passion for serving critical patients, along with my compassion, and empathy abilities will be fruitful in providing general and specific support mainly to those who are in their end stage of life. And I also assure you that my additional strengths and talent will translate into your environment as I take up charge as your next Personal Support Worker. Looking forward to speaking with you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Personal Support Worker Cover Letter Example with No Experience(Text Version)

I was delighted to come across your job posting for a Personal Support Worker and I feel that my background and profile complement well with your requirements stated by you. With my academic background in Social Service and my skills to provide personal support, I strongly believe that I can contribute to the benefit of ***’s mission.

While my enclosed resume gives an elaborate look into my skills and experience, I would like to highlight some of the major aspects I am skillful and proficient at. I am skilled and comfortable in assessing the patient’s needs and can organize and plan their day-to-day activities, and prepare and serve prescribed meals. I am patient enough to provide personal care and am compassionate to patients of all ages. Apart from routine job-related duties, I can efficiently perform housekeeping and cleaning duties as well. My physical stamina and endurance help me in assisting patients as they involve in physical therapy or exercise sessions.

I am ready to offer my knowledge of palliative care, infection control, senile dementia, Alzheimer’s management, and infection control skills. I am also well-versed in cooking special meals, and personal hygiene tasks, while maintaining patients’ dignity and privacy at all times. I love helping people in need and understand the value of companionship.

Having said this, I am more than confident that I can very easily meet the standards set by your organization and render my support to your esteemed team. If given an opportunity to meet you in person, I can explain how I can be of use to ***. Hoping to hear from you soon.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

In your Personal Support Worker Cover Letter, talk about your most recent role, and the environment in that you have worked. Also, mention some of your core responsibilities, and biggest accomplishments, and also state how you will add value to the hiring company’s business. Need some tips for writing your resume, refer to our Personal Support Worker Resume Samples !

Customize Personal Support Worker Cover Letter

Get hired faster with our free cover letter template designed to land you the perfect position.

Related Healthcare & Wellbeing Cover Letters

Cover letter examples

Support Worker

In this example, Samantha selected a matching cover letter template that showcases her proven track record as a Support Worker in the UK. This cover letter follows a modern style and clean design, matching her CV.

"Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a deep dedication to providing comprehensive support to children, young adults, and adults. My hands-on experience encompasses delivering clinical, physical, and emotional assistance to individuals, ensuring their comfort and fostering a positive environment for their growth and development."

Table of contents

How to Write a Support Worker Cover Letter

Landing a support worker position requires more than just a good CV ; it demands a well-crafted cover letter that effectively communicates your passion, qualifications, and dedication to making a positive impact on others' lives. As a support worker, empathy and interpersonal skills are paramount; your cover letter serves as the initial gateway to showcase your suitability for the role. 

This article offers insights, tips, and practical advice on how to write a cover letter for a support worker role. Let's delve into the essential elements that will set your cover letter apart and increase your chances of landing more interviews!

Customise this support worker cover letter example

Support worker cover letter example.

In this example, Samantha selected a matching cover letter template that showcases her proven track record as a support worker in the UK. This cover letter follows a modern style and clean design, matching her Support Worker CV .

For a similar example, refer to our care assistant cover letter.

What to include in a support worker cover letter?

A good cover letter should be concise, impactful, and tailored to the specific role you're applying for, whether it is a mental health support worker, disability support worker, general care assistant, or even an internship . Your cover letter should showcase key skills and achievements relevant to the job. For example, generic soft skills for a support worker include but are not limited to empathy, compassion, patience, and listening skills.

Research the company culture before crafting your cover letter and add the skills accordingly, giving yourself an advantage over other candidates.

The structure of a good support worker cover letter is straightforward. Ensure you incorporate the following must-have sections below:

Learn more about different sections in our writing guide on how to structure your cover letter .

How to start a cover letter for a support worker job

Begin your cover letter with a captivating introduction, conveying your excitement for the position and showcasing your qualifications. Ultimately, create a persuasive argument for your ideal fit that grabs the recruiter's attention, enticing them to delve deeper into your application.

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my interest in the Support Worker position at Compassionate Care. As a dedicated professional with over 10 years of experience in providing care and support, coupled with my commitment to fostering a positive environment, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

For more information, refer to how to start a cover letter.

