Most applicants should be over the age of 18, but it is possible to work in some areas of social care from 16.
As social care workers tend to support people who are in potentially vulnerable circumstances, or are physically frail, all applicants must undergo pre-employment checks.
Social care jobs range from home-care assistants to working within residential care homes. There are a wide range of positions available from working with older people, children, families to people with disabilities.
No particular experience is required, as on-the-job training is provided, with the opportunity for applicants to receive National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and, in some cases, get to work towards a social work degree. Social care is similar to, but not the same as, social work.
Social workers need an honours degree to practise and are involved at a senior level with people who use social care services.
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