Essentials for Starting a Career in Health and Social Care
Making the decision to work in the Health and Social Care sector is both admirable and challenging. In today’s society, Health and Social Care providers face many challenges from government cuts and demands from the community. Knowledge about health and safety, child and adult safeguarding and basic food hygiene are all important for working in the sector.
If you’ve decided you want to start your career in Health and Social Care, there are some essential skills and information that you will be taught once starting work, provided by your new employer. Our EduCare for Health and Social Care training package can provide you with the knowledge required for working in Health and Social Care.
Our experts explain the essential skills and qualifications needed to work in Health and Social Care, and how you can learn this knowledge.
Decide What Job You Want to Do
The Health and Social Care sector is very broad. There are a number of places you can work and job roles you can do. It’s a good idea to narrow your focus and find the career in the Health and Social sector which is best suited for you.
Ask yourself the following questions when deciding what job you would like to do:
- Do I like working with one person or many people?
- Am I interested in working with children or adults?
- What environment do you want to work in?
- Where will my skills be best used?
- Am I happy to study and do more qualifications?
- What hours do I want to work?
- Can I work my way up in this position?
Perhaps you like the idea of being a care worker and helping people in care homes. If you enjoy working with one person, you could be a personal
No matter where you work, you will be required to have DBS check to determine if there are any reasons you shouldn’t be hired to work in the sector. This is mandatory, so don’t feel nervous; it’s part of a safer recruitment process.
What Qualifications Do I Need?
No matter what your job role is, having the passion for helping others and communicating well is essential. Many people who work in the industry feel passionate about making a difference to people's lives.
The type of job you want to do will determine what skills and qualifications you need. Jobs such as nursing or occupational health with require further education and training. Often, an essential requirement will be to have some experience working in the field or sector that you are looking to be employed in.
Most jobs in Health and Social Care will require basic health and safety knowledge, safeguarding training and first aid. As part of an induction process, employers will train staff and help you gain the skills you need for the job. Once you learn the skills, you will need to demonstrate in practice that you are capable of working in care and will receive the Care Certificate for this.
Finding Jobs in the Health and Social Care Sector
If you still are unsure about what particular job you want to do, you could consider volunteering work. This will give you an insightful and honest experience about the work and can connect you with those who work within the industry.
There is a multitude of websites where health and social care jobs are listed. Talk to people within your local community and find out the types of organisations around you and who are hiring. Even if you don’t have all the skills and experience yet, demonstrating that you are eager to learn will interest potential employers.