How to write the body of a support worker cover letter 

In the main body of your cover letter, delve into the specifics of your qualifications and experiences, demonstrating how they align with the employer's requirements. Once you have mentioned relevant skills, go even further with this by illustrating your skills with concrete examples. Whether you have 10 years of experience or no experience, it’s important to highlight relevant achievements, be it big or small, articulating how your unique expertise can contribute to the support team. 

Organise this section cohesively for a smooth narrative, addressing job requirements while emphasising your career goals and potential impact on the organisation.

Through my professional journey, I've recognised the importance of clear communication and adaptability, enabling me to navigate complex challenges with precision and flexibility. This collaborative approach has not only resulted in successful outcomes but has also cultivated positive relationships within the teams I've been a part of. Over the course of my career, I have refined my skills in support work through hands-on experiences spanning 5+ years. An outstanding achievement involves leading a team in designing and implementing a client-centric support system for a prominent healthcare facility. This initiative significantly improved patient satisfaction scores by 20% and streamlined support processes, contributing to overall operational efficiency.

How to end a support worker cover letter 

Concluding your cover letter with a compelling and positive closure is essential to making a memorable impact. A similar theme throughout is to keep it clear and concise, where you can express gratitude for the reader's time and consideration. Furthermore, it should convey your eagerness to engage in a more detailed discussion about how your skills align with the organisation's mission during an interview. 

Wrap up proactively by inviting further communication and reinforcing your confidence in making a meaningful contribution to the support team.

I am enthusiastic about the prospect of applying my support worker skills and dedication to enhance the impact of Better Care Support Services. I welcome the opportunity to discuss in depth how my experiences align with the goals of your support team. Enclosed, you will find my CV for your convenience, and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team's success. Sincerely, Katie Davies

How to write a cover letter for a support worker with no experience

To write a cover letter for someone who is just starting out their career or even changing careers , emphasise your relevant academic background, courses , skills, or any applicable hands-on work experiences that underscore your potential.

Start with a concise introduction expressing your keen interest in the support worker role and your eagerness to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context. 

Illustrate how your academic accomplishments and extracurricular involvements have endowed you with the essential skills for the position, laying the groundwork for a compelling discussion in the body of your cover letter.

I am reaching out to express my enthusiasm for the support worker position at Harmony Care Services. Despite lacking direct experience in the field, I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Social Work at the University of London, eager to translate my academic insights into meaningful support for individuals in need. My coursework, particularly in counselling methodologies, human development, and community outreach, has equipped me with a solid foundation. I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute my passion for assisting others to the impactful work at Harmony Care Services. I am confident that my academic background and dedication make me a promising candidate for this support worker role.

Key takeaways 

Crafting a compelling support worker cover letter is essential for making a distinctive impression in your job applications. By incorporating a personalised introduction, highlighting your distinctive strengths, and expressing genuine interest, it ensures that you capture the attention of hiring managers in a competitive job market.

Next steps?  

Explore a range of customised cover letter templates and CV examples designed to suit your career objectives. If you require support, our CV Writing Service is available to streamline the process for your convenience.

What is a good supporting statement for a support worker?

A good supporting statement for a support worker should highlight your compassion, empathy, and commitment to helping others. It should also emphasise relevant skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

How do I write an application letter for support work?

To write an application letter for support work, start by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the position. Detail your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications. Discuss your passion for supporting others and explain why you are a suitable candidate. Close the letter by expressing enthusiasm for an interview.

How do you write a cover letter for a disability support worker?

Like any support worker's cover letter, tailor it with relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. For a disability support worker, key skills include communication, reliability, emotional intelligence, patience, and understanding of different needs.

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Cover Letter for Support Worker: Free Examples and Tips

In this article, we look at how to write a cover letter for a support worker with free examples and tips.

What should you put in a cover letter if this will be your first job? What’s the best way to sound mature and responsible if you are still quite young? Keep reading to find out our top tips for writing a great support worker cover letter.

We have example cover letters from candidates applying to be a support worker with young people, with the elderly in a retirement community and in a residential care home for people with learning difficulties.

Table of Contents

What is a support worker, what should you include in a cover letter for a support worker job, how to write a cover letter for a support worker with no experience.

• Support Worker cover letter Example 1 – Working with young people

Support Worker cover letter Example 2 – A young candidate with no experience

• Support Worker cover letter Example 3- A focus on residential care

FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions

More cover letter examples.

A support worker is a person who provides assistance, care, and empowerment to those with various needs and medical conditions.

