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(1)

It’s hard work,

demanding and

challenging. It’s also

rewarding, satisfying

and worthwhile.

Your guide to a career in

social care, social work

and healthcare.

(2)

1.

your future starts here

4

2.

job roles

6

3.

qualification grid

8

4.

career routes

10

5.

frequently asked questions

16

6.

your next step

18

3

c o n t e n ts

(3)

1.

your future starts here

Are you interested in a challenging and

rewarding career? Do you want to make a

difference to people’s lives?

Then consider

working in social care, social work or in the health sector.

This booklet describes the training you can do to support

your chosen career path.

4

your future starts here

(4)

If all this is you - then a career in

health and social care may be just

what you're looking for.

There is a huge range of jobs open to you, with many offering flexible hours that might suit you better than the conventional nine to five. You could also choose to work part time. But however you choose to work you will be doing a job that is varied and

worthwhile. There are entry routes available for people of all ages and all levels of experience. Entrants to the workforce

include those starting work for the first time, those returning to work after a break and those looking for a change of career. The most important qualities you need are an interest in people and a respect for what makes them special.

are you ...?

A good communicator

Keen to learn

Compassionate

Positive

Patient

Cool under pressure

Interested in people

Keen on being part of a valued

service

do you want a career

that offers ...?

Job satisfaction

Good long term employment

prospects

Good training leading to

recognised qualifications and

career progression

The chance to make a real

difference to people’s lives

Working environments to suit

your preference

A range of opportunities and a real

future

A job where every day is different

Jeff Wheelwright

Social Care

Broker

Jeff helps employers to invest in their

staff by giving advice on training

and development. Employed by the sector skills council, Skills for Care, his job is to work with all agencies to achieve a competent, qualified workforce.

Jeff started work in the care sector 29 years ago after completing a BA Degree in Politics. He explains: "I was drawn to residential care after a holiday job in a geriatric hospital. I thought there were things we could do better to improve the quality of life for service users. I still think that today – we can always improve, but I am proud of many of the changes I have seen over my working life.”

After working as a care assistant in a residential home Jeff moved into

fieldwork. He was paid by his employer to train to be a social worker and has since worked in a wide variety of care settings and roles, including direct work,

management & teaching. Jeff explains: “There are always opportunities for people who want to work in the care sector. You can develop both your career and your lifestyle in line with your own interests. Experience & qualifications are in demand throughout the UK - my own family has enjoyed living in Scotland and Northumberland before settling back in East Yorkshire.” Jeff concludes: “What’s great about working in social care is that you can make a real difference to someone’s quality of life. It’s a big responsibility and the rewards, in terms of job satisfaction, are second to none.”

5

your future starts here

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about social care

Working in social care will give you the opportunity to help many different people lead fulfilling lives. You could choose to support older people and work as a home care assistant or in a residential care home. Other jobs include working with children, families and young people and people with physical or learning disabilities.

Home Care Assistants

give the practical support and regular human contact that matter so much to older people, or others who rely on help to live at home. Providing someone with care in their own home gives them dignity and independence. Home carers provide assistance with a wide range of tasks including washing, dressing and making meals.

Residential Care

can become the best solution for people who, because of age or physical or learning disabilities are no longer able to cope in their own home. Sometimes children also need to move into residential homes. Staff work to create safe, clean and homely environments where people can live in comfort and are treated with dignity.

Working in the Community

can mean working as part of an outreach team, for example, visiting homes where parents are finding it difficult to cope with their children, helping people who are involved in drug or alcohol misuse or helping someone with a learning disability who is living

independently for the first time.

Useful Weblinks

www.socialcarecareers.co.uk

www.skillsforcare.co.uk

2. job roles

Binoy and

Syamkumar

Senior Care

Officers

Binoy and Syamkumar are senior care

officers at The Old School House and Courtyard Nursing Home in Gilberdyke. They came to England from Southern India approximately 3 months ago.

Binoy explains: “We completed a 3 year general nursing course in India and have over 4 years practical experience of nursing. We came here to experience the lifestyle and to earn money.”

