Skills and values

Working in social care requires a special type of person with specific skills and values. 

Skills 

Some skills will be specific to the job you are applying for. However, there are some core skills that everyone working in adult social care needs including: 

• English skills - the ability to read, write, speak and listen. These skills can be used to, for example, write a care plan and read and follow a risk assessment. 
• Numeracy skills - the ability to do calculations, record numbers, understand measurements and use timetables and plan work. These skills can be used to, for example, record fluid intake, count medication, measure and record weight and calculate staff wages. 
• Digital skills - the ability to find and access digital information, use digital technology with people and complete learning online. These skills can be used to, for example, update digital handover notes, send emails, use remote appointment systems and use assistive technologies. 
• Employability skills - the ability to problem solve, communicate well, work in a team, plan your own learning and development and manage your own health and wellbeing. These skills can be used to, for example, prioritise workloads, manage work/ home life balance, respond well to challenging behaviour and adapt to changing demands at work. 

Many of these skills will be transferable from previous experiences and employment. 

Values 

Whilst we each have our own individual values, there are specific values needed for working in social care. 

These values apply across all roles in adult social care and outline what people look for in the workers who support them. They have been developed in co-production with people who have experience of being cared for and supported. 

Kind, compassionate and empathetic 

Be kind, compassionate and empathetic so you can see things from their point of view, with concern for what matters to them, their wellbeing and health. 

Honest, trustworthy and reliable 

Be honest, trustworthy and reliable so you turn up when you say you will, and provide the care and support you have agreed with them. Be discreet and confidential to build up trusting relationships with them. 

Respect 

Treat them, the people around them and where they live with respect. Respect their values and choices about the life they want to lead, and respect your role to value and uphold their goals. 

Courageous and principled 

Show strength, courage and commitment to speak out if something is not right or could be better, and to step back when they are exercising their choice and control. Act according to principles of human rights, equity and inclusion and in line with their personalised care and support plan. 

See the whole person 

Be curious and listen carefully to understand the unique person they are with strengths, abilities and aspirations. Make plans and decisions about them, with them. 

Flexible, open and learning 

Be reflective, open and non-judgemental so you can learn and adapt how you work together in the longer term. 

Proud and positive 

Take pride in your work and have a friendly, positive and proactive attitude so you can enjoy spending time together.