Adult social care careers in Oxfordshire

1. In partnership: Adult social carecareers in Oxfordshire #everydayisdifferent Email us: info@oacp.org.uk  OACP 2019

2. How to use this resource Press F5 or put the slides into ‘full screen mode’ to start using the resource. [You can come out of ‘full screen mode’ by clicking the ‘Esc’ key] There are some prompts on the screen - hover your mouse over them to navigate your way through. Click on the arrows in the bottom right corner of your screen, or use the arrows on your keyboard to move onto the next page. Click on the icon in the top right corner of your screen to go back to the section landing page. If you get lost, click on the home button to take you to the main menu.

3. Site map Main menuClick on the sections below to get started Introduction: working in social care Education and training Find a job Who? What? Where? Real life stories

4. Introduction: working in social care This section provides information on what social care is and asks you some questions to think about what it is you want to do. Click the RIGHT ARROW for more information.

5. Before you get started, SIX QUESTIONS to think about: This tool will help you answer these questions as you go through the content. • What kind of career do I want? • Am I looking to stay in front-line care, or specialise? • Do I want to run my own business in the future? • What qualifications do I need? • Am I going to work my way up? • Am I looking for qualifications before working, or during my career? • What setting do I want to work in? • Do I want a job on the move, or in one place? • Which client group do I want to work with? • Do I have a special interest, or family connection? • Which area or condition do I want to work in? • How do I get started? • Do I know what I want to do, right now? • If not, how do I keep my options open?

6. Introduction: working in adult social care What is adult social care? Why choose adult social care? What core skills do I need? What values and behaviours do I need? 10 things everyone can do Do I need a DBS and who pays? Can I do an apprenticeship, and who pays for this?

7. Introduction: What is adult social care? Working in social care is about providing personal and practical support to help people live their lives. There are lots of different roles in social care depending on what you want to do, who you want to work with and where you’d like to work. You could be supporting someone with a physical disability, autism, dementia or a mental health condition. You could be working in a care home, out in your local community, in a hospital or from someone’s home (providing care in someone’s home is often called domiciliary care).

8. Introduction: Why choose adult social care? With a high demand for workers, plenty of opportunities for progression and a job in which 96% of workers say they feel their work makes a difference, adult social care has a lot to offer. There are many different kinds of settings and hundreds of companies to chose to work for. As well as learning essential skills, you will gain many life skills that you will be useful to you wherever you go. It’s a rewarding career and you can make a real difference to someone’s life. There are lots of opportunities to progress and work with different people. What is stopping YOU joining the biggest sector in the country?

9. Introduction: What core skills do I need? Every role in social care will require you to have a set of specific skills. However, there are some skills that all social care workers need. These are called core skills. English skills including the ability to read, write, listen and speak. Number skills including the ability to do calculations and record numbers. Digital skills, including finding information online and recording personal data digitally. Employability skills including work and problem solving. And, there are 10 things that everyone can do…

10. Introduction:10 things that everyone can do

11. Introduction: Social care values and behaviours The right values, behaviours and attitudes are the raw materials for quality care and support – good induction, training and management do the rest. Staff take time to listen to people, think about what needs to be known about the person to provide care to them Staff commit to learning and developing themselves in their work Staff build two-way relationships of trust with colleagues, servicer users and other stakeholders Staff are committed and passionate about doing anything they can in their work to make people who need care and support's lives easier.

12. Introduction: Do I need a DBS and who pays? The Disclosure and Barring Service helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevents unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. If you work with children or vulnerable adults, you’ll need a DBS check to confirm you’re a suitable employee – this is a statutory obligation for most jobs in care. Most employers will arrange and pay for a DBS check before you start working with them. You’ll need to provide photo ID and evidence of your address history. You cannot apply for an enhanced DBS as an individual: you must apply through an umbrella organisation. Ask your new employer for more information.

13. Education and training This section provides information on courses and colleges to progress your learning and training for adult social care. Click the RIGHT ARROW to see your career pathway.