Binoy and Syamkumar work full-time looking after elderly residents with dementia.

Syamkumar says: “The job is very rewarding, everyone is different and you finish your day knowing you have made a difference to someone’s quality of life. The important thing is making sure people have as much dignity as possible.”

Binoy and Syamkumar are in England on a 2 year work permit after which they hope to return to India.

Binoy concludes: “This is a great place to work. The job is very good and we enjoy working here. The most important part of the job is knowing that we are helping to improve the quality of people’s lives.”

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job roles

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about social work

As a social worker you are a professional doing a varied and worthwhile job which focuses on improving people’s well-being. Your daily activities can be extremely

rewarding because you spend much of your time helping vulnerable people to make crucial decisions and to regain control of their lives. Social work involves engaging not only with clients themselves, but with their families and friends as well as working closely with other organisations including the police, the health service, schools and the probation service. Social work offers the opportunity to work in different settings with different client groups.

Adult Services

can include working with people with mental health problems or learning disabilities in residential care; working with offenders, by supervising them in the community and supporting them to find work; assisting people with HIV/AIDS and working with older people at home, helping to sort out problems with their health, housing or benefits.

Children, Families and Young

People’s Services

can include providing assistance and advice to keep families together; working in children's homes; managing adoption and foster care processes; providing support to younger people leaving care or who are at risk or in trouble with the law; or helping children who have problems at school or are facing difficulties brought on by illness in the family.

As a social worker you have scope to manage your own time and make your own decisions. It's all about improving people’s lives and helping them to make choices.

Useful Weblinks

www.socialworkcareers.co.uk

www.gscc.org.uk

www.dh.gov.uk

about health

The health service offers a wide range of employment opportunities for many people.

Allied Health Professionals

(AHPs) work with children and adults of all ages who are ill or have disabilities or special needs. Their skills and expertise can often be a significant factor in helping people to recover movement or mobility, overcome visual problems, improve nutritional status, develop communication abilities or restore confidence.

The Dental Team

includes dentists, dental nurses, hygienists, technicians and

therapists who diagnose and provide treatment for a range of problems affecting the mouth, teeth and gums.

Doctors

diagnose, care for and treat illnesses, infections and diseases. As a doctor you have to examine the symptoms presented by a patient and consider a range of possible diagnoses of their cause.

Nurses

care for adults or children, or those with mental health and learning disabilities. Or you may wish to support women with their pregnancies and train to be a midwife.

Healthcare Scientists

help to prevent, diagnose and treat illness using scientific knowledge and technical skills, whether it's preparing an operating room for transplant surgery or analysing tissue samples.

The Wider Healthcare Team

are the people who work behind the scenes to ensure that the health service can function. They maintain buildings, provide catering, run the clinical supply service, handle administration and much more. There are over 70 professions within the National Health Service (NHS).

Useful Weblinks

www.nhscareers.nhs.uk

www.careersinhealth.org.uk

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job roles

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If you want to take your job further

there will be an opportunity to gain

more skills and professional

qualifications.

There are different levels of qualification suitable for every stage of your career.

Level 1

is introductory, for those new to working in a particular area. It covers

routine tasks and develops basic knowledge and understanding.

Level 2

qualifications recognise the ability to perform varied tasks with some guidance or supervision and enable you to gain a good knowledge and understanding.

Level 3

is for those who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and supervising others, for example, a senior care assistant.

Level 4

is for experienced practitioners and managers who carry out complex and non-routine tasks.

Level 5 and above

involves personal autonomy and significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of resources.

You can now gain a recognised qualification in a way that suits you. There are two main ways to train for a qualification: you can study whilst you work or undertake a course of study. This could be, for example, at a local venue, at a sixth form college, at a further or higher education college, through distance learning or e-learning.

The qualification grid on the opposite page shows some of the different jobs available and links key roles and qualification levels.

3. qualification grid

Carol Wilson

Deputy Manager

Carol started work in the care sector 10 years ago as a domestic assistant and never imagined then that she would

progress to deputy manager.

