What different roles are there in social care?

Social care is one of the most important job sectors to support modern life. There’s a huge variety on offer in this very rewarding industry. However, before you dive in, it’s worth exploring just what roles there are, and what you could specialize in.

As a social carer, you could work with a variety of people including:

– The elderly

– Adults, teens, and children with mental health problems

– Families experiencing stress

– Those with addiction issues

– Vulnerable or at-risk children

– Employees and workplaces.

These people may need your help in a variety of ways.

Domiciliary (home) care or personal assistant

This is personal care, such as in home health care and support provided in an individual’s home to help them lead independent lives with your helping hand. This may be through the NHS or independently contracted. Some roles in this category range from dressing and cleaning help to activities management and chaperoning, especially for younger people, for social activities and family care support.

Advocacy worker

Supporting access to information or needs. This role acts as support for those who need to manage processes or arrangements, such as banking, housing or legal issues. Advocates act so their client’s voice is heard.

Employment or education support

Supporting clients through their education or employment, this role helps and negotiates so the individual can participate fully in a workforce or place of learning.

Community support

Social care workers in the community provide practical support to help people participate and lead their lives despite any issues they may have or currently be facing, such as violence, drug or alcohol issues. A community role could even include daily visits with local residents or transporting and supervising hospital and medical appointments.

Counsellor

There are lots of different pathways for counsellors within social care, working from one-to-one individual care to group and family or employee counselling. You may deal with clients affected by violence and abuse right through to adjustment within fostering and adoption, or even support those post-incarceration.

Managers and administration support

These are the people who have oversight and responsibility for the multitude of workers out in the field or in the office who support those who need care. They take care of the paperwork, finances and strategic visions that allows the hands-on support to get on with their essential daily work. Head over to the National Careers Service find out more.

For a complete list of social care jobs and their titles offered in the UK, visit the National Career Service social services career webpage (or the Skills for Care website) to start your social care journey.