In the UK, the funding provisions for Health and Social Care is proving to be one of the most heated debates regarding changes to the NHS over the next few years. The National Institute for Social Work (NISW) defines Social Care as services which help people who need extra practical and physical help live their lives more comfortably, while maintaining their independence. Social Care encompasses a huge range of services, from ‘Meals on Wheels’ services for the elderly, to live-in carers for those who have severe mental and physical health problems, to fully-fledged care homes for communities of elderly or disabled people. There are many different jobs available within social care, so carers can choose a sector that complements their individual skills and lifestyle.
Social Care Sectors
Social Care is a very expansive sector of work, and many carers begin their careers by choosing a demographic to care for based on their previous skills or experiences. For example, someone having grown up with a relative or friend with mental and learning disabilities such as Autism, Agoraphobia, Depression or Anxiety may want to work within mental health, whether that be as a home visitor, teaching assistant in a special needs school, or in a psychiatric care home. Other big areas for care are older people with physical needs or mental problems such as Dementia, for whom care jobs are increasingly in demand; people who are recovering from drug and alcohol addictions, victims of abuse, physically disabled children and adults, former prisoners, and foster children.
Benefits of Social Care Work
Most people who choose to become Social Carers do so because they want to help people, as care work is a very empathetic job – Skills for Care UK reports that 96% of Social Care Workers feel that their work makes a real difference to individuals and communities. In addition to its emotional rewards, there is also lots of room for progression up the career ladder, with a variety of entry-level and managerial roles available. Furthermore, because care work is needed around the clock (dependent on position), you can find full and part time roles that aren’t typical working hours, allowing you a degree of flexibility in choosing hours to suit your other commitments, such as studies or family commitments.
Getting Qualified
The Guardian’s experts recommend looking for voluntary experience within your desired sector to see how well matched you are to this kind of work first. Many entry-level care jobs just require this kind of experience, after which you can build your qualifications with a Health and Social Care diploma. You will also need to get an extended DRB check, as you will be working with vulnerable people.
606 total views, 8 views today