O.K., I’ll admit this is probably going to be the weirdest first thread a new member has ever posted but I’ve been on the net looking for plain black and white advice now for hours and am getting frustrated, and this membership has just been activated lol.
I’m 31, a Security Guard in Worcester (U.K.) and am currently looking at starting a new career in Social Care work, e.g. looking after the elderly or people with learning disabilities.
Is there anyone here on this site (preferably a U.K. resident or someone familiar with the U.K. Social Care scene) who could offer me in plain and simply English some advice at getting my first position in this field of work?
While I have no Social Care qualifications, I have been advised that by looking at being recruited via an agency, until 2011 when the regualtions change, I do not need any as I will receive training. I am A-Level educated in various courses such as English Language and Biology so my education level is “ok”. Plus I am first aide trained etc for my current role so I feel my current standard of education should be up to the task.
However, looking at career sites, nearly every vacancy wants experienced carers….AAAAARRRRGHHHH (I hope this all makes sense : )…probably waffled on too much, sorry)
Thanks for any advice,
Alan
By: Scouse - 11th August 2010 at 19:07
Alan, I know a few folk in the business up here in Liverpool and I’ll be seeing one of them tonight. I’ll ask.
William
By: Comet - 11th August 2010 at 18:02
This is slightly related to my line of work. Whilst I cannot give advice to people wanting to work with adults, if you would like to work in children’s care, you could try starting out as a sessional worker. They work with parents who are having contact meetings with children who are in foster care, supervising the meetings (at least in my area) and then reporting to the social workers in charge. This can sometimes lead to a job in childrens social care, as I know some who have come into the job from being taken on as sessional workers.
By: PeeDee - 7th August 2010 at 23:51
(1) Volunteer at first, via MENCAP or similar, maybe as a driver/helper. This will get you in at the sharp end and see if you like it…and see what needs to be done and who to be contacted.
(2) As a male you would be in demand, most carers are female and young male Learning Disabs need positive male role models to look to. And, you can lift them / help them (Rules allowing of course) etc.
My better 3/4rs is a Social Worker.
By: TonyT - 5th August 2010 at 12:20
Although I cannot help I just want to wish you good luck 🙂
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August 3, 2010 at 7:48 pm