WANT to secure your future with a job that AI can’t take away? Be a carer.
Whether you choose to look after the elderly, disabled or those with additional needs, carers play a vital role in society.
But misconceptions about the sector mean there are more than 100,000 vacancies lying open, so many vulnerable people are not getting the full support they need.
With a quarter of the UK’s population aged over 60 — and this figure set to quadruple by 2041 — demand for care services has never been higher.
Despite 1.5million already working in care, a report by Vida Healthcare shows only two in five people would consider a role, citing fears around low wages and long hours.
However, Vida’s research shows the average salary for social care workers is now £28,962, while one in five of the workforce are paid between £31,000 to £35,999.
The study also showed 43 per cent would not consider a care career as they believe their skill set isn’t right.
But care bosses are challenging this perception.
Vida MD James Rycroft said: “Anyone can become successful in the social care sector if they are a kind and compassionate person. Ultimately, our job is to make a difference to people’s lives.”
Care roles are among the most flexible, offering hours to suit lifestyle and giving job security.
Climb the ladder
For staff who want to climb the career ladder and move into management, progression can be swift.
Rebecca Pearson, general manager for Bupa Care Services, said: “One of the best things is that you probably already have some of the important skills we look for. There’s also a huge breadth of roles available, from care assistant and catering to housekeeping, registered nurse or clinical manager. There is something for everyone.”
To help encourage more staff into the industry, June 24 to 30 is Care Home Open Week, where homes open their doors to the community and highlight how rewarding the career can be.
Martin Jones, CEO of care service Home Instead UK, added: “I would urge anyone who is caring and compassionate, and who enjoys spending time with others, to consider a career in care.”
‘EVERYONE’S GOT A STORY’
SUSIE CARMAN is the lifestyle manager at Ideal Carehomes’ Ebor Court in York.
The 58-year-old plans and delivers regular trips and activities for the residents.
She said: “I realised my love for care while volunteering in a local care home when I was in sixth form.
“After leaving education, I had various other roles throughout my working life, until I came back to the care sector 20 years ago.
“When I first worked in care in the early Eighties, few homes provided activities. But thankfully times have changed.
“I have always realised the importance of residents being stimulated and active.
“I love exploring the different ways we can support our residents to live their lives to the fullest and getting to know them. Everyone has a story to tell.
“I would highly recommend a career in care to the younger generation.
“It’s such an important and rewarding sector, and there are plenty of different opportunities to suit a range of people and skill sets.”
DAYS OFF SUPPORT
WITH 4.9million people in the UK providing care to relatives or friends, employers are adapting their policies to help staff.
The new Carer’s Rights Act came into force on April 6, entitling those with caring responsibilities to five days unpaid leave.
Lynn Forrest works in customer support for Standard Life, part of the insurance company Phoenix Group, and cares for two family members.
She said: “Being an informal carer is hard but vital work. The support I’ve had as part of Phoenix Group has made a real difference.
“They believe nobody should be forced to choose between being a carer or an employee.”
Mary Bright, the firm’s head of social sustainability, added: “We encourage all businesses to offer paid carers leave.”
Jobspot
CARERS can search for roles and set their own hourly rate on new platform CURAM.
Search for local roles at curamcare.com.
FUNDING FOR STUDIES
HOME care provider Caremark is offering Open University undergraduate degree funding for employees or their children.
The perk includes up to £9,000 of funding for full-time care assistants and up to £6,000 for part-time.
Lisa Fyfe, joint CEO of Caremark, said: “We hope this new funding programme will not only incentivise people to join the home care industry, but also provide learning opportunities for our employees, or a dependent child, who may not have previously been able to access this level of education due to the cost.
“We have chosen to partner with Open University – the largest provider of part-time education in England – because of the exceptional level of teaching and support available for students.”
See caremark.co.uk/jobs/care- assistant-open-university-funding/.
TIPS TO UNLOCK CAREER
JESS Blythe, chief of staff at care home provider Danforth Care, shares her top tips on joining the sector.
She says: “A career in the industry is about delivering care with dignity, treating the residents fairly and empowering them to make their own choices.”
What type of person suits it? Empathetic and proactive people who are positive and motivated.
You will also need to be patient, attentive and kind-hearted.
What qualifications do I need?
There are no legally required qualifications for working in a care home.
There are industry-recognised qualifications that will help with the role, and help you get hired.
Which are the best to take? One is the Care Certificate.
This comprises 15 standards, which act as an induction to working in care.
This qualification can be done online and costs £49.99.
Another to consider is an NVQ, with seven levels in the care sector.
You can complete an NVQ at school, university or while you are working.
Some workplaces also support their staff to complete care qualifications
Will I need a DBS check?
Yes. You require an enhanced DBS check but most employers will do this for you.
Can the job be challenging? It is a rewarding role but can be demanding.
It requires dedication and passion to provide the best care for the vulnerable people being looked after.
To work in care with older people, you have to be extremely respectful and encouraging.
However, if you are a great team player and passionate about delivering care to make sure residents feel meaningful, comfortable and safe, you will fit right in.
How do I apply for a job in care?
To get started in the industry, look for entry-level roles by searching online.
For lots of positions, you will need experience working with older people or others who need care, and you may need other skills such as communication and IT.
What else do I need to know?
Look for care facilities that are not only making the homes great places for the residents to live, but also amazing for their team members to work i