These needs can include physical and mental health needs, learning and communication difficulties, autistic spectrum disorders, and more. Support workers are responsible for helping clients stay healthy and active, assisting them with personal hygiene, and helping them communicate and express themselves.

They may also provide advice and information on accessing other services, help clients with daily activities, and maintain records of their support. Support workers’ salaries vary depending on experience.

These could include:

• Safeguarding skills
• Leadership skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Knowledge of health and safety compliance
• Training, mentoring or tutoring skills
• First-aid skills

2. Qualifications

A high school or college diploma and qualifications or certification in any of the skills listed in section 1 will help you to get a support worker job.

3. Soft skills

The skills desired in a support worker include patience, good communication skills and the ability to stay calm in difficult situations.

You should have the ability to work independently and the ability to work as part of a team.

Support workers should have compassion, kindness and be motivated to help people. They need enthusiasm for the role and to show that they share the employer’s work values, culture, and style.

4. Experience

Experience can include care assistance experience, or working in paid or volunteer roles with transferable skills such as teamwork and being highly organised.

For example, ‘I have been a Youth Group Volunteer for several years and also a member of the Big Sister Big Brother program and understand the impact that a positive adult role model can have on youngsters’.

5. Examples of Skills

When writing a cover letter for a support worker role, you need to demonstrate a variety of skills. To stand out from other applicants you should also highlight your education and any relevant experience.

Show how your experience and education make you a great fit for the job and how your skills can help the organization achieve its goals.

For example, ‘I am currently working on my academic coaching skills with a focus on numeracy and literacy and hope that this will be an asset to your home school programme.’

Step 1: Talk about your experience with volunteering, or working in a team at school

Talk about the skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the role, such as knowledge of classroom procedures and knowledge of safeguarding.

Mention that you are task-oriented and a hard worker, and have achieved good results to help others through volunteering and teamwork.

Step 2: Clearly define your relevant skills and experience

Talk about any first aid child care or equality and diversity certifications you may have.

It is also important to highlight your transferable skills and qualifications that are relevant to the role.

If you do not have any professional experience, let the employer know how you have shown the personal skills that are necessary for the industry in other ways, such as supporting a sick relative or babysitting experience.

Lastly, when you finish your letter, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and show your passion for the job. Make it clear you want to learn and you will work very hard.

Step 3: Show off your personality and character

Often, experience is less important to a team leader than a positive, can-do attitude.

Where experience is not a requirement, make sure you impress the recruiter by explaining how hard you will work and how you believe that you will be good at the job because you have a caring, supportive nature and you want to work in a job that helps people.

Support Worker cover letter example 1 – Working with young people

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to apply for the position of Support Worker at the Trensham Young People’s Facility. As a dedicated and passionate individual, I believe I am an excellent candidate for the role.

I provide excellent care to the individuals I am working with. I have excellent physical fitness and the emotional stability required to be successful working with young people, and I am able to remain calm and focused under pressure. I am a highly motivated individual, capable of working one-to-one and as part of a team. I have been a Youth Group Volunteer for several years and also a member of the Big Sister Big Brother program and understand the impact that a positive adult role model can have on youngsters.

I am confident I can provide excellent care to those in my care and am always willing to act on feedback and continue to learn and improve. I am currently working on my academic coaching skills with a focus on numeracy and literacy and hope that this will be an asset to your home school programme.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you in more detail.

[Your Name]

I am writing to apply for the position of Support Worker at Bellevue Retirement Community, and I believe that my experience of volunteering at school and in the community could make me a positive addition to the team. I have always wanted to work with people and I am a quick learner and committed to developing my skillset.

I understand that a support worker must be patient, respectful and compassionate and I look forward to the opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues. You will find that I am a highly motivated self-starter who is always the first to volunteer for any task. At school, I won a citizenship award for fundraising and I take pride in surpassing any targets I am set in order to help the team.

I would welcome the opportunity to interview and learn more about the role. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Support Worker cover letter example 3- A focus on residential care

Dear (Hiring manager),

I am writing to apply for the post of Support Worker at Crane House. I am an empathetic and committed support worker with three years of experience working in residential care homes with people with learning disabilities. I believe strongly that all residents should have the opportunity to be part of a strong community and contribute to wider society and I do everything I can to support and encourage the residents in my care to lead enjoyable and fulfilling lives.

