Choosing Your Role in Care

One of the best things about social care is its variety, whether you want to work directly with people, support behind the scenes, or take on leadership responsibilities, there’s a role for you.

Here are some of the main options:

Care Assistant or Support Worker

The heart of social care: providing hands-on support with daily living such as meals, personal care, medication, and companionship. You’ll help people maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life. Ideal if you’re compassionate, patient, and enjoy building meaningful relationships. Options available both on site or in the community.

Further video suggestions:

· Support worker day in life: https://youtu.be/sjnULj6yzbk

Senior Care Worker

A step up from care assistant, often with added responsibilities such as supervising staff, coordinating shifts, and liaising with healthcare professionals. You’ll combine direct care with leadership skills. Great if you’d like to take on more responsibility while still working closely with people

Team Leader or Deputy Manager

Responsible for overseeing staff teams, rotas, and day-to-day operations within a service. Involved in mentoring staff, ensuring care standards are met, and supporting the registered manager. A good choice if you have strong organisational and leadership skills.

Registered Manager

The most senior role within a care service, accountable for the overall quality of care, compliance with regulations, and staff wellbeing. Involves strategic planning, budgeting, and working closely with inspectors such as the CQC. Perfect if you want a leadership role with real influence on standards of care.

Area Manager / Service Manager

Oversee multiple services across a locality or organisation. Responsible for consistency of care, staff recruitment, and long-term development. A role for experienced managers looking to have wider impact.

Catering & Domestic Staff

Vital roles in maintaining the wellbeing and comfort of people in care. Catering staff provide nutritious meals that meet individual dietary needs. Domestic staff keep care environments clean, safe, and welcoming. Great if you prefer a more practical, hands-on role that still directly improves quality of life.

Administrative & Office Roles

Ensure services run smoothly behind the scenes: scheduling staff, handling payroll, processing records, and communicating with families. Ideal for those with strong organisational and IT skills who want to support care indirectly.

Activities Coordinator

Focused on designing and delivering activities that promote wellbeing, creativity, and social interaction. From arts and crafts to outings and exercise sessions, you’ll make a real difference to people’s day-to-day joy. Perfect if you’re energetic, creative, and love engaging with people.

Specialist Roles

Nursing Roles in Social Care

Nursing plays a vital role in social care, helping to bridge the gap between health and care services. Nurses bring clinical expertise, leadership, and a person-centred approach to support individuals with complex health needs.

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses in social care work with people, families, and professionals to promote health and wellbeing. They assess, plan, and review care while monitoring quality and ensuring safe, effective practice. These roles involve decision making, coordination with other care staff, and taking responsibility for the overall standard of nursing care.

Nursing Assistant

Nursing associates provide essential support to registered nurses and care teams. They help deliver and monitor care, ensuring that people’s needs are met effectively and safely. This role is ideal for those who want to progress towards becoming a registered nurse while gaining practical experience.

Specialist Nursing Roles

Specialist nurses may focus on areas such as learning disabilities, dementia care, or mental health. These roles require in-depth knowledge and skills to support individuals with complex or specific needs. They also play an important part in staff training and service development, ensuring the highest standards of care.