Working in adult social care
What is adult social care?
Adult social care is the care and support provided to those who need extra help to live their lives well. This may include:
- people with physical or learning disabilities
- people with long-term conditions or mental health challenges
- older adults
- carers
The goal? To help people live independently, stay safe and healthy and enjoy the best quality of life.
It’s all about making life easier and more enjoyable. Whether that's offering practical help at home, support with daily tasks, or opportunities to socialise with others.
What is it like working in adult social care?
A career in adult social care offers more than just a job. It’s a chance to make a real difference to people’s lives every day. It can be challenging but it’s also rewarding and fulfilling.
It offers job security and there are long-term opportunities for promotion and progression.
What sort of responsibilities could I have?
You could be looking after:
- people with learning disabilities or who are neurodiverse
- people with complex physical health needs
- vulnerable residents who have care and support needs, such as dementia
There are many different career options available in adult social care.
Depending on the job you choose, you could be:
- supporting someone to live independently in their own home
- caring for someone in a residential home
- helping someone to attend social activities
- assessing someone’s care or mobility needs
- assisting someone with their personal care, for example: feeding, washing, dressing
- helping someone regain skills they may have lost after a stay in hospital
- providing support to someone nearing the end of their life, as well as comfort and assistance to their loved ones.
What are the working days / hours?
There are lots of opportunities within adult social care, so there’s sure to be one that suits your needs. Whether that’s standard working hours, flexible arrangements or shift patterns.
It’s the sort of role where no two days are the same. So, if you like variety and a job which keeps you on your toes, it could be for you.
What skills and experience do I need to work in adult social care?
You don’t always need to have experience or qualifications. What matters most are your values and qualities.
Great social care workers are passionate about helping people. They’re kind, caring and patient. They understand that every individual is different. And they treat everyone with dignity and respect.
They have a positive attitude and a sense of humour. They are resilient and stay strong, even when times get difficult. They’re adaptable, able to think on their feet and always willing to learn. They have good listening and communication skills and work well with others. And they’re reliable, trustworthy and dedicated.
Do I need to be able to drive?
If your job involves working in the community, you will need to have a car and be able to drive to visit your service users.
But there are other roles where you don’t have to drive as part of your job, for example working in a residential home.
Do I need to get a DBS?
You need to have a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check to work in adult social care. This is a check to find out if you have any criminal convictions, cautions or reprimands. If you have, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a role in adult social care. It will depend on how relevant it is to the role.
What roles are available in adult social care?
There are many different roles in adult social care. Here are some of them:
Domestic assistants
Domestic assistants help maintain a clean, safe and comfortable environment. Performing household tasks such as cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping.
Care assistants
Care assistants provide personal care and support to people who need help with daily tasks. Including bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. This might be in a person’s home or in a care facility.
Senior care assistants
Senior care assistants lead and supervise care assistants. They may also have extra responsibilities. Including assisting with training, assessing care plans, and helping with the day-to-day running of a care facility.
Care co-ordinators
Care co-ordinators manage and coordinate care services for people. Ensuring that they receive the right support at the right time. They liaise with service users, families, and care teams to deliver personalised care plans.
Care managers
Care managers oversee the delivery of care services in a residential or community setting. Ensuring that people receive appropriate care and that standards are being maintained. Including managing the care team and handling budgeting.
Support workers
Support workers work with people with disabilities, mental health conditions, or other needs. Providing practical assistance and emotional support to help them lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Reablement care and support workers
Reablement care and support workers support people recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. Assisting them with daily activities. And helping them to rebuild the skills they need to regain their independence.
Occupational therapists
Occupational therapists provide tailored therapy and support to people with physical, mental, or emotional challenges. Enabling them to perform everyday activities. And improving their independence and quality of life.
Wheelchair therapists
Wheelchair therapists assess the needs of individuals who need wheelchairs for mobility. They recommend and fit the appropriate wheelchair. And provide training on its use to ensure comfort, safety, and independence.
Social workers
Social workers are qualified professionals with a degree in social work. They work with people and families to assess their needs, provide advice, and arrange services or support. They help people cope with challenges such as mental health issues, disabilities, or family problems.
Activities co-ordinators
Activities co-ordinators plan and organise recreational, social, and therapeutic activities for people in care homes or day centres. Improving their well-being and quality of life.
Personal assistants
Personal assistants are employed directly by individuals. They support people who often have disabilities. Assisting them with personal tasks such as household chores, mobility, socialising, and daily routines. And enabling them to live independently.
Shared lives carers
Shared lives carers are a bit like foster carers but for adults. Carers open up their own homes to people who need long-term or short-term support. It might be someone with a learning disability or physical impairment, or mental health condition. Or it could be a young person in transition from foster care. They offer personal care, companionship, and help with daily activities. Supporting the people in their care to become more independent. And feel more involved within the community.
Administration or business support staff
Administration or business support staff provide essential support behind the scenes to ensure the overall smooth operation of care services. Their role includes tasks such as managing schedules, handling correspondence and maintaining records.
How can I start a career in adult social care?
If you’re ready for a career where you can truly make a difference to other people's lives, then find out more:
Get help with the Wakefield Cares Careers Hub
Wakefield Cares Careers Hub is dedicated to promoting adult social care careers. We’re based within Wakefield Council and we liaise with care providers across the Wakefield district. We can be your gateway to a fulfilling career.
Find out the many ways we can help you with our Guidance from the Wakefield Cares Careers Hub.