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A job in social care is a job for life

By Natalie Slater
March 04, 2010

A job in social care is a job for life, according to the director of social care for the Department of Health.

At a recruitment event in Reading last week, nearly 600 people went along to find out more and were told by Glen Mason there are plenty of jobs here in the sector.

Social care workers are home care assistants or work in residential care homes. But there are also a wide range of jobs working with children, families and young people and those with disabilities. The employer could be a council, small business or voluntary organisation which helps people maintain their independence.

Mr Mason said: “Whether it be in a residential home or working with people with disabilities, there is something for everyone and it will be a highly rewarding job.

“People often think you need qualifications for social care but that is not necessarily the case. There are many jobs out there that offer training as you go and people can start work and then develop into other areas.

“The job is very rewarding with a lot to offer the person doing the job and to the person they are helping. It is a win-win really while also putting something back into society.

“We live in an ageing population so the demand for adult social care is already going to get greater and we are currently in the middle of our biggest ever recruitment drive.

“What we are trying to do is showcase social work and show people what job opportunities there are. Once you are in, it can open the door to a lifetime career.”

A survey at the stand in The Oracle last week found 70 per cent of people in Reading thought the job you do should make a difference to others and 26 per cent said they were unsatisfied with their current job.

Mr Mason said: “There is a particular focus on getting young people interested as there are lots of opportunities for 18- to 24-year-olds.

“We can offer pre-employment training before they start. They just need a willingness and passion to help.

“You can work for health organisations or in the private sector or even for individuals as their personal carer depending on what you want to do. The possibilities are endless and there is an opportunity out there for everyone.”

For more visit www.socialcarecareers.co.uk or call 0300 123 1100.

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there is no such thing as "job for life" in UK anymore-unless of course you are council executive then you can get the sack and pick up hundred of thousands in compensation and before the ink is even dry on the cheque you would have picked up another job.

Bob in Reading, Reading
17/03/2010 at 00:15

Job fo life? Not if you worked in the University of Reading School of Health and Social Care. These are exactly the highly skilled and experienced leaders the profession needs and their treatment has been a scandal.

Gilbert Bear
05/03/2010 at 08:23

It might well be a job for life and a job from which you get a great deal of satisfaction, but satisfaction won't get you a mortgage. In my opinion and personal experience careers in social care need to be paid for at the same remuneration as teachers or nurses. Care assistants and similar jobs are in reality a mixture of teaching life skills to the client and nursing them. After all many of their clients will have some form of disability or other whatever age they are.

Its time the sector was offered less as a job for the very young, unskilled, fit only for those coming from abroad to look for work for a short term career or for the older person looking for part time work and was given a proper structure of qualifications. Paying people not much more than minimal earnings when they have at least one degree is degrading and demeaning.

ChrisMc
04/03/2010 at 22:50

Excuse the cynicism, but when it goes wrong there seems to be very little accountability or redress. See numerous high profile cases recently for passing the buck or turning a blind eye.