Adult social care FAQs
What kind of jobs are in social care?
We have care and support roles available in:
- residential homes
- extra care housing schemes
- community services
- working with adults with learning disabilities
We also have domestic and catering roles within our residential settings.
Who would I be working with?
Depending on your chosen career journey, you will be working with a variety of different people, such as:
- people with learning disabilities and/or autism
- people with complex physical health needs
- vulnerable residents living with care and support needs such as Dementia
What's it like to work in Adult Social Care?
Adult Social Care is a rewarding and fulfilling career providing a wide variety of responsibilities supporting different people. You could be:
- supporting someone live independently in their own home
- caring for someone in a residential home
- supporting someone attend social activities
- assessing someone’s care or mobility needs
- assisting someone with their personal care
What is personal care, and would I have to do this?
Personal care means supporting someone with their personal care needs, such as:
- washing
- bathing
- toileting
- dressing
- feeding
Not all careers will involve personal care, it just depends on the need of the individual, and the career you have chosen.
Do I need previous experience in Adult Social Care?
Not always. Depending on the role, all you need to start a career in care are your natural values and qualities, such as being kind, reliable, empathetic, compassionate, calm and a great listener.
What training opportunities are available?
To help you start and progress in your career we will support and fund any appropriate training, qualifications, and development once you start with us.
How flexible are the working hours?
There are lots of careers in Adult Social Care, and we need people for a variety of different hours. For example, we have shifts available for people who can only work evenings and weekends, or only mornings.
The Wakefield Cares Careers Hub can discuss your availability and the roles and hours to suit your needs.
What help and support can I get in completing an application and the job process?
The Wakefield Cares Careers Hub can support you with your application, as well as interview advice and tips to support you in securing a position.
Do I need to be able to drive and have a car?
Not all careers will need you to drive, such as roles in residential or extra care, but you will need to have the means to get to work.
For careers working in the community, you will be required to drive and have a car to get to your calls.
I have a conviction, does this mean I can’t work in Adult Social Care?
Having convictions, cautions, or reprimands doesn’t always mean you can’t have a career in Adult Social Care, it will just depend on its relevance to the position.
How much will the background checks cost?
Funding for your Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check will depend on the organisation. Usually these are fully funded when applying for a career with Wakefield Council.
Who can I contact for further information or to chat about a career in Adult Social Care?
If you have any questions about a career in Adult Social Care, or would like to discuss the career opportunities on offer, contact the Wakefield Cares Careers Hub using the details in the 'Contact Us' section of this page.