Five reasons to consider a career in social care

Five reasons to work in social care

To work in social care is to provide possibly the most important service of all – giving people the emotional, physical and social support they need to live their lives with control, dignity and independence. Whether this support is in their own homes, in residential homes or perhaps supported housing or day centres, you can be sure that no two days working in social care will ever be the same.

Social care has been beset over the years by negative media portrayals and a series of misconceptions that have made recruitment challenging. With public focus often turned towards the intense pressure on services and unstable provider market, the opportunities presented by a career in social care are often overlooked.

As well as being intensely rewarding and providing professionals with a sense of personal achievement, a social care role also offers clear progression pathways, can often be designed around personal commitments and presents infinite variety in terms of your day-to-day.
 

At a glance: why consider a role in social care?

1. Fulfilment: You can see the difference you’re making
2. Abundant work: Demand is driving growth in the sector
3. Career development: It has structured progression
4. Flexible hours: There are opportunities to work around prior commitments
5. Variety in your work: Every day is different

1. You’re making a very real, tangible impact

The main appeal of a role in social care is, invariably, the very real difference you can make to the lives of others. This cannot be overstated, and the impact can be felt in many ways. Contrary to common belief, the job of a social care worker isn’t simply to help someone wash and dress; providing emotional support to someone, helping make dinner, keeping them company in pursuit of a hobby, or organising and taking part in outings can make up significant parts of care roles. Ultimately, social care workers enable someone to live as rounded a life as possible, in all respects.

“Social care services help enable a just and fair society, where people have access to the care, support and advice they need to live life to the fullest potential.”
 

2. It’s a growing sector

The number of social care workers has grown significantly in recent years, largely due to soaring demand for adult social care as the number of older people, and of those with long-term conditions, learning disabilities and mental health problems increases.

As a result, opportunities abound in the social care sector, and these are only projected to grow further. It’s also likely that these roles will see considerable evolution in years to come as user needs change, and high-quality care continues to grow in importance. Direct payments, personalisation of care plans and the growing integration of health and social care will not only require a more flexible workforce, but also create new opportunities for those looking to develop their careers.
 

3. There’s great opportunity for progression

It’s a very common misconception that social care work is largely unskilled, or that there are few opportunities to progress and grow your career. Whilst it’s true that – for entry-level care worker roles – attitude and the desire to help is more important than qualifications, there are plenty of opportunities for ambitious professionals.

With experience, care workers often become care supervisors, taking additional responsibilities such as designing care plans and supervising care workers. Care coordinators are often based more in an office setting; putting together care rotas as well as monitoring and evaluating the care delivered, whilst registered managers are responsible for managing stakeholder relationships, measuring expenditure and looking for ways to improve the administration of care.   

The skills gained in a social care worker role can also provide a good foundation for potential moves into professions like nursing and social work.
 

4. There’s potential for flexibility

Anti-social hours, a lack of predictability in rotas and long distances between clients have often made flexibility a challenge in the social care profession. This is something that many organisations are trying to change, as it becomes an increasingly high priority for professionals. Flexibility means different things for different people, and many will be looking for a role that they can work around the different practicalities and responsibilities of their lives. Round-the-clock demand for services, for example, provides an opportunity for professionals to select shifts that suit their lifestyles.

Whether it’s term time shifts, flexi-time or the ability to input into schedules, many social care providers are reviewing their working policies in a bid to attract the professionals they need.
 

5. No two days are the same

Every day is unique when you’re working in social care. The variety of people you’re supporting, and the difference when it comes to their abilities, needs and wants, means you’ll make an impact in a myriad of ways.

The rewards of the work you’re doing are likely to come in many forms. It could be the achievement you see people making as a result of your support, the relationships you build with not only clients, but their families too, or even just the knowledge that you’ve made a palpable difference to the lives of others. The variation of the job is unparalleled, and it’s this that makes social care such a rewarding career for so many.

To find out how we can help find you a role in social care, speak to one of our expert consultants today, or to discover how salaries and employment trends are changing in the social care profession, take a look at our Social Care Salary & Recruiting Trends 2023.