In my current role as Support Worker, I supervise meal times and the communal housework rota as well as organising monthly excursions. This involves coordinating staff and volunteers and making sure that everyone has accurate information and can contact me at all times during the trip for support. My favourite destinations include the local safari park and the Art Attack project.

I am confident that my experience and positive attitude make me a strong candidate for the Support Worker position. Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to the opportunity to meet your team.

Some of these questions were already covered in this blog post but I will still list them here (because not everyone carefully reads every paragraph) so here’s the TL;DR version

What should a cover letter for a support worker include?

A cover letter for a support worker should include an introduction that outlines your reasons for applying for the role, as well as your qualifications and relevant experiences.

What qualifications should a support worker have?

A support worker should have a high school diploma or equivalent. In some cases, a college degree may also be required.

Mention any other qualifications such as First Aid training certificates or exam passes in languages other than English.

How do I write a cover letter for a support worker job advert?

• Start off with an introduction that outlines your reasons for applying for the role and why you are the best candidate for the job.
• Read through the job advert and identify the requirements outlined and how you will meet them. Explain how your experience and qualifications make you a suitable candidate for the role.
• Mention why you are passionate about being a support worker. Demonstrate your understanding of the responsibilities of the role.
• Highlight your communication skills and how you can build relationships with people. Explain how you are able to effectively listen and empathize with individuals who require support.
• Summarize your past experiences, qualifications and education that make you a suitable candidate for the role. Showcase how your skills and experience will help you succeed as a support worker.

What personal qualities should a support worker demonstrate?

Personal qualities, including patience, good communication skills and the ability to stay calm in difficult situations, will impress the hiring manager.

Also, the ability to work independently or as part of a team and a friendly and empathetic personality is a plus.

What else should I consider when sending a cover letter for a support worker?

When sending a cover letter for a support worker, it is important to consider the following:

• Include a sentence or two about your work philosophy.
• Explain why you want this job.
• Focus on skills that you can show a record of excellence in.
• Match the format and design of your cover letter to the format and design of your resume.
• Use your unique voice in your writing.
• Keep it free of grammar and spelling mistakes.
• Use keywords or phrases that match the job listing.
• Offer insight into why working as a support worker is the right career step for you.
• Show your personal interest in the role.
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CDC: Second human infected with bird flu linked to U.S. dairy cows

The U.S. has documented the second case of bird flu in 2024 , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.

Health officials identified the avian influenza case in a Michigan dairy farm worker. This is the second time a person working with dairy cows has developed the virus. The infection appears to have developed under similar circumstances as it did in March for a farm worker at a dairy in Texas . 

A nasal swab from the infected person in Michigan tested negative for influenza, however, an eye swab from the patient tested positive for bird flu, indicating an eye infection, the CDC said in a news release. The infected person in the Texas case also showed only eye symptoms.

Bird flu: WHO's top scientist sounds alarm about bird flu and need for vaccine development

Although the two cases happened within a relatively short period, officials at the CDC said the new case doesn’t change their assessment that the risk to human health remains low. 

It’s unclear when the person contracted bird flu and the CDC did not provide further details about the worker. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also declined to provide more information about the new case, due to labor and farm privacy concerns.

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director for CDC, said the federal agency received the samples from the Michigan worker on Tuesday and reported the positive results that night. Genetic sequencing for the virus in the new case is pending.

The Michigan worker had worked on a farm that was actively monitoring for infected livestock. The person reported symptoms via text message, mentioning they had eye redness, Shah said.

Although the two cases in Texas and Michigan happened over a couple of months, officials at the CDC said the new case doesn’t change their assessment that the risk to human health remains low. Shah explained some key epidemiological factors of transmission, namely how close dairy workers are to animals when they work with cows.

“We were not surprised to find that there is and was a second case,” Shah told reporters Wednesday afternoon. “It does not change our assessment of the risk overall.”

Still, the CDC has recommended precautions that people exposed to infected birds or livestock should take. The guidance calls for the use of personal protective equipment, or PPE, such as goggles, N95 masks and gloves.

Officials in Michigan said they had initiated “a swift public health response" and began tracking the situation closely after influenza A, or H5N1, was detected in local poultry and dairy herds."

"Farmworkers who have been exposed to impacted animals have been asked to report even mild symptoms, and testing for the virus has been made available,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for Michigan, said in a statement. “The current health risk to the general public remains low. This virus is being closely monitored, and we have not seen signs of sustained human-to-human transmission at this point."