14. Education and training The table shows example roles and the education qualification you’re likely to need to do the job, alongside the equivalent NHS banding and education level. Click on the links below to find out more about the qualification or role.

15. GCSE’s • GCSEs are usually taken at age 16, at the end of school year 11. They’re also suitable for adults, who are returning to study. • GCSEs are offered across Levels 1 and 2 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). • They’re assessed using both coursework and exams. • Students usually need to achieve a number of GCSE passes before starting a further education programme (for those aged 16 or over). • Students who achieve a grade D, can re-take GCSE’s, or take functional skills examinations. • Most adult social care roles require basic number and English skills, usually at grades A–C in Maths and English. • If you didn’t get the results you needed in year 11, Activate Learning run a GCSE retake programme. It can be done over one year and offer either science or humanities pathways. This runs at City of Oxford College and Reading College.

16. A levels A levels are two-year courses offered by schools and colleges for students aged 16 and over. They’re designed to help you move into higher education. You’re normally required to have achieved at least five GCSEs at grades A-C or to be accepted onto an A level programme. You’ll usually begin making your choices and applying for higher education programmes, using predicted grades, by the start of the second year. You’ll generally need to study three A levels to gain enough points for University. Activate Learning , The Henley College and most local school sixth forms offer a variety of A levels and many students can progress to health and social care related degrees and apprenticeships.

17. T levels T levels are a new qualification. Students will typically complete them following GCSE’s and are equivalent to three A levels. They’ll be launched in September 2020, with healthcare T Levels arriving in Autumn 2021. T Levels will become one of the main choices for students after GCSE alongside: • apprenticeships to learn a specific occupation ‘on the job’ • A levels for students who wish to continue academic education. T Levels will be based on the same standards as apprenticeships, designed by employers and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. The expected total time for a T Level will be around 1,800 hours over two years, including the industry placement. This is a significant increase on most current technical education courses. This differs from an apprenticeship, which is typically 80% on-the-job and 20% in the classroom and is more suited to those who know what occupation they want to pursue, want to earn a wage and learn at the same time and are ready to enter the workforce at age 16. Find out more about T levels here

18. BTEC BTEC qualifications are full-time programmes of study that can last between one and two years. They give you the skills to move on to higher education or work. They’re related to industry sectors such as health and social care, hair and beauty, media or engineering. BTEC qualifications are made up of a number of units, usually assessed through assignments and tests. Level 3 BTEC qualifications are the equivalent of three A-levels (for the purposes of UCAS points needed when applying to and entering University). A core component of BTEC qualifications is an industry placement where you can learn on the job and gain new skills with a local employer. Activate Learning offer BTEC qualifications in health and social care. Abingdon and Witney College (http://www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk/our-offer/full-time-courses/) The Henley College (http://www.henleycol.ac.uk/courses/vocational-courses/) offer BTEC qualifications in health and social care.

19. Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is equivalent to year one of an honours degree. It can usually be studied full-time over one year or part-time over two years. A Higher National Diploma (HND) is equivalent to the first two years of an honours degree. Activate Learning, Ruskin College and Abingdon and Witney College offer Higher National Certificates and Diplomas in a range of topics, including health and social care.

20. Foundation degree A foundation degree is a higher education, career-focused qualification. It’s designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for a particular career. It’s equivalent to the second year of a three year Honours Degree. They are usually offered full-time over two years and part-time over three years. In many cases, you can continue studying after a foundation degree to achieve a full honours degree. They combine work-based learning with academic study. You’ll usually attend college for between 1-4 days a week, depending on the mode of study and your chosen programme. This means a foundation degree allows you to combine work and study, so you can earn while you learn. Abingdon and Witney College , Ruskin College and Oxford Brookes University offer foundation degrees.

21. Honours degree A honours degree usually takes three years to study full-time. They can be longer if you study part time. A honours degree will prepare you for progression into your chosen career or for postgraduate studies. Ruskin College and Oxford Brookes University offer honours degrees.

