Care Home Roles
A care worker in a care home setting supports individuals who need support with daily tasks, making sure their life is as comfortable as possible. Care home workers may work in a residential or nursing home with older adults or people with learning disabilities.
Community care roles, such as working at a day centre would involve providing entertainment and social opportunities. Along with practical support such as helping them learn life skills such as cooking and cleaning. Day centre employees could work with older adults and people with learning disabilities.
Roles in care homes and care in the community would suit someone who is positive, friendly and has no problems bonding with people right from the get-go. There are a number of roles, from providing hands-on support to office-based jobs such as Human Resources within the care home sector. While each role is different, the kind of person they hope to attract is exactly the same. That’s because being a care worker is fundamentally about caring so if you’re a people person, who enjoys building relationships and keeping everyone’s spirits up then a care home role could be perfect for you.
Care service manager
The role of care home service manager requires more experience as the responsibility of managing a care service would rest with you. You would be providing and supervising the provision of care and assistance to adults in a care home or day centre. These individuals could be experiencing a wide range of conditions from disabilities and mental health conditions to learning difficulties. As a manager you would ensure that your team has everything they need, are happy in their job, and have the support needed to provide the best care possible.
The role offers great opportunities to develop your skills and encompasses everything from recruitment and supervision to developing policies to improve standards, as well as liaising between staff, families, and those you care for and support. You must be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and follow the Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers.
A working week would typically be from 35 to 40 hours. However, shift systems, being on call and weekend schedules are very likely to be part and parcel of the job.
Home care support worker
As a home care support worker, you offer care and support to older people, individuals with learning or physical difficulties, as well as families in their own homes. That support can take on many forms, from helping with housework and shopping, to assisting with meals, getting dressed, and even accompanying a person to an outside leisure activity or even college.
To work as a home care support worker, you need to be registered with the SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) within the first six months of starting employment.
You will find that some positions pay hourly but salaried roles are available too. The minimum hourly rate of pay from April 2023 is £10.90 per hour however this will rise to £12 per hour from April 2024.
The role may include weekend working, evening shifts or part-time hours.
Care home practitioner
This role is about providing care and support to adults of all ages in a care home setting. It’s a wide-ranging job that could involve you supporting an older person or younger adults with additional needs to help them manage everyday tasks, follow a routine, or even take part in leisure activities in a safe and relaxed environment. To work as a practitioner in care homes you need to register with the SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) within the first six months of starting employment.
This could be an entry level role but it’s helpful to have previous experience and it’s still your personal qualities that really matter. You will be surrounded by a team of health and social care professionals to help and support you, and you’ll get the training you need to build your skills and confidence.
You will find that some positions pay hourly but salaried roles are available too.
With experience comes the opportunity to organise and take responsibility for someone’s care and support, helping them get washed, dressed and ready for the day, as well as being the key contact when it comes to arranging family visits. In time, you might lead a team of care home practitioners in a supervisory role as your career progresses and salary increases.
