Social care provides a whole range of services to support adults and older people.
Social care is about providing physical, emotional and social support to help people live their lives. For various reasons and at different stages in their lives, some people need support to develop and maintain their independence, dignity and control.
If you work in social care, you could help people in their own homes, in residential homes or in a number of other places such as day centres, supported housing or other professional settings.
Getting Started in Social Care
It doesn't matter about your background or age, if you want to make a difference to people’s lives there's a social care job for you.
You don’t necessarily need any qualifications or previous work experience to get your first job in social care. The most important thing is your values and attitude towards working with people who need care and support.
You can help people to live more independently and have a better quality of life so it's really important you have the right values. Some of the values and behaviours you might need to work in social care are:
- treat people with dignity and respect
- ability to work with others
- committed to delivering quality care
- willing to learn and develop at work
Career progression
No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and social care. Some of the different roles/career paths are outlined below:
Direct care roles - Work with people who need care and support, Examples of these roles may include: Care or Support Worker or Personal Assistant
Management roles - Responsible for managing a small team, or be the CEO of an organisation. Examples of these roles may include: Registered Manager or Team Leader/Supervisor
Other social care support roles – No matter what your interests, there is a role in social care for you. Examples of these roles may include: Human Resources, Administrator or Social Care prescriber
Regulated professional roles – You must be registered with a regulated body to practice in these roles. They require relevant qualifications which might include an undergraduate degree or diploma. Examples of these roles may include: Occupational therapist or Social worker
Ancillary roles - These roles don’t involve direct care but are vital to the running of an organisation. Examples of these roles may include: Cook or Gardener.
Social Care Nursing Careers
Click here to learn more about starting your career in social care nursing.
Looking for work in social care
Social care vacancies with the private, voluntary and independent sector: Work in Adult Social Care: Explore roles and find a job in your local area
Social care vacancies with Leeds City Council: Jobs | Leeds Jobs
Find out about Leeds City Council Adults and Health: Social work and social care services | Leeds Jobs
Job roles – Skills for Care
Career Compass
Career Compass Leeds is an exploration tool that aims to inform, inspire and open doors to health and social care careers in Leeds. Find out more at Career Compass Leeds
Employment and Skills
Employment and Skills Leeds is part of Leeds City Council. Their aim is to support a healthier greener and more inclusive economy that works for everyone. They connect people and opportunities, promoting access to jobs, training and careers guidance and supporting employers with their recruitment and skills needs, helping to improve the skills and employment prospects for our residents. Find out more at https://www.inclusivegrowthleeds.com/employment-and-skills