Carol explains: “I was looking to return to work after having my children. I had worked in shops and factories but my sisters suggested I try working in a care home. I started work in the laundry room and would talk to the residents as I returned their clothes. I soon realised that I wanted to work more closely with the people living in the home.”

With the support of her manager and her employer, HICA Care Homes, Carol has accessed first class training to support her career. She has passed a 10-month management skills programme, is an NVQ assessor, is currently working toward an NVQ level 4 in Health and Social Care and is hoping to start the Registered Manager’s Award in the very near future. Carol continues: “My next goal is to progress to manager.”

Carol explains: “I love working with older people with memory impairment. Every person is unique and no two days are the same. I love knowing that I am helping to improve somebody’s quality of life. The job can be hard work and

emotional but the rewards are immense. Ten years ago I never thought I’d be where I am today.”

8

qualification grid

(8)

Level 1 BTEC Introductory Certificate in Health & Social Care

GNVQ Foundation Health &

Social Care

Level 1 / 2

GCSE Health & Social Care

(Double Award)

Level 2 GNVQ Intermediate Health & Social Care

BTEC First Certificate & Diploma in Health & Social Care

Social Care Cadet Programme

Care Assistant

Support Worker

Home Carer

Health Assistant

NVQ level 2 in Health & Social Care

Health & Social Care Apprenticeship

Level 3 GCE Health & Social Care (Double Award)

BTEC National Diploma in Health

Studies

Certificate in Working with People

with Learning Disabilities

NHS Cadet Programme Care Officer Senior Care Officer Senior Support / Programme Worker Assistant Healthcare Worker NVQ level 3 in Health

& Social Care (Adults)

NVQ level 3 in Health & Social Care (Children & Young People)

Health & Social Care Advanced Apprenticeship

Level 4 BTEC Higher National Certificate & Diploma in Health & Social Care

Assessors NVQ Award Verifiers NVQ Award Care Coordinator Residential / Domiciliary Deputy Manager Residential / Domiciliary Manager Team Leader

NVQ level 4 in Health & Social Care (Adults)

NVQ level 4 in Health & Social Care (Children & Young People)

NVQ level 4 in Managers

in Residential Child Care

NVQ level 4 Registered

Managers Award Adults

Level 4,5,6

Foundation Degree in Health &

Community Care Services

Diploma in Higher Education /

Registered Nurse

Advanced Diploma in Higher

Education / Registered Nurse

BA / Diploma in Social Work

MA in Social Work

BA (Hons) Managing Health &

Social Care Services

BSc (Hons) Nursing BSc (Hons) Midwifery Medical Training Social Worker Nurse Midwife Allied Health Professional Doctor

Level Job Roles Vocationally Related Qualifications Occupational Qualifications

This table is subject to changes. For the most up-to-date information on qualifications available ask your employer or contact your local training provider.

9

qualification grid

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A) Still at school or aged

between 14 and 19?

There are many career paths available. Ask your careers adviser which one of these is best for you.

GCSE in Health and Social Care

(Double Award)

this GCSE is the

equivalent of 2 traditional GCSEs. GCSEs are widely available to 14-19 year olds and are often used as an entry requirement for level 3 study.

BTEC Introductory Certificate in

Health and Social Care and GNVQ

Foundation in Health and Social Care

these qualifications are at level 1 and will help you to go on to higher level

qualifications, such as GCEs or A Levels or an Intermediate GNVQ in Health and Social Care. Alternatively, you can go straight into work.

GCE Health and Social Care (Double

Award)

is a level 3, 2 year, course and is equivalent to 2 A levels.This qualification helps you to go either straight in to employment or on to higher education in any field related to nursing or health and social care. The award includes a variety of work placements, which provides you with the opportunity to gain experience in

different areas of health and social care and different work settings.

Or you may also wish to consider an

apprenticeship scheme outlined on page 11 or a cadet scheme outlined on page 15.

Useful Weblinks

www.connexions-direct.com

www.qca.org.uk

4. career routes

Samantha

Longworth

Domiciliary Carer

Eighteen year old Samantha works as a domiciliary carer for Market

Weighton based New

Concept Care and Nursing. She has completed both a GNVQ and an AVCE in Health and Social Care and is due to start her Diploma in Nursing.