22. Professional courses Professional courses can help you to gain a qualification to progress in your career. There are lots of options available within social care, including: • occupational therapy • psychology • social work • speech and language therapy • and much more. Ruskin College, Activate Learning, Abingdon and Witney College,The Henley Collegeand Oxford Brookes University all offer professional qualifications, or Explore Health Careers.

23. Apprenticeships An apprenticeship usually lasts 1-2 years and involved on the job training with some classroom study. They are a great opportunity to gain industry-specific skills and qualifications, whilst earning a wage. Apprenticeships offer a direct route into employment - because you learn on the job, you’ll develop the skills and attributes that employers need. They offer you a clear progression route, from intermediate (Level 2) to higher apprenticeships (degree-level equivalent.) Apprentices are employed and paid by the company they work for. Many spend one or two days a week at college learning extra skills, including English, maths and IT. Some apprenticeships are delivered entirely in the workplace. Activate Apprenticeships andAbingdon and Witney Collegeare both apprenticeship training providers local to Oxfordshire. Find out more about Oxfordshire Apprenticeships.

24. Learning provider profile: Abingdon & Witney College Abingdon & Witney College offer a wide range of vocational courses, apprenticeships, foundation degrees/HNCs and HNDs, professional qualifications and part time courses. They know what employers are looking for, which is why their courses are developed to meet the needs of local businesses and the future workplace. Their courses are delivered by staff who have experience in their chosen sector, and who do training to keep their skills up to date. They were graded ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ for their apprenticeship provision by Ofsted (March 2017), received a Silver Award from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and have been recognised at a national level for the quality of our courses and teaching on numerous occasions. Search for health, care and early years courses at Abingdon & Witney College here.

25. Learning provider profile: Activate Learning Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group that aims for far-reaching, progressive change and impact through learning. They have colleges in Oxford, Reading, Banbury and Bicester, and also deliver courses in Blackbird Leys and Swindon. They work with learners as individuals, helping them make the choice of course and career pathway that’s right for them. They also work closely with employers to identify the characteristics and skills they’re looking for in potential employees. These desirable attributes help to form their learning programmes, ensuring their future employability is a focus throughout their studies. They are rated ‘good with exceptional areas’ by Ofsted. 95% of students progress directly into employment or higher-level learning. Search for courses with Activate Learning here.

26. Learning provider profile: The Henley College The Henley College can trace its origins back to King James I Grammar School founded in 1604, so they’re definitely masters of their trade. They are a sixth form college based in Henley on Thames They offer a wide range of A Levels, vocational courses, Apprenticeships, part-time courses and professional qualifications. Find out more about The Henley College’s Health and Social Care Level 2 http://www.henleycol.ac.uk/courses/full-time-courses/vocational-courses-level-2-and-other/health-and-social-care-level-2/

27. Learning provider profile: Oxford Brookes University Oxford Brookes University has over 150 years of history, and has grown into one of the UK's top modern universities with a local, national and international reputation for teaching and research excellence. Today, Oxford Brookes University is a thriving community of staff and students, that is committed to helping students achieve their potential. Search for ‘health sciences and social care’ courses at Oxford Brookes University here.

28. Learning provider profile: Ruskin College Oxford Ruskin College is an independent college located in Old Headington, three miles from the centre of Oxford. It delivers vocational degrees, apprenticeships and access programmes in the areas of social work, activism, social care, youth work, public service, politics, voluntary work, and the creative industries. They specialise in providing educational opportunities for adults with few or no qualifications and aim to change the lives of those who need a second chance in education. They offer university-standard education in the informal setting of a small, residential college. Search for ‘social care’ courses at Ruskin College here.

29. Find a job This section provides information on social care jobs, how to find them and how to get voluntary work to get initial experience Click the RIGHT ARROW to see the opportunities.

