Social care workers will:

• be willing to gain work based qualifications
• be able to work flexible hours
• be caring and patient
• be responsible
• be able to communicate well with others
• work as part of a team
• understand the needs of others
• be considerate and help people to maintain dignity.

Here are some examples of the type of work you can do in social care:

Social work assistant

Social work assistants 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 will often have a social care qualification such as an HNC in Social Care and SVQs at various levels.

Home care/care at home

Home care workers and day centre assistants 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.

Independent living

Personal assistants work with vulnerable people to provide practical support. They help disabled people to gain control of their own lives.

Adult residential care/supported accommodation

Residential care staff provide support to users of services who are no longer able to cope in their own homes.

Housing support services

Housing support workers provide general advice, assistance, counselling and support to help people move into and/or to continue to live 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.