She explains: “I did the GNVQ and the AVCE whilst still at school. You learn about all aspects of health and social care. I also had the opportunity to do work experience in a hospital. This really helped me decide that nursing was something I wanted to do.”

Samantha is now looking forward to starting her Diploma in Nursing. She says: “It is a three year course so requires commitment but at the end of that time I will be qualified to practice as a nurse.” Samantha is hoping to go into adult nursing and adds: “Working as a domiciliary carer has given me excellent hands-on experience. I go into people’s homes and help with things they can no longer do for themselves, such as getting dressed and washed or with shopping or washing up. If you are a naturally caring person then a lot of the job will come naturally to you.”

Samantha concludes: “The best part of working in care is knowing that when I finish my working day I have made changes to make people's lives better – however large or small.”

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career routes

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B) Want to earn and

learn your way up the

career ladder?

There has never been a better time to build a career in social care. You need no formal qualifications before you start, but as you work there will be the opportunity to develop your skills through on-the-job learning and training courses.

Induction and Foundation Training

provide the basic knowledge and skills to help you settle into your new role. The induction programme takes place in the first six weeks of your new job, using national standards adapted to where you work. You then move on to foundation training, which should be completed in the first 6 months of starting your job (your manager will ensure you are supported through this). Most of the training will be led by your manager, but external trainers may come in to cover some specialist areas. Induction and foundation training together give you professional recognition and could lead on to other qualifications.

National Vocational Qualifications

(NVQs)

are work-based qualifications that relate to everyday tasks and check that you know why you are doing things in a

particular way. With NVQs you don’t have to take exams. A trained assessor will join you for periods to assess your abilities in the different aspects of your job. The NVQs in Health and Social Care are available at levels 2, 3 and 4. At levels 3 and 4 you can choose an adult or children and young people pathway dependent on the work you are doing. Various NVQs in management are also available including the Registered Managers Award (Adults) level 4 and the Award for Managers in Residential Child Care level 4

Useful Weblinks

www.skillsforcare.co.uk

Apprenticeships

involve working and training with an employer and studying for other qualifications with a learning provider. Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning a wage. Entry requirements are flexible because apprenticeships are not just based on academic achievement. What counts are practical skills and your interest in health and social care.

Young Apprenticeships

are for 14-16 year olds. You’ll continue to study core National Curriculum subjects, including English, Maths, ICT and Science, but you’ll also spend up to 2 days a week in the work place.

Apprenticeships

are open to anyone aged 16-24 not taking part in full-time education.

There are two levels of apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

work toward NVQ level 2 and Key Skills (these are essential skills you need to support your career, such as

communication and numeracy) and a Technical Certificate.

Advanced Apprenticeships

work towards NVQ level 3, and sometimes level 4, Key Skills and a Technical Certificate.

Apprenticeships and advanced

apprenticeships last as long as it takes to achieve your NVQ, Key Skills and Technical Certificate. On averageit takes between 1 and 3 years.

Useful Weblinks

www.apprenticeships.org.uk

www.connexions-direct.com

www.lsc.gov.uk

www.skillsforhealth.org.uk

www.dfes.gov.uk

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career routes

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C) Thinking of a change

in career?

For many people coming to work in the care sector can be a second or third career.

There is a huge range of opportunities open to you and there are entry routes available for people of all ages and all levels of

experience. The most important qualities are an interest in people and a respect for what makes them special.

If you’ve never worked in the sector before and are looking for a change of career, then it may be a good idea to find out more about what the job involves before committing yourself. Local adult education centres offer introductory and short courses. These give a good opportunity to understand in more detail what the work involves. You can then find a job or volunteer role where you can gain a qualification while you work or you may want to take a college based course.

Working as a volunteer can be an excellent way to find out whether you'd like a career in health and social care. The East Riding Voluntary Action Services (ERVAS) is the local development agency which provides support to voluntary and community groups based in the East Riding of Yorkshire. They will be able to give you details on voluntary opportunities in your area. Telephone 01482 871077.