30. Find a job in adult social care I’m doing a health and social care course at school or college. What’s my next step? Click on the logos to find the answers I want a job taster I want to talk to someone who works in adult social care I want to try volunteering first I’m interested in apprenticeships I want to find a job now

31. Find your local Jobcentre Plus

32. Find a job taster • Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (OACP) is your local I Care…Ambassador service which has links with over a hundred care providers in the County. • They can help you find a taster session or work experience in a care service near you. • Call Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers on 01235 248085 or email info@oacp.org.uk.

33. Find voluntary opportunities Many care providers offer a range of voluntary opportunities, such as supporting paid staff, supporting trips or activities, being a trustee or providing professional advice. Oxfordshire Volunteers is a one-stop shop for people looking for voluntary work. Visit the Oxfordshire Volunteers website here.

34. Talk to an I Care…Ambassador I Care…Ambassadors is a national initiative that links people who work in social care and health with people looking for jobs. Ambassadors run a range of careers activities, including talks, presentations and stands at careers fairs, to promote social care as a great career and explain the range of roles in the sector. Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (OACP) runs your local I Care…Ambassador initiative. Call Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers on 01235 248085 or email info@oacp.org.uk.

35. Who? What? Where? This section tells you about different job roles and different support needs that people might have, who you could work with. Click the RIGHT ARROW to see the options.

36. Career pathways: who, what, where? Job Roles in social care Common conditions in social care Where you could work in social care Which social care role suits me best?

37. Care coordinator Administrator Infomatics/ data worker Cook/ chef Nursing Associate Registered Nurse Registered Manager Business Owner • Care Assistant • Support Worker • Personal assistant • Activity coordinator • Occupational Therapist • Senior Care Worker • Project Lead • Team Leader

38. Progress to senior care worker Care assistant What skills do I need? Everyone working in social care needs English, number, digital and employability skills, including team work and problem solving skills. You can find out more about the core skills needed to work in social care at www.skillsforcare.org.uk/coreskills . There are also some specific skills needed to work in this role. These include: • the ability to treat people with dignity • good listening and observational skills • the ability to follow company policies and procedures (i.e. health and safety) Duties can include Supporting people who need care and support with all aspects of their day to day living, so they can enjoy the best possible quality of life. Creating and maintaining good relationships with people who need care and support and their family and friends, as well as other professionals. Supporting people with social and physical activities or mental stimulation. Helping with personal care such as support with showering and dressing. Supporting people with eating and drinking. Monitoring individuals’ conditions by taking their temperature, pulse, respiration and weight, and possibly helping with medication. Entry requirements There are no set entry qualifications, although you may benefit from holding a qualification in a related topic (e.g. GCSE, BTEC, or other vocational qualification). It is possible to enter through a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Health & Social Care. Although no formal experience is required, related voluntary or informal experience (such as caring for relatives) will support your application. You’ll be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring check. Job description You will work with people who need direct care and support, and you will be responsible for an individual’s overall comfort and independence. You could work in a residential or nursing home, in a person’s own home, or out in the community. You could also be a live-in carer, living with an individual over a specified time period.

39. Meet Kate, Support Worker Support worker What skills do I need? Everyone working in social care needs English, number, digital and employability skills including team work and problem solving skills. You can find out more about the core skills needed to work in social care at www.skillsforcare.org.uk/coreskills . There are also some specific skills needed to work in this role. These include: • the ability to treat people with dignity • good listening and observational skills • the ability to follow company policies and procedures (i.e. health and safety) Duties can include Supporting individuals with different aspects of everyday living, including housing and finance as well as social activities. Supporting people with life skills, such as budgeting and cooking. Working with the person and their family to design their own care plan. Providing emotional support. Supporting individuals to improve and maintain their well-being. Working in teams with other professionals such as social workers. Entry requirements For some roles there are no formal entry level qualifications, but you will need to have strong English and number skills (such as GCSE grades A–C in maths and English). For other roles you will need at least one year’s experience of working with individuals with care and support needs and you are usually expected to have a Level 2 Diploma or Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care. Holding or working towards a Level 3 Diploma, or Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care, is desirable for some roles. Job description There are a range of roles with different job titles, which are all about supporting people to live independently (often following illness) and don’t involve personal care. You will usually have a number of individuals that you get to know very well. You may work in a residential home, or out in the local community. You could be working with people with substance misuse issues, a learning disability or a mental health condition. You could move into a senior support worker role and take on additional responsibilities, which may include supporting and mentoring other members of staff as well as being responsible for the day to day supervision of the service.

