A rewarding job that makes a difference to people’s lives. And yours.

A career in adult social care is a vital job that makes a difference to people’s lives everyday. No two people are the same, and neither are the days working with them. As a care support worker you’ll be part of a team of committed individuals who change lives every day through their support and compassion.

Martin Taylor

“You can progress in the service if you show you want to learn, and you are passionate about what you do. It’s a hugely rewarding profession to get into.”

View Martin’s story

Advantages of being a care support worker

Supporting someone to live the life they choose is incredibly fulfilling. You’re doing something worthwhile. You can take great pride in what you do. And there are many other advantages to starting a career as a care support worker.

The big reasons why

Every day is different

Every day is different

Supporting the person you’re caring for in pursuing their interests and passions can involve you in exciting new hobbies. There are a wide range of roles in social care available, with each being centred around the individual – meaning you may be assisting someone in a care home to take part in activities, or supporting someone at home to play a greater role in their community. This makes social care a highly rewarding, fulfilling, and varied role.

Developing valuable relationships

Developing valuable relationships

Supporting people to live the life they choose means that you build a strong bond. Working in social care, you’ll meet fascinating people that have opened their lives up to you, meaning you can develop relationships that improve both your life and theirs.

There's flexibility if you want it

There's flexibility if you want it

Roles in social care can be flexible around your commitments, with positions available that are shift-based or part-time. If you are looking for a job that fits around your studies or childcare responsibilities, social care could be suitable for you.

Get support to gain qualifications on the job

Qualifications

Get support to gain qualifications on the job

You will be supported by your employer to gain qualifications. This lets you demonstrate the skills you have learned. Have a look at next steps for more information.

Career progression opportunities

Career progression opportunities

There are many career paths open to those with experience in social care. You can increase your skills through training programmes. Even work towards roles in management or leadership. Here are just a few of the many career paths you could take.

Develop your leadership capability

Develop your leadership capability

There are programmes in place to identify and nurture early signs of leadership. We have more information if you are looking to step into leadership.

Qualify for a Blue Light Card

Qualify for a Blue Light Card

A Blue Light Card provides those in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and armed forces with discounts online and in-store.

For just £4.99, members of the Blue Light community can register for 2-years access to more than 15,000 discounts from large national retailers to local businesses across categories such as holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more.

“You need to want to help people and be compassionate but I would definitely tell people to just go for it. You’ll never look back.”

View Sara’s story

Get job security with a minimum rate of pay of £10.50 per hour

Social care is a growing industry that is needed to suit our changing population. This means that roles in social care come with plenty of job security. Alongside this security, you will be paid a minimum of £10.50 per hour in roles delivering direct care, no matter your age.