Following consultation with the sector, the SSSC has now approved recommendations for the qualification requirements for managers of a Care at Home service. The recommendations were informed by feedback received throughout the consultation process, including an analysis of completed questionnaires, narrative responses and views expressed at regional events.

The recommendations incorporated suggestions from the sector in relation to the functional definition of manager of a care at home service and manager of a housing support service.

All comments about professional and management qualifications were analysed and considered. The approved list sets the benchmark qualifications for the sector and is aligned to qualifications for comparable registration categories.

The qualifications criteria for managers of a housing support service will be updated to reflect revised frameworks. This will result in the removal of two qualifications from the list because they will not be available to the sector from December 2010.

The SSSC will continue to accept the awards for anyone who has already acquired them or is working towards them when the register opens.

Functional definition of manager of a care at home service

A manager is a worker who is responsible for the overall professional management of the direct provision, supervision, and quality assurance of care and support provided in a care at home service.

A care at home service is a Support Service which provides care and support in a person's own home.

Functional definition of manager of a housing support service

A Manager is a worker who is responsible for the overall professional management of the direct provision, supervision, and quality assurance of care and support provided in a housing support service.

Qualification criteria for a manager of a care at home service

• Honours degree in Social Work or equivalent qualification.
• S/NVQ level 4 in Health and Social Care.
• S/NVQ level 4 in Care
• Degree or diploma in Community Education or equivalent, as recognised by the Standards Council for Community Learning Approvals Committee.
• A qualification meeting the registration requirements of the General Teaching Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, General Medical Council, the following professional groups regulated by the Health Professional Council:
  • Occupational therapists
  • Arts, Music and Drama Therapists
  • Physiotherapists
  • Speech and Language Therapists.
• A qualification meeting the requirements for chartered registration with the British Psychological Society in the divisions listed in appendix 1.

PLUS one of the following

• SVQ Level 4 Leadership and Management for Care Services.
• Any award in management of 60 credits at or above SCQF level 8 that is mapped against the Leadership and Management for Care Services National Occupational Standards.

Updating qualifications for a manager of a housing support service

The following qualifications will be removed from the list for managers of a housing support service within an agreed timescale.

• VRQ level 4(SCQF level 7) CIH Certificate in Housing - Supported Housing Pathway.
• VRQ level 4 (SCQF level 8) CIH Diploma in Housing.

If you would like further information about the qualification criteria contact Linda Barr, Education and Workforce Development Adviser, at linda.barr@sssc.uk.com