Working in social care
A career in social care allows you to contribute to making people’s lives better every day with not one day being the same. Whether you’re new to care or have years of experience, the Bradford District SkillsHouse service can help you achieve this.
What is it like working in social care?
Social care offers flexibility and a variety of roles in different locations. You could choose to do anything from working in residential care – supporting people in nursing/care homes or helping someone to live independently in their own home.
You may support a range of people at any stage of life who need support, including adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, dementia and other mental health conditions.
Different roles can include:
- personal assistants
- chefs
- managers and supervisors
- ancillary roles such as housekeeping, domestic, laundry and catering assistants
- supporting people with social and physical activities including eating and drinking, washing and dressing, undertaking basic medical checks, supervising medication, physical and mental stimulation.
The video below showcases the many different job roles in supporting people’s health and wellbeing.
Through support, understanding and team work, you will be making a real difference to people’s lives. More information on these roles and many others can be found on the Skills for Care website.
What skills or qualifications do I need?
As a care worker the most important skills you need are: –
- Kindness, patience and compassion
- Ability to understand and follow procedures
- Respectful, sensitive and caring
- Good communication and listening skills
- Good English, Maths and organisational skills
You may also need a care qualification such as the Care Certificate which includes basic food hygiene, manual handling and health and safety and GCSE Maths and English. But don’t worry if you don’t have these qualifications as you can be supported towards getting these whilst working.
Benefits of Working on Social Care
- Helping clients to maintain their independence
- The satisfaction of knowing you have helped someone who needs you
- Enabling them to improve their quality of life
- Ongoing careers progression including training, qualifications and personal development
- Flexible working hours to fit round your other commitments
To find out how to kick-start your new career in social care, find an exciting list of available vacancies through the following sites:
If you need more guidance and support on how to get in to the care sector, then please contact SkillsHouse, where a passionate and skilled team are waiting for your call – telephone 01274 437373 or email skillshouse@bradford.gov.uk.
