Placement Overview
This interesting role involves working within a residential children's home. The environment can be hostile and interaction with residents is both rewarding and challenging.
Generic Job Description for a Care Worker
Care Workers look after the needs of people who are ill, elderly or have physical, learning or emotional problems. They support them in performing everyday tasks so that their lives may be as normal and fulfilled as possible. These tasks might include personal care such as washing, dressing and feeding, doing housework and preparing meals for the patient, helping patients to get out and about, or offering advice and support to the patients family.
Care Workers can be based at a residential home or centre for care, or can visit patients in their homes. They work closely with other health care professionals such as doctors and social workers.
Skills:
- Understanding
- Patience
- Motivation
- The ability to work alone or as part of a team
- Reliability
- Good listening skills
- Good observation skills
Pay:
- Entry £9,000 - £13,000
- £20,000 or more for Senior Care Workers
Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location
Hours:
- Approx 40 hours per week including evenings and weekends
- Shift work is common
Environment:
- Commonly based in care homes or centres, or visiting patients in their homes
- Travel is necessary for Care Workers travelling to patients homes
Qualifications:
- No set entry requirements
- Experience of working in a care setting will improve chances of employment
- Apprenticeships are common
- Qualifications are widely available from NVQ to HND level
Training:
- It is common to train towards an NVQ in Health and Social Care whilst on-the-job
- Other on-the-job training includes Health and Safety issues and care techniques
Opportunities:
- Local Authorities are the biggest employer for Care Workers in the UK
- A few Care workers are self-employed, providing care to private patients
- All applicants must undergo criminal record checks
Links:
www.socialcaring.co.uk - Social Care Association
www.socialcarecareers.co.uk - Department of Health Social Care Recruitment Campaign
www.skillsforcare.org.uk - Skills for Care
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