Starting a new job often raises some questions. We have put together some frequently raised questions you may have, provided further information and answers. Take a look through the site to find out more about working in social care. It’s an extremely rewarding career with plenty of training and support and a variety of options available. If you have the right skills, it’s time to find your future in care.

What is the pay like?

All employers must pay the living wage but some social care employers pay more to show how they value their staff. The sector also offers lots of opportunities for career progression, this could mean moving into roles that pay a higher wage.

The salary of an entry level care assistant can be up to £16,000, this is often more than other sectors. If you progress to becoming a Registered Manager, you could earn over £5,000 more per year than the average salary of a retail store manager.

What if I have a criminal record?

You must declare any cautions and convictions on your application, every declaration will be risk assessed and a decision will be made based on this.

All people working in and joining the sector will require a DBS check. As long as you declare any cautions and convictions, you can still apply to work in social care.

 

I don’t have any qualifications, can I still apply?

Many of us look back at school days and think if only I studied more. However. what school doesn’t always give you is life skills and your personal values – these are what can make you a great care worker. Training is available and we have care workers who have been supported in getting their Maths and English qualifications, years after they left school.

So if you have the qualities to support others with dignity, and want to gain some valuable skills you really should apply. Find your route to entry.

I’ve been out of work for a while – does this matter?

No – what you need to be able to show is your commitment to care – it’s about who you are as a person and your values.

The induction process will cover everything you’ll need to know.

As long as you care about others, you’ll be given the support and training to confidently support people in their own homes or in residential care.

Working in social care is an opportunity to get back into work with excellent training and support to deliver high levels of care. Find your route to entry.

I’ve never thought about working in the care sector, is this something I can do?

People join the sector from many different backgrounds; straight from education with classroom tuition but no practical skills; those looking for a second job or career change,  people returning to work and/or looking to work around family or other commitments.

What you’ll need is the ability to show dignity to others, to help individuals with their health and wellbeing and where possible enable them to live an independent life.

Take a look at some people who work in the sector, their backgrounds and what they think about working in care. People who work in the sector.

I am not sure about the personal care

Supporting individuals in the community involves a range of services and may include personal care. Some of our best carers thought they couldn’t do it at first. With the right training and support they now can – confidently and with dignity.

There is so much more to being a care worker – it’s a role in which every day makes a difference to another person’s life . Find out more about the sector.

What if I can’t drive or don’t have my own transport?

Providing care to the community is supported in a number of settings. If you’re not able to drive, you could work in a residential setting, where you will be based at one location.

If you do not own your own transport, but would like to work out in the community, you could look into Kickstart Norfolk or Scoots Hire, a programme designed for anyone who needs affordable transport to get to work.

What if I don’t have any experience?

You’ll receive all the training you need to provide the very best care. You’ll have a comprehensive induction working through key skills. On successful completion, you’ll receive the Care Certificate which is recognised across the sector.

Take a look at the training and support in social care to see how you can gain experience. Training and support.

I want a career in care not just a job – is this a sector in which I can progress?

Yes – there are lots of ways to develop!  This could be specialising in a specific area such as dementia, becoming a senior care worker, team leader or manager,  moving into health and training as a nurse, paramedic or occupational therapist.

To find out more about career progression in the sector visit  Your Career Progression

When I think of working in care, I think of looking after older people, is this right?

The social care sector looks after everyone who needs support, this can be a young adult with learning disabilities, people who have sustained life changing injuries, mental health, dementia, Alzheimer’s and end of life care. People needing support come from a range of backgrounds and ages.

Find out more about the sector.

Can I work flexible hours?

There are various contractual arrangements available depending on the role and the organisation you work for. Working in the care sector gives you the choice and you need to look for an organisation that suits your needs.

Find an organisation to work for or visit our ‘Vacancies page’ .