Alternatively, if you are considering a higher education route, e.g. applying to university to study for a social work or nursing degree, but are worried that that you do not have the qualifications you can do an Access to Higher Education Certificate. This is a recognised route into higher education for mature students. Contact your local further education college for more information.

Useful weblinks

www.csv.org.uk/socialhealthcare

www.millenniumvolunteers.gov.uk

www.vde.org.uk

D) Are you currently out

of work?

If you are looking for work you may be able to come into health and social care through a Jobcentre Plus scheme such as New Deal. This government programme aims to give unemployed people the help and support they need to get work. Everyone on New Deal has an adviser who takes time to understand your experiences, interests and goals so a plan can be prepared to get you into a suitable job. If you are eligible for New Deal, talk to your New Deal adviser about how to get started in the care sector.

Even if you are not eligible for a New Deal programme, your local jobcentre can help you find out about opportunities to work in health and social care.

Useful weblinks

www.newdeal.gov.uk

www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

E) Already working in the

health and social care

sector?

If you are already working in the health and social care sector you will be able to gain a recognised qualification by working towards an NVQ whilst you work. There are different levels of qualification suitable for every stage of your career. NVQs in Health and Social Care are available at levels 2, 3 and 4 and at levels 3 and 4 you can choose an adult or children and young people pathway dependent on the work you are doing. NVQs are work-based qualifications which you can complete at your own pace. Check which level qualification you could be working towards by looking at the qualification grid on page 8 or talk to your employer.

Useful weblinks

www.skillsforcare.co.uk

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F) Do you want to be a

Care Manager?

Working as a care manager is a very responsible job. As a care manager you could run, for example, a care home for older people or for those with learning disabilities, a residential child care home, a domiciliary care agency or a nurse agency. As a manager you play an essential role in keeping the provision of care running smoothly whilst ensuring that your clients receive the best possible care available to them. You assess needs, plan, direct, coordinate and supervise the delivery of care. Various NVQs in management are available including the Registered Managers Award (Adults) level 4 and the Award for Managers in Residential Child Care level 4. Alternatively you could have a social work degree or nursing qualification or degree.

For guidance on the National

Minimum Standards for Managers go

to Frequently Asked Questions at:

www.skillsforcare.co.uk

G) Do you want to be a

Care Trainer/Assessor?

In addition to the qualifications you have gained for your work, you could complete an Assessor Award which is part of the NVQ level 3 Training and Support qualification. This would then enable you to assess the competence of students and trainees, or by completing the full qualification you could deliver training or support the training and development of staff and colleagues in your own work place. If you think you would like to become an NVQ Assessor / Trainer talk to your employer or contact your local training provider for more information about courses available.

Useful Weblinks

www.natopss.info

Chantelle Taylor

Care Manager

As branch manager for Verna Community Care

30 year-old Chantelle Taylor is responsible

for more than 350 home carers and more than 5500 hours of care in Hull and the East Riding.

Chantelle explains: “We provide care services to people in their own homes. I'm responsible for the day-to-day running of the office to ensure that all our service users have the best care we can provide.” Chantelle started work as a part-time carer in a residential home when she was seventeen. She later moved into domiciliary care to gain more experience of working out in the community. She has progressed from care worker to senior care worker to coordinator to senior coordinator responsible for a satellite branch, to assistant branch manager before securing her current job as branch manager.

Chantelle adds: “There is the real opportunity to develop a rewarding career working in care.”

Since starting work in the care sector Chantelle has gained an NVQ level 3 in Training and Development, the Assessors Award and the Registered Managers Award Level 4.

She concludes: “One of the most rewarding parts of the job is helping people achieve greater independence, enabling them to stay at home as long as possible. When you can help elderly, physically or mentally disabled people to lead more fulfilling lives and develop some degree of independence, the satisfaction is enormous.”

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career routes

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H) Do you want to be a

Social Worker?

From 2003, professional training for social workers in England changed to an honours degree in social work. The degree is usually a 3 year, full time, course which involves course work and a minimum of 200 days spent in work place settings. Some universities may offer this on a part time basis or if you already have a degree in another subject, some universities offer a shorter postgraduate course.

