Why choose a career in care?
“The care team is less a group of colleagues and more like a family, where everyone contributes a vital role and is committed to the same outcome: to provide excellent care to their clients and go beyond what is expected of them every single day” WSPiC accolades nomination, 2022
Working in care, no two days are the same. The number and variety of roles available may surprise you!
Besides the huge positivity you’ll feel from making a difference to someone else’s life, there are so many opportunities to develop new skills and progress in your career. Care is often 24/7, so the hours on offer are varied and very often flexible to suit your lifestyle.
What kind of roles are available?
There are so many different job roles available in the social care sector- you could work in a support worker or care assistant role, finance or administration, you could work in the kitchen or in a domestic role. There are different levels of management too: you could use your skills to become a deputy manager, registered manager or an area manager looking after a number of services.
Where could I work?
The possibilities are endless! Working in social care means you may find a role that suits you in the community, a care or nursing home, a hospice, an office or in someone’s own home.
There are a variety of different services in the social care sector:
-residential and nursing homes
-home care services
-supported living for people with a learning disability
-extra care services
How can I develop my skills?
One of the great things about working in social care is the opportunity to learn whilst on the job! When you start working in social care, part of your induction may be undertaking the Care Certificate, which outlines the minimum standards of working. This includes things like First Aid, Fluids and Nutrition, Communication and more.
There are also qualifications on offer, including QCF levels 2, 3 4 and 5 in Health and Social Care, and standalone courses such as Mental Health Awareness, Business and Administration and Stroke Awareness. Many care services nominate ‘Champions’, which means you can learn more about a topic you are interested in, and use your knowledge to support other staff, service users and ways of working in the service.
Support for social care workers
“Not only do I feel like I’m giving something back but the people I care for give so much to me too. I feel so valued and appreciated, I wouldn’t go back to working in retail now.” Lesley, care assistant
The Care Workers Charity promote the financial, professional and mental wellbeing of care workers
Anyone working in social care can apply for a Blue Light Card, which offers exclusive discounts and offers with online and high street retailers.
Frontline 19 offers confidential psychological support for people working in the NHS & frontline services.
Applying for a role in social care
As well as job pages such as Indeed, it’s also worth looking to see if your college or university has a jobs board too!
The Proud to Care website has a host of information if you’re looking for a job in care, including:
– Frequently asked questions
– Employment support
– Careers in Care booklet
Proud to Care also publish job listings in your local area!
Follow us on Facebook! We regularly post job openings across West Sussex
New! The Great Care Employer
This new scheme has been developed by a group of care providers in collaboration with West Sussex County Council and West Sussex Partners in Care.
It has been developed with key objectives in mind:
- To offer transparency; job seekers can see which benefits are provided and which are not
- To help tackle myths about working in the care sector and improve interest in careers in social care
- To give care companies an opportunity to showcase what a great employer they are, and provide a benchmark of best practice for care recruiters in West Sussex
The scheme lists a range of potential ‘offers’ from care providers, each falling into one of four themes:
- Pay & Benefits
- Job Security & Flexibility
- Learning & Development
- Supported & Valued
If you are looking for a care employer, you can compare their offers and how their employees are supported on the Proud to Care website.