Social care is a career which suits many people at different stages of their lives and it offers a challenging, rewarding and flexible career. Care workers provide support and can help people to lead an active and integrated life in society. There are a range of services across the sector working with children, adults and older people.
- Many provide home care or work in residential care homes for children and adults or with people with alcohol or drug problems.
- Others choose to work with children, families and young people or people with disabilities.
You don't always have to have a social care qualification to start your career because you will be required to do work-based qualifications once you start working. These qualifications go up to management level. There are also a range of degrees and NVQ level qualifications. Many people enter social care with minimum qualifications and go on to do part time degree and other courses.
Social care workers will:
Whatever your circumstances, a career in social care is what you make it.
Here are some examples of the type of work you can do in social care:
Social Work Assistant/Care Manager
Social Work Assistants/Care Managers usually work within a team alongside qualified Social Workers. Work will be varied and can include supporting social work functions such as criminal justice, children and families and other frontline services. Social Work Assistants/Care Managers will often have a social care qualification such as an NVQ in Social Care.
Home Care Assistant
Home care workers give the practical support and regular personal contact that can matter so much to vulnerable people, or others who rely on help to live at home.
Adult Residential Care/Supported Accommodation
Residential care staff provides support to users of services who are no longer able to cope in their own homes.
Day Care Services
Day service workers provide services to older people, people with learning disabilities, mental health problems, physical disabilities and young offenders. Day service workers provide a supportive environment in which they can take part in activities, meet people and learn skills that could lead to greater independence.
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