Another option is to consider a flexible or modular study option, such as that offered by the Open University or if you are in existing relevant employment you may be able to apply for an employment based degree route. This usually takes 4 years and you need the support of your employer as students are required to be given weekly study leave by their employers.

A high proportion of social workers come to the job as a second or third career.

Admission criteria varies, but your previous experience will be valued and may be considered in place of formal academic qualifications. Contact your university admissions team for clarification.

Alternatively you can do an Access to Higher Education Certificate. This is a recognised route for mature students into higher education. Contact your local further education provider for more information.

Once qualified you will need to register with the General Social Care Council (GSCC) which is responsible for regulating the workforce. As a qualified social worker you will then have the opportunity to specialise and continue with further training under a post-qualifying framework.

Useful Weblinks

www.socialworkcareers.co.uk

www.gscc.org.uk

www.dh.gov.uk

Michelle Kirkwood

Children’s Social

Worker

“The thing I love

most about my job is

the reward it gives

when a family has

been able to come

through their difficult

times and move on.”

Michelle has been a children's social worker in the East Riding for over a year. After studying childhood science in society at Durham, Michelle went on to take a two-year MA degree in social work. She qualified and started work within the East Riding on the same day. “I would say that the majority of parents do co-operate with our enquiries or visits. Wherever possible, once a problem has been identified, we try and keep children at home with their parents and provide them with counselling and support. We provide advice, support and respite care if it's needed. If it's not possible to keep a child at home, extended family are

always asked if they can provide care for the child.”

Michelle feels that the rewards of the job offset the pressures. "When a child

proudly wears their smart new uniform for the first time, or when their results

improve at school and you see their happy faces, just knowing you've played a part in that makes it all very

worthwhile."

Since September 2003,

students studying for the

degree qualification are eligible

for an annual bursary of up to

£2900 and no tuition fees.

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career routes

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Nursing and Midwifery and Health

Visiting -

there are no national minimum entry requirements for entry into nursing and midwifery as each higher education provider sets it’s own criteria. However, these are generally around 5 GCSEs or equivalent at grade C or above including English

language or literature, Maths and a Science subject for a diploma programme and 5 GCSEs plus 2 A levels or equivalent for a degree programme. Alternatively, if you are a mature student considering entering the profession you can do an Access to Higher Education Certificate.

Doctors -

it can take a minimum of 9 years to train as a general practitioner (GP) and 12 years before a doctor is suitably qualified to apply for a post as a hospital consultant. All medical students in the UK initially take an undergraduate course leading to a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. Entry requirements vary between university medical schools.

Dentists -

you initially need to obtain a bachelors degree from one of the 13 dental schools. This is then followed by further training related to the specialty chosen. Standard dental courses last 5 years and include academic education combined with theoretical and practical training in all aspects of dental practice.

Useful weblink

www.nhs.uk/careers

Paramedic, Ambulance Technician,

Ambulance Care Assistant -

Public sector ambulance services offer exciting and challenging workplaces where staff are able to make important contributions to their local communities. Employment in the ambulance and paramedic services is restricted to over 18 year olds. Recruitment is managed locally by individual ambulance services and entry requirements vary slightly.

Useful web link:

www.asa.uk.net

I) Do you want to be a

Nurse, a Physiotherapist,

or a Paramedic?

The Cadet Scheme

is usually a 2 year programme, primarily designed for people between the age of 16-19, although there may be the opportunity for people outside this age group. You will experience a number of jobs within the health service such as working in catering departments, reception areas and wards. This will help you to decide which career route to follow. You will work toward a qualification which can be used as entry to further courses, such as nursing or as entry into other caring professions such as radiography, dietetics or speech and language therapy. The entry requirements are variable from one Trust to another. Some Trusts will not require formal qualifications but will look for evidence of other skills. Contact your local Workforce Development Confederation for more information.