The U.S. saw its first known bird flu case in 2022 , but the virus in that case wasn't contracted from dairy cows. An incarcerated Colorado man who had been slaughtering chickens was presumed to have gotten H5N1 from the birds, according to a ⁠ CDC news release at the time. The man's only symptom was fatigue and he recovered after being treated with an influenza antiviral drug.

In the 2024 outbreak, 40 people have been tested for bird flu, Shah said. And about 170 people are enrolled in the active monitoring system, officials said.

Federal health and agriculture officials implemented an order in late April restricting the movement of cattle from infected states. The order also required testing, reporting positive results and genetic sequencing.

On Wednesday, Eric Deeble, deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said the federal agency has moved to expand financial support to dairy farms that have not had infected cows as a matter of biosecurity and in hopes of reducing the risk of spreading the virus. The USDA will also cover the cost of testing and shipping of test results. For farms that have had herds infected with H5N1, the agency plans to compensate farmers for the loss of income from milk cows that don’t produce due to illness, Deeble said. These payments will be retroactive, Deeble said.

Dawn O'Connell, assistant secretary for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, said the agency was working to supplement PPE stockpiles in five states, and making Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, available to jurisdictions that don’t have a stockpile. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the strategic response team, has also begun the fill-and-finish process for approximately 4.8 million doses of vaccine matched to the current circulating strain of H5N1, through the National Pre-pandemic Influenza Vaccine Stockpile Program. They have not begun to distribute the shots.

O'Connell said readiness is the goal: "This step further strengthens our preparedness posture."

Second human case of bird flu detected in Michigan dairy worker

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A second human case of bird flu in a diary worker has been confirmed in Michigan, state and federal health officials announced Wednesday.

The symptoms were mild, consisting of conjunctivitis. The Texas dairy worker who contracted the virus in March also came down with pink eye.

At a press call on Wednesday, Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the finding was “not unexpected” and that it was a scenario “that we had been preparing for.”

He said that since the discovery of H5N1 in dairy cattle, state and federal health officials have been closely monitoring farmworkers and slaughterhouse workers and urging farmers and farmworker organizations to “be alert, not alarmed.”

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Federal officials say they still believe the human health risk of bird flu is low; however, it underscores the need for people who are interacting with infected or potentially infected farm animals or birds to take precautions, including avoiding dead animals and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) if there’s a need to be in close contact.

Though a nasal swab from the person in Michigan tested negative for influenza, an eye swab from the patient was shipped to the CDC and tested positive for influenza A(H5N1) virus.

This is the third case of H5N1 reported in the United States. A poultry worker in Colorado was identified in 2022.

Although the symptoms in the three farmworkers in the U.S. have been mild, people elsewhere in the world have suffered more severe illness, including death. According to the World Health Organization, between Jan. 1, 2003, and March 28, 2024, there have been 888 cases of human infection from 23 countries; 463 were fatal.

In preparation for a more widespread outbreak, the CDC updated its guidance for PPE in dairies and issued a nationwide order for healthcare providers to be on the lookout for novel influenza.

On Tuesday, the CDC asked clinical laboratories and health departments to increase the number of influenza samples being analyzed “to maximize the likelihood of catching a case of H5N1 in the community,” Shah said.

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The US Department of Agriculture is also expanding its surveillance and support by providing $1500 to non-infected farms to beef up biosecurity, and $100 to producers who want to buy inline samplers to test their milk. The agency will also provide $2000 per farm to cover veterinary fees for testing, as well as shipping costs to send those tests to laboratories for analysis.

There have been no cases of H5N1 detected in California’s dairy herds.

Officials said ongoing analysis of the nation’s dairy supply suggests it is safe to consume, Despite the risk to human health being low, an official with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response said it will make Tamiflu available upon request “to jurisdictions that do not have their own stockpile and are responding to pre-symptomatic persons with exposure to confirmed or suspected infected birds, cattle or other animal exposures.”

Dawn O’Connell, assistant secretary of the preparedness agency, said it started the “fill and finish” process for approximately 4.8 million doses of vaccine “that is well matched to the currently circulating strain of H5N1 through the national pre-pandemic influenza vaccine stockpile program.”

She said the decision to get started on H5N1 vaccines was not a response to any heightened concern, but since it takes several months to fill and finish vaccine doses, the agency “thought it made sense given what we were seeing.”

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Susanne Rust is an award-winning investigative reporter specializing in environmental issues. She is based in the Bay Area.

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