• Home care worker
• Residential care worker
• Personal assistant
• Community work with adults
• Children’s residential care worker
• Community work with families
• Community work with young people
• Children’s residential care worker

Home care worker

Home care and day centre workers give the practical support and day-to-day human contact that matters so much to people in vulnerable situations. For example, home care workers might work with older people, disabled people or people with a learning disability allowing them to stay in the familiar surroundings of their own home.

They become part of a vital support network, linking with other social services, health professionals, neighbours and families, to make sure that people's needs are met with consideration and understanding.

Could you care?

“I've been doing care work for 7 years, first on a casual ‘bank' system and now on a permanent basis with a local council. I have two children at school and the hours fit in well with my husband's work.” - Lisa Kirkby, Homecare Assistant

Residential care worker

Residential care is often the best solution for people who, because of age or disabilities, are no longer able to cope in their own homes. Or sometimes people may need short spells away from their own homes in respite care.

Residential care staff work together, to create safe, clean, cheerful and fulfilling environments, where people can live in comfort and are treated with dignity and respect.

Could you care?

“I'm the key worker with two residents, helping them through each day. There's plenty of banter, especially in the mornings. The important thing is to ensure the residents have as much dignity as possible.” - Jill Whitfield, Care Assistant, Residential Care

Personal assistant

Personal assistants work on a one-to-one basis with a person to provide whatever practical support they need. Helping people to gain control of their own lives is the key to helping them live independently. There is a wide variety of roles available under the title of personal assistant, depending on the needs and wishes of the person you are working with.

Community work with adults

Within every community there are people who, for a variety of reasons, need help to cope with everyday life. Social care workers form very close partnerships with these people to provide practical support that helps them lead fuller, more independent lives, in spite of the special difficulties they face.

Could you care?

“I enjoyed the caring environment so much after working in a factory that I started doing voluntary work at a neighbouring day centre as well.” - Rashila Karia, Community Opportunity Officer

Children’s residential care worker

Sometimes, despite people’s best efforts, children need to move into residential care or foster homes. Social care workers play a key role at these times, helping children rebuild trust with the adult world.

Social care workers support younger children as they develop, often using games and play activities, while older children tend to need help with issues such as self-image, success at school, sexuality and practical skills like cooking and budgeting.

Could you care?

“What's really important for the kids is to have someone who'll listen to them. ‘You're good; you understand us’ they'll say.” - Eileen Bond, Childcare Practitioner

Community work with families

Social care workers join with social workers to form outreach teams that visit homes where parents are struggling to cope, or where children are in danger from their own behaviour and that of others.

Working alongside other professionals, social care workers give support to the children and help build relationships within the family. They also play an important part in making families aware of the wider support network that is available.

Could you care?

“There's a knock-on effect if people don't take up services. It shows up later in ill health for carers, or families not being able to cope any more.” - Naseem Shah, Outreach Worker

Community work with young people

Social carers have a very important part to play in reaching out to young people in vulnerable situations to help them re-connect with society.

Their work is based in the community, often in youth clubs, drop-in centres or residential homes, and they are often needed to support young people leaving care, as they start to lead independent lives.

Could you care?

“I've had that experience so I can relate to what they're going through. When young people realise this, it makes them more willing to listen. You definitely bring your life experiences with you into this job.” - Victoria Clottey, Young Person’s Advisor

Children’s residential care worker

Sometimes, despite people’s best efforts, children need to move into residential care or foster homes. Social care workers support children as they develop, often using games and play activities, while older children tend to need help with issues such as self-image, success at school, sexuality and practical skills like cooking and budgeting. Social care workers play a key role in helping children rebuild trust with the adult world.

Could you care?

“What's really important for the kids is to have someone who'll listen to them. ‘You're good; you understand us’ they'll say.” - Eileen Bond, Childcare Practitioner