Useful weblink

www.neynlwdc.nhs.uk

Health Care Assistants

work within hospital or community settings under the guidance of a qualified healthcare

professional. The role can be very varied and types of duties can include washing and dressing, helping people to mobilise, making beds and generally assisting with patients’ overall comfort. You can start work as a healthcare assistant from age 16 although there may be some limits to the work you can do. You will also be able to work toward your NVQ in Health and Social Care. You can contact your local hospital or hospital Trust directly to see what opportunities are available or use the weblinks below.

Useful weblink

www.nhs.uk/careers

www.jobs.nhs.uk

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career routes

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5. frequently asked

questions

I have no qualifications or experience.

Where do I start?

There is a huge range of opportunities open to you and there are entry routes available for people of all ages and all levels of experience. Entrants to the workforce

include those starting work for the first time, those returning to work and those changing career. For some jobs you do not need any formal qualifications before you start as you can train as you work. Use this prospectus to find out more about the different options and read section 6, your next step.

What qualities do I need?

The most important qualities are an interest in people and a respect for what makes them special. It is important that you care about people, that you are compassionate and are able to empathise and understand other people's feelings. Good listening and communication skills are important, as is the ability to get along with other people and work as part of a team and while you are not expected to agree with or approve of the values and behaviours of other people, a non-judgmental attitude is important. You have to respect a person's privacy and you also need to be able to work confidentially.

Is there a minimum age before I can

begin work?

It is possible to work in some areas of health and social care from the age of 16, in supervised posts. In other areas workers / trainees have to be over 18 years of age as specified in National Minimum Standards. Age restrictions apply where staff provide personal care to service users. Ask your employer or training provider for further information.

Are there any checks I need to go

through before becoming employed?

People who work with those who are

potentially vulnerable or physically frail need to be of the highest calibre and integrity. All applicants for jobs in social care, social work or in the health sector must therefore undergo pre-employment checks, which include a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure and the taking up of references. For those planning to work in regulated child care positions with children under the age of 18, employers will apply for a check against the Protection of Children Act (PoCA) list as part of the CRB Disclosure. The Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) list works in a similar way to PoCA but applies to

applicants wishing to work in care positions in registered care homes or domiciliary care agencies.

What are the benefits of starting a

career in social care, social work or

in the health sector?

Individual employers may offer a range of

non pay benefits such as flexible working or the option to take a career break or, for example, if you are working for the local authority you could be eligible for the Local Government Pension Scheme. Ask

individual employers when you apply for a job. However, no matter which sector you choose to work in there will be the

opportunity to access training and gain recognised qualifications to progress your career. What started as just a job could turn into a career. You will be doing something that is both rewarding and worthwhile with the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives.

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What hours will I work?

Many jobs in social care, social work and in health care need to provide cover 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As a result you may be required to work shifts or flexible hours. This will suit people who prefer not to work the conventional nine-to-five. You can save on childcare expenses and enjoy leisure pursuits and other activities at quieter times away from the crowds. You would need to check with your employer, but it could be possible for you to work part-time, or at particular times, to fit with your own commitments.

What is the pay like?

Your pay will depend on what work you are doing and who you are working for. Most residential or home care workers earn between £5 or £6 an hour. A home care manager can earn between £25,000 and £30,000 and a qualified social worker would probably be on a starting salary of about £20,000. This could increase to about £28,000 or above, as you gain more experience and more responsibilities. A newly-qualified nurse can expect to earn £17,060 a year whilst a nurse consultant can earn up to £50,000 a year once qualified at that level. This salary information is a guide only. Check your wage with your employer before you start work.

Who employs you?

If you choose to work in social care or social work you could be employed by the Local Authority, an independent provider such as a residential home or domiciliary provider, charities like the NSPCC and Barnados or for a variety of different organisations through a staffing agency. If you choose to work in the health sector the NHS is the biggest employer, employing five percent of the workforce of England. There are other employers like BMI health care, BUPA or Nuffield Hospitals. Alternatively you could work in the voluntary sector.

How long will it take to complete my

qualification?

