If you are wondering how to become a care worker / assistant,  below are        tips and advice on training for and beginning careers in social  services,        as well as job prospects in the UK. 
     
The Job Description 
Care assistants (sometimes known as care workers or social care  workers)        provide practical help with daily activities to people with a  range of difficulties.        They can work with children, people with physical or learning  disabilities,        older people or families.
     
As a care assistant, you could work with clients in their own  homes, in        sheltered housing, in day centres or in residential settings such  as nursing        homes. Your work would vary depending on the type of setting, but  could        include:
     
getting to know individual clients and being aware of their  special interests        and social needs 
supporting clients with daily personal care such as washing,  dressing, using        the toilet and feeding themselves 
carrying out general tasks such as housework, laundry and shopping  
helping clients organise paying bills, budgeting money and letter  writing        
helping families and parents adjust to new caring responsibilities  
working with other health and social care professionals to deliver  individual        care and development plans 
being the ‘key worker’ to one or two residents in a residential        setting 
helping to organise recreational activities 
escorting clients to and from the residential home (for example,  young people        attending a local college). 
You could also work as a 'personal assistant', which is a new role  that        involves working closely with one disabled person to support them  in their        day-to-day life. 
     
Person Specification 
The key personal attributes of good social care workers include: 
     
a friendly and caring approach, and the ability to relate to  people from        a wide variety of backgrounds 
tact and sensitivity 
a respectful approach to clients 
patience and a sense of humour 
reliability and flexibility 
the ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team 
knowledge of basic health, safety and hygiene standards 
the ability to remain calm under pressure. 
     
How to become a care worker 
You do not need any academic qualifications to start work as a  care assistant.        It would be useful if you have experience in a caring role,  perhaps through        volunteering or with your own family. Previous experience is  likely to be        essential if you plan to work with people who have mental health  issues        or learning disabilities.
     
To find out about volunteering opportunities in your area, visit  Volunteering        England.
     
You would have a medical check, and would also need CRB (Criminal  Records        Bureau) clearance to make sure that you are suitable to work with  children        and vulnerable adults.
     
If you work in the community you may find it helpful to have a  driving        licence because your clients may live in a number of different  locations.
     
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship  scheme.        The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on  the local        jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their  workers. 
     
Training and Development 
When you start work as a care assistant you will receive  on-the-job training        from your employer. You may also attend day-release courses.
     
If you work in adult social care in England you will be expected  to take        part in a 12-week induction programme provided by your employer.  This will        be based on a set of six national minimum standards of care, which  cover        areas such as:
     
principles of care 
understanding your role as a care worker 
safety 
communication skills 
recognising and responding to abuse and neglect 
developing as a care worker. 
If you work with children or support people with learning  disabilities you        will also have to meet additional standards. See the Skills for  Care website        for details.
     
You will also receive training in areas such as hygiene, health  and safety,        and lifting techniques.
     
You can work towards NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Health and Social  Care. 
     
The Pay (a rough guide)
Starting salaries can be around £11,000 a year. 
With experience and qualifications this can rise to between  £14,000        and £17,000. 
Senior care workers, or those in residential work can earn up to  £21,000        a year. 
     
Job Prospects 
You will find most work opportunities with social services,  private organisations        and voluntary agencies.
     
With experience and qualifications you may be able to progress to  a senior        care assistant or managerial role. 
Finds    more jobs  employment
http://www.careers-guide.com             
 
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