40. Personal assistant What skills do I need? Everyone working in social care needs English, number, digital and employability skills including team work and problem solving skills. You can find out more about the core skills needed to work in social care at www.skillsforcare.org.uk/coreskills . There are also some specific skills needed to work in this role. These include: • the ability to treat people with dignity • good interpersonal skills • working on your own initiative • digital and computer skills • flexibility and time management Duties can include Supporting people, who need care and support, to enjoy the best possible quality of life – this could include cooking, shopping, social and leisure activities, support at work or college and assisting with pets. Creating and maintaining good relationships with the person/people you support and their family and friends, as well as other professionals. Helping people with personal care, such as showering and dressing (although not all PA roles involve personal care). Supporting people with eating and drinking. Supporting healthcare tasks, such as medication and catheter management. Managing and co-ordinating a team of PAs (if in a senior PA role). Entry requirements There are no set entry qualifications, and the skills, experience and values required will largely depend on the needs of the individual employer. Individual employers are people requiring care and support, who are seeking a personal assistant they can trust and who has the right values and attitudes. Job description You will work directly with one or more individuals to support them in every aspect of their daily living and enable them to live as independently as possible. You will be employed directly by an individual (known as an individual or direct employer) who are managing and paying for their own care through a direct payment or individual budget. You will often work from their own home. You may be employed directly by one client, or work for a number of different people.

41. Activity coordinator What skills do I need? Everyone working in social care needs English, number, digital and employability skills including team work and problem solving skills. You can find out more about the core skills needed to work in social care at www.skillsforcare.org.uk/coreskills. There are also some specific skills needed to work in this role. These include: • the ability to treat people with dignity • good presentation skills and an outgoing personality • the ability to deal with conflict • the ability to follow company policies and procedures (i.e. health and safety) Duties can include Talking with people about the types of activities they would like to do. Developing and providing activities that are tailored to the needs and abilities of individuals, as well as group activities that will bring individuals together. Finding the balance between arranging activities that individuals like doing and activities that will expose them to new experiences. Booking external suppliers to provide entertainment and activities. Organising trips out in the local community, considering transport arrangements and accessibility. Assisting people to take part in activities, ensuring that all necessary materials are available. Entry requirements You will usually have experience of working in a residential, community or voluntary setting and experience of organising activities. Qualifications demonstrating strong English and number skills (such as GCSE grades A–C in maths and English) are usually required. A Level 3 Diploma or Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care is also a desirable qualification for this role, as well as awards and certificate in activity provision. Job description You will design and oversee social activities for people who need care and support, or assist them to develop their own. You will also be responsible for creating individual activity plans for people. Although the role is predominantly based in residential or a day centre setting , you could also work in an individual’s home, or out in the wider community. You could move into a more senior activity role and take on additional responsibilities such as mentoring and supporting other staff.

42. Occupational therapist What skills do I need? Everyone working in social care needs English, number, digital and employability skills including team work and problem solving skills. You can find out more about the core skills needed to work in social care at www.skillsforcare.org.uk/coreskills. There are also some specific skills needed to work in this role. These include: • the ability to treat people with dignity • supervisory or team leading skills • good presentation skills • the ability to deal with conflict • the ability to follow company policies and procedures (i.e. health and safety) Duties can include Assessing what care an individual needs, including their abilities and goals. Writing a care plan that outlines what care an individual needs. Monitoring and evaluating care plans. Visiting people in their home and building positive relationships with them. Working alongside health and community colleagues to support people to remain in their own homes and get the care they need. Entry requirements There are no formal qualification requirements for these roles although many employers will ask for a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent qualification) at grades A –C. Previous experience of working in a social care or health setting and a good level of English and maths are desirable. Job description Occupational Therapist is a professional position requiring a specific qualification, or a plan to work towards a specific professional qualification. Occupational Therapists often have support workers to help them. These roles can have a range of job titles, such as social care assistant, community care officer, case officer or support worker. Occupational Therapists also work in the NHS.

