Working in care can be one of the most rewarding careers ever. It is a real opportunity to make a difference to the lives of so many people. But how do you make that move into working in care and is it really for you?
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A successful care setting needs a variety of people with a variety of skill sets but ideally you need to have the following attributes:
Hard working
Friendly personality
Empathy and a good listener
Able to work unsociable hours and bank holidays
Able to keep good written records
Have patience and understanding
Be responsible, understand and follow guidance
This depends on the level of carer job that you are applying for. Senior care support workers will most likely need to have an NVQ Level 3 (or QCF Level 3) in Health and Social Care or be willing to work towards acheiving it very soon. Very senior positions will require Level 4 and Managers need to have or be working towards Level 5 or above which is equivalent to a Degree.
Other positions may required you to possess a Level 2 qualification. Most care providers would be willing to take on staff who do not possess any formal care training but who would be capable of and willing to work towards completing their Level 2 qualifcation as soon as they start the job. Care providers can get Government funding towards many qualifications so there should be no cost to the employee for courses at this level.
If you are aged 16 or above, you can apply for a Health and Social Care Apprenticeship. Here, you will earn a wage whilst learning on the job and working towards a formal qualification. You can find out more by visiting www.skillsforcare.org.uk/apprenticeships.