Social Care Information
Choosing a career in Social Services
Over 164,000 people work in Social Services in Scotland and there are more than 25,000 early education and childcare workers.
A career in Social Services can be challenging and satisfying as it covers many different aspects of society. Social Service workers help both individuals and families to make choices and improve their lives by giving practical help and support in times of crisis. Most people value their independence so staff work closely with other professionals to support vulnerable children and adults, in need or at risk, to remain in their own homes and communities. A Social Service worker must be able to establish relationships and learn to overcome barriers to communication with people of all ages, backgrounds and with different needs.
What do Social Service workers do?
There is a wide range of services including children and families, older people, people with mental health problems, physical or learning difficulties, substance abuse, those who experience homelessness or whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS. Some choose to work in youth and criminal justice services, adoption and fostering or with refugees and asylum seekers. Other people choose to work in the early years field, which includes early education and childcare.
What is Social Care?
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 a few examples of the type of work you can do in social care:
Social Work (or Community Care) Assistant
Social Work Assistants usually work within a team alongside qualified Social Workers or Occupational Therapists. Work can be varied and can include supporting social work functions in the fields of community care, 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 to vulnerable people in the community, or others who rely on help to live at home or in a homely environment.
Independent Living
Personal Assistants work with vulnerable people to provide practical support. They help people affected by disability or mental health issues 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 and need to be assisted in the tasks of daily living.
Housing Support Services
Housing Support Workers provide general advice, assistance and support to help people move into and/or to continue to live in their own homes.
Day Care Services
Day Care workers provide services to older people, people with learning disabilities, mental health problems, physical disabilities and young offenders. Day Care workers provide a supportive environment in which people can take part in activities, meet other people and learn skills that could lead to greater independence.
It is more than just a job
Working in this sector is more than just a job. Your career can grow and develop as you take advantage of the many opportunities available. A sector with this range of jobs allows for rapid career progression and advancement.
The current drive to provide high quality Social Services means recruiting a qualified and professional workforce. Social Service workers and employers now have a Code of Practice and will have to register as a Social Service Worker in a similar way to Nurses, Teachers and Doctors.
There is a new BA (Honours) Degree in Social Work and new qualifications for Social Care (HNC) and Early Years (HNC) and so by choosing a career in Social Services, you are entering a dynamic and rewarding profession.
Finding a job in Social Care
Many jobs within Social Care, particularly in residential care, need people who can work flexible hours. There are opportunities to work on a part-time basis, or work particular times to fit in with your commitments. You should ask about this when you apply for a job.
Gaining a qualification (Access, NC or HNC in Social Care) or experience of the Social Care sector through voluntary work or a college placement will increase your options when it comes to applying for a job.
If you feel you have the essential skills and abilities to help then you should consider a career within Social Care.
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