43. Progress to team leader Senior care worker What skills do I need? Everyone working in social care needs English, number, digital and employability skills including team work and problem solving skills. You can find out more about the core skills needed to work in social care at www.skillsforcare.org.uk/coreskills . There are also some specific skills needed to work in this role. These include: • the ability to treat people with dignity, supervisory or team leading skills good presentation skills • the ability to deal with conflict • the ability to follow company policies and procedures (i.e. health and safety) Duties can include Creating and maintaining good relationships with people ,who need care & support and their family and friends, as well as other professionals. Developing an individual’s care plan that outlines the support they need. Carrying out healthcare tasks such as administering medication and taking temperatures. Supervising and supporting a team of care workers, including managing rotas and doing supervisions and appraisals. Deliver training sessions on specialist topics, such as end of life care or moving and handling. Entry requirements You will be required to have a background in social care and it may be desirable to have a Level 2 or 3 Diploma or Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care. It is a requirement that you are qualified to an appropriate level, and this is usually Level 3. Some senior care workers may have nursing qualifications. You will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring check. Job description You will do the same job as a care worker, but often with the additional duties of supervising and supporting a team of care workers. Some senior care workers take on responsibilities for particular areas of work within the service, such as end of life care, moving and handling, dementia care or health and safety.

44. Project lead What skills do I need? Everyone working in social care needs English, number, digital and employability skills including team work and problem solving skills. You can find out more about the core skills needed to work in social care at www.skillsforcare.org.uk/coreskills. There are also some specific skills needed to work in this role. These include: • negotiating skills • the ability to work on own initiative • coordination and organisational skills • the ability to work in partnership with others across a range of sectors • the ability to motivate others Duties can include Working in partnership with a range of organisations – including statutory and volunteer organisations – to coordinate care services. Championing the needs of people, who need care and support. Raising the profile of the services available. Implementing specific projects and running services. Working alongside clinical or specialist professionals. Entry requirements Usually you would be expected to have a degree or equivalent and may have other professional qualifications. You would be expected to have considerable experience in the specialism. Job description There are a range of posts that have been created to support a coordinated approach to specific services, such as end of life or dementia care. The roles may have different job titles, such as coordinator, project lead or facilitator and may be based in a local service or across an area in which the care provider works in. You may be supervising a small team and providing training for them to do their job in a specific location.

45. Progress to registered manager Team leader What skills do I need? Everyone working in social care needs English, number, digital and employability skills including team work and problem solving skills. You can find out more about the core skills needed to work in social care at www.skillsforcare.org.uk/coreskills. There are also some specific skills needed to work in this role. These include: • good listening and observational skills • the ability to manage a team • reading skills to understand company policies and procedures • presentation skills Duties can include Managing and supporting workers so they can perform their roles safely and to the best of their ability. Supporting your manager to run your workplace according to standards and legislation. Acting as a positive role model to colleagues. Developing care plans that outline what care and support individuals need. Leading team meetings and doing inductions, supervisions and appraisals. Working in partnership with other professionals to ensure individuals get the support they need. Entry requirements You will be required to have a background in social care and probably have a Level 3 Diploma or Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care. It is a requirement that you’re qualified to an appropriate level, and this is usually Level 3. You will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring check. Job description You will lead and supervise a team of care workers, ensuring they provide high quality care and support. You will also work with your manager to ensure that standards and processes are followed and maintained.

