Start working in social care

Depending on the role, you don't always need qualifications or previous work experience to get a job in social care. 

What's important is having the right values, behaviours, and attitudes to work effectively with people who need care and support. 

If you think you have what it takes, then what are the next steps? 

Assess your interest

Adult social care is about helping others, particularly those who need additional support. If you're passionate about making a difference in people's lives, this could be a good career for you. 

Skills For Care has created an interactive challenge that can help you decide if social care is the right career for you. Try out A Question of Care.

Understand the roles

There are various roles in adult social care, including many you might not have thought about before. Here are a few examples: 

• If you love to be around people and have a naturally caring attitude, a direct care giving role would be perfect for you
• If you're always on the go and are a great motivator, a role such as an activities co-ordinator may suit you
• If you love one-to-one situations and are very organised, you could support someone as a personal assistant

See Job roles for more details of roles in adult social care. 

No formal qualifications required

You don't need specific qualifications to start in adult social care. What's important is having the right qualities, such as empathy and a desire to help others. 

Your real-life experiences can help you think about the skills you have that could be relevant to a career in social care. 

Perhaps you've developed good communication skills from listening to others' problems. Maybe you've learned to work well in a team from your involvement with a sports team. You may have experience supporting relatives needing care and support. 

There are some core skills you'll need and many of these will be transferable from previous experiences and employment. You can learn other role-specific skills once you have started your role. 

Job search

If you think a career in care is right for you, it's time to start searching for adult social care vacancies. 

You'll find many vacancies in Norfolk advertised on our Job vacancies page. 

Application process

This typically involves submitting an application form or CV and cover letter, followed by an interview. Tailor your application to highlight your skills and experiences relevant to the role you're applying for. 

For more tips on completing an application form and writing a CV/cover letter, see the National Careers Service.

Training

Once you've been successful in getting a job, you'll receive on-the-job training to develop your skills and confidence.

One of your first tasks will be to complete the Care Certificate as part of your induction. This provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to start working in adult social care.