This depends on the qualification you are studying. GCSE, BTEC and GNVQ awards can either be 1 or 2 year programmes depending on where you study. NVQs are flexible: there is no condition that you need to complete all of the parts of an NVQ within a set time-frame. Assessment for a full NVQ can take between 9 and 24 months, though the national average is around 12 months. Apprenticeships and advanced

apprenticeships last as long as it takes to achieve your NVQ, Key Skills and Technical Certificate. On average it takes between 1 and 3 years. Whereas full time degree courses take, on average, 3 years.

How much will it cost to complete my

training?

If you are working in a health and social care setting your employer may be able to access funding to pay for your training. Ask your supervisor or manager for more

information. If you choose to do a vocational course at, for example, a local college, the cost will vary depending on your

circumstances. Full-time education is free to everyone under 19 years of age and many adult learners qualify for either free or reduced fees depending on circumstances. If you are unemployed and receiving benefits you should be able to study for up to 15 hours per week without affecting those benefits. Contact your local training provider for more information.

If you are looking to go to university, depending on what you choose to study, financial support may be available. For example, nursing, midwifery and social work students are eligible for an annual bursary and free tuition fees. Other healthcare degree course students are also eligible for financial support visit

www.nhscareers.nhs.uk for more information or contact the GSCC, telephone

020 7397 5835 or visit www.gscc.org.uk for more information about the social work bursary.

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6. your next step

For Current Job Vacancies

Visit your local Jobcentre Plus office, call Jobseeker Direct on 0845 60 60 234 or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk.

Look out for job advertisements in local papers, radio and in local newsagent’s windows.

Look for jobs in specialised magazines such as Community Care, Care and Health, Nursing Times and Therapy Weekly.

For jobs within the local authority visit www.eastriding.gov.uk or look in East Riding News.

For jobs within the NHS visit www.jobs.nhs.uk.

Contact the recruitment or human

resources department at your local Trust. You can find these at www.nhs.uk.

For Information about Training

For information about social care training providers in the East Riding visit

www.skillsforcare.co.uk, email

Joanne.Pickering@skillsforcare.org.uk or telephone the Social Care Broker on 01262 674078.

If you are still at school, talk to your school careers service or contact your local Connexions Service, call

080 800 13 2 19 or visit www.connexions.gov.uk.

Call NHS Careers on 0845 60 60 655 or visit the main NHS Careers website at www.nhscareers.nhs.uk.

Visit www.careersinhealth.org.uk for more information about careers in health.

For Voluntary Work

Check noticeboards in your local library or community centre or contact local

providers directly. Find details in your local telephone directory.

Call the East Riding Voluntary Action Services (ERVAS). They will be able to give you details on voluntary opportunities in the East Riding. Call 01482 871077.

Contact your local Community Service Volunteers group. Call 020 7278 7898 or visit www.csv.org.uk/socialhealthcare or contact Volunteering England. Visit www.vde.org.uk. If you are aged between 16 and 24 contact the

millennium volunteers on 0800 917 8185 or visit www.millenniumvolunteers.gov.uk.

An increasing number of Trusts are offering work experience or observation placements to young people to give them a taste of working in healthcare. Find your local trust at www.nhs.uk.

For Further Information

For information about working in social care or social work in the East Riding or if you would like more information about working with children call the Families Information Service on 01482 396469.

Call Social Work and Care Careers on 0845 604 6404 or visit

www.socialcarecareers.co.uk or www.socialworkcareers.co.uk.

Call NHS Careers on 0845 60 60 655 or visit the main NHS Careers website at www.nhscareers.nhs.uk.

Visit www.nextstephumber.org.uk or call 0800 138 5995 for general career information and guidance.

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For information or further copies

of this booklet please contact:

Families Information Service

East Riding of Yorkshire Council

County Hall

Beverley

East Riding of Yorkshire

HU17 9BA

Tel: 01482 396469

Fax: 01482 396468

www.fish.eastriding.gov.uk

social

care

East Riding of Yorkshire

This document has been produced by the Organisational Development Team, East Riding of

Yorkshire Council on behalf of the Multi Agency Workforce Collaborative.

H

and in hand with Children, Young People and Families.

References

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