46. Progress to registered manager Care coordinator What skills do I need? Everyone working in social care needs English, number, digital and employability skills including team work and problem solving skills. You can find out more about the core skills needed to work in social care at www.skillsforcare.org.uk/coreskills. There are also some specific skills needed to work in this role. These include: • being able to understand the needs of clients and care workers • administration experience and interpersonal skills • excellent telephone manner and experience of using a care rostering computer software • ability to prioritise Duties can include Allocating and processing referrals for new work. Processing changes and amendments to existing care packages Assigning care workers to clients appropriately, whilst working within the standards and requirements of the company. Working with other members of the team to ensure high quality service provision. Talking to the clients on a regular basis about their care. Keeping computer and paper files up to date with changing information. Participating in the on-call rota. Entry requirements There are no formal qualification requirements for this role, although you will benefit from having previous experience in an administration or health and social care role. Job description This role is usually based in community social care, where you will be coordinating shifts for carers visiting clients, or making sure a residential or nursing home is properly staffed. You will often be on the phone, coordinating staff to work at specific times using an organisation’s rota system software.

47. Administrator What skills do I need? • Administrative skills, including the ability to use a computer. • English skills, including reading and writing • Communication skills • Some awareness of issues faced by people who need care and support Duties can include Dealing with telephone and email enquiries. Doing reception duties such as greeting and welcoming visitors. Engaging with people who need care and support to help them find the right care services. Managing the diary of management staff. Arranging and supporting meetings, including preparing agendas and writing minutes. Entry requirements There are no set entry requirements although you may benefit from holding a qualification in a related topic or having previous experience in an administration or social care role. It’s possible to enter through a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Business Administration. You may be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring check. Job description You could be working as an administrator for a domiciliary care company, as a receptionist for a nursing home, or in the office of a supported living provider. In this role you will be supporting the day-to-day administration, including dealing with customer enquiries and budgeting. You may support a senior colleague in finance tasks, or managing the company’s human resources.

48. Informatics/data worker What skills do I need? • A good knowledge of information governance. • Analytical skills • Excellent writing skills • Planning and organisational skills • Attention to detail Duties can include Collecting and managing data. Analysing data. Ensuring date is stored safely. Providing information and guidance to managers to enable them to make business decisions. Intelligence reporting. Entry requirements You will usually need to hold a related qualification - this will depend on the level of the role you’re applying for, but could include a degree or Apprenticeship. For the majority of roles you will need to have previous experience in a similar position. Job description Informatics is the process of collecting, analysing and sharing data. This information is used by employers to develop and maintain their businesses. There are a range of roles available within this field, including information assistant, data analyst and data quality manager. You could progress to a senior position such as Head of Information Management.

49. Cook/chef What skills do I need? • The ability to treat people with dignity. • Good listening and observational skills. • Some awareness of issues faced by people with a care and support need. • Good verbal and written communication skills. • Number skills Duties can include Developing, in consultation with residents and staff, healthy balanced menus. Being aware of the religious/cultural and dietary requirements of individuals and catering for these accordingly. Monitoring kitchen stocks and replenishing as required. Ensuring that high standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained. Entry requirements There are no set entry requirements, although you will benefit from having previous experience in the catering industry. Some employers may require a Food Hygiene Certificate. You may be asked to undergo a Disclosure and Barring check. Job description You will usually be working in a nursing or residential home or possibly in a day centre and your role will be to prepare, cook and serve meals, ensuring that all special requirements are catered for.

50. Progress to registered nurse Nursing associate What skills do I need? Everyone working in social care needs English, number, digital and employability skills including team work and problem solving skills. You can find out more about the core skills needed to work in social care at www.skillsforcare.org.uk/coreskills. There are also some specific skills needed to work in this role. These include: • excellent listening and observational skills • assessment skills • good number skills Duties can include Carrying out a range of clinical tasks. Doing physiological assessments and observations to detect early signs and deterioration. Supporting registered nurses to assess, plan and evaluate individual care plans. Working in partnership with wider healthcare teams and other professionals. Entry requirements You will need to talk to the learner provider to find out what their specific entry requirements are. Job description Nursing associates work with registered nurses to help them provide care and support. When you start you will do a two-year training programme to develop the skills and knowledge you need. Many people, who work in this role, will eventually progress to become a fully qualified nurse.