The phrase “I want to make a difference” has to be one of the most overused in our lexicon. If it’s not coming out of the perfectly-made up mouths of beauty queens, it’s on job application forms or emphasised by eager students battling for university places.
But how many of us do actually make that difference in our professional lives?
Those working in health and social care can all rush to put up their hands now.
That’s because the majority of people working in these sectors get an enormous sense of personal achievement from knowing they are helping others and making that all-important difference.
The care sector is massive and, as such, has a huge demand for workers. A glance at s1jobs today will tell you there are innumerable vacancies for Care Assistants, Home Care Workers, Care Managers and Day Care Officers.
By 2033 it is estimated that almost a quarter of the population will be over 65 and as life expectancy shoots up so will the number of jobs in adult social care.
Working in social care is about providing personal and practical support to help people live their lives.
Many Social Care Workers are Home Care Assistants or work in hospitals or residential care homes but there is also a wide range of jobs working with children, families and people with disabilities.
A Care Assistant, for example, is the worker closest to patient care, doing the day-to-day practical stuff we all take for granted for those who can’t, such as getting washed, dressed and preparing a meal.
A Care Support Worker helps individuals to live as independently as possible, often following illness. This is more of a support and guidance role rather than offering personal care.
Another growing area of care work is for Activity Coordinators or Dementia Support Workers, often in care homes where they provide stimulating pursuits for residents, such as board games, singing, art and gardening.
Once in the sector there are lots of opportunities for career progression.
A Care Worker, for example, could take further qualifications to take on a more senior role such as a Shift Supervisor or decide to study for a nursing or social work degree.
Alternatively, you could rise through the care home ranks to become a Manager or even set up your own care business.
So how do you get a job in Social Care?
Some practical experience such as voluntary work is probably the best starting point. This might include helping with community groups, charity work, or in a nursing home.
Age is no barrier to working in the sector; in fact, many employers welcome older and more experienced candidates, with their transferable life skills and knowledge.
So, if you want to take care of more than number one, this could be where you start.
Search the latest Social Care jobs today.