Career outlook for
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
Currently employed in Scotland
Jobs forecast
This information is supplied by LMI For All, where data is currently available for Scotland.
What's it like?
You would support people who have difficulties with daily activities like dressing, shopping and housework. You could work with children, people with physical or learning disabilities, older people or families.
You’d sensitively and tactfully talk to people about their needs. You’d bring your humour and cheerfulness to doing the tasks that will make their lives easier and more pleasant.
You could work with people in their own homes, in sheltered housing, at day centres or in places like nursing homes.
Depending on where you work, you would:
- Get to know the individuals, their interests and their needs
- Help with daily personal care like washing, dressing, using the toilet and eating
- Do general tasks such as housework, laundry and shopping
- Help people with their money, pay bills and write letters
- Make arrangements for fun things to do
- Help people go to and from a residential home, such as taking a young person to a local college
You could be involved in helping other members of the family get used to new caring responsibilities.
Working with other health and social care professionals, you would arrange care and development plans specifically for each individual. You’d work to health and safety guidelines.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
Part-time
Self employed
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Top skills
Here are some of the skills that people in this job would be most likely to have:
- Working as part of a team
- Caring for people
- Being tactful
- Working on your own
- Coping with pressure
- Time management
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Foundation Apprenticeships
Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.
Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Qualifications
You'll need an SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare (SCQF Level 6). You can work towards your qualification on the job or through a Modern Apprenticeship. Your employer would support you with time to complete your qualification.
You can also enter this role by completing an HNC in Social Services (SCQF Level 7) at college.
Useful subjects
- English
- Maths
- Care
- Childcare and development
- Health and food technologies
You will also need
You would register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and have approved membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
Helpful to have
A driving licence is useful and may be required